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.
Who Should Take the Examination?
The CBN Examination is intended for currently licensed registered nurses who:
- Provide care to individuals with obesity (pre-clinical or clinical) 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
Candidates are encouraged to use a variety of resources and study methods when preparing for the CBN Examination. Preparation methods may include:
- Self-Study: Use the CBN Candidate Handbook, Examination Content Outline, Knowledge Statements, reference list, and other study resources to identify areas where additional study may be helpful.
- Group Study: Collaborate with members of your bariatric team or other CBN candidates. Group study may be particularly helpful when participants work in different areas of metabolic and bariatric care.
- ASMBS CBN Review Course: Available online year-round and at select ASMBS meetings.
ASMBS offers the following resources to support examination preparation:
- Live CBN Review Courses during the ASMBS Annual Meeting and ASMBS Weekend
- Online CBN Review Course in the ASMBS Learning Management Hub that is flexible, affordable, and user-friendly
Important Disclosure
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 Program 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. Use of any or all resources listed on this webpage is optional. All candidates are responsible for preparing across the full scope of metabolic and bariatric nursing practice, including the full range of metabolic and bariatric procedures and areas outside their current role, practice setting, 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, which includes a reference list of useful materials
- 2022 ASMBS CBN Practice Analysis Report: Summary
The 2022 ASMBS CBN Practice Analysis 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.