Preparing for the CBN Examination
One of the most common questions candidates ask is, “How do I prepare for the CBN Examination?” While every nurse approaches studying differently, understanding the structure and purpose of the examination is the best place to begin.
The Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) Examination is developed from a comprehensive Practice Analysis conducted with metabolic and bariatric surgery nurses across the United States. The examination reflects current specialty nursing practice across the full continuum of care, including preoperative, perioperative, and long-term follow-up management of patients with obesity and those undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery.
The examination is designed to assess the cognitive knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional decision-making required for competent specialty nursing practice in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Who Should Take the Examination?
The CBN Examination is intended for currently licensed registered nurses who:
- Provide care to individuals with obesity and metabolic and bariatric surgery patients
- Practice in hospital, clinic, academic, or community-based settings
- Work across the preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up phases of care
- Have professional experience within the metabolic and bariatric surgery specialty
The examination reflects the level of practice expected of nurses with a minimum of two years of experience in the metabolic and bariatric surgery care continuum.
Examination Specifications
The CBN Examination is administered as a computer-based examination through a contracted testing vendor.
Examination Format
- Total Questions: 175 multiple-choice items
- Scored Questions: 150
- Unscored Pretest Questions: 25
- Time Limit: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Answer Options: Four options per question
- Scoring: One best answer per question
- Question Weighting: All scored questions are weighted equally
Pretest questions are included to evaluate newly developed examination items for future use. Candidates are not informed which questions are pretest items.
Examination Blueprint
The examination content outline is organized into five domains that reflect the major areas of professional practice in metabolic and bariatric nursing.
| Domain | Percentage | Number of Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clinical Management: Preoperative (Pre-hospital) | 21.30% | 32 Test Items |
| 2. Clinical Management: Perioperative (Hospital) | 25.30% | 38 Test Items |
| 3. Clinical Management: Follow-up (Post-hospital) | 25.30% | 38 Test Items |
| 4. Professional and Community Collaboration | 14.70% | 22 Test Items |
| 5. Program Quality | 13.30% | 20 Test Items |
| TOTAL | 100% | 150 Test Items |
Understanding the Content Framework
The examination content outline reflects the minimum knowledge and skills required for specialty nursing practice in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
The framework is organized into:
- Domains: Major areas of nursing practice
- Task Statements: Activities and responsibilities performed by nurses
- Knowledge Statements: Clinical concepts, principles, and information required to perform tasks safely and effectively
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Examination Content Outline, Task Statements, Knowledge Statements, and Reference List included in the 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook before beginning their study plan.
As you review the content outline, identify areas where you may have less experience or exposure. Because the examination reflects the full continuum of metabolic and bariatric nursing practice, candidates may encounter content outside their primary clinical role or practice setting.
Study and Learning Resources
ASMBS offers valuable resources to support your preparation:
- Live CBN Review Courses during the ASMBS Annual Meeting and ASMBS Weekend
- Online CBN Review Course that is flexible, affordable, and user-friendly
Participation in the ASMBS CBN Review Course is optional and does not guarantee a passing score on the CBN Examination. Faculty associated with review courses may hold the CBN credential but are not involved in examination development and do not have access to exam content. The CBN Certification Council does not require, endorse, or promote any specific preparatory course or materials. Candidates are encouraged to use a variety of study resources when preparing for the examination. All candidates are responsible for preparing across the full scope of metabolic and bariatric nursing practice, including areas outside of their current role or experience.
Additional Resources:
- Current metabolic and bariatric surgical textbooks, journals, and online resources
- Scientifically-based presentations from local, national, and regional meetings
- The 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook includes a reference list of useful materials
- 2022 ASMBS CBN Practice Analysis Report: Summary
This report provides an overview of the most recent practice analysis used to define the content and structure of the CBN Examination. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, tasks, and knowledge areas essential to metabolic and bariatric nursing practice. The findings from this study form the foundation of the examination content outline and domain weightings, ensuring the certification reflects current practice and supports a fair, valid, and reliable assessment of competency.
Consider partnering with fellow nurses for group study sessions, especially if you work in different areas of metabolic and bariatric care. Sharing knowledge can enhance your preparation and deepen your understanding.
If You Need to Retest
Candidates who do not pass the CBN Examination must wait one full examination window before retesting. Because the examination is offered twice annually, candidates are not permitted to test during the next immediate testing window following an unsuccessful attempt.
A new application and examination fee are required for each attempt, and candidates must continue to meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
This waiting period is intended to support adequate preparation time and help maintain examination security and fairness.
A one-time discounted retake fee may be available for candidates who apply for the second testing window following their unsuccessful attempt. Candidates interested in this option should contact cbn@asmbs.org for additional information.