Whether you’re looking to start your certification journey or need information on upcoming exam dates, this page serves as your comprehensive guide to becoming a Certified Bariatric Nurse.
CBN Exam Schedule
| 2026 Test Window 1 | 2026 Test Window 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Administration | January 12 - March 9, 2026 | July 13 – September 7, 2026 |
| Early Online Registration Opens | October 13, 2025 | April 13, 2026 |
| Early Registration Deadline | December 8, 2025 | June 8, 2026 |
| Regular Registration Deadline | January 5, 2026 | July 6, 2026 |
Instant Scoring Now Available
Starting with the 2025 Test Window 2, candidates will receive their pass/fail result immediately upon completing the exam. Detailed score reports, including domain-level performance, will be sent by mail after the exam. Certificates for all passing candidates will be processed by ASMBS following the close of the exam window on August 25th.
Explore the 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook to access important information and take the next step in your professional development.
Click Here to Prepare for the CBN Exam
Click Here To Register For the CBN Exam
The CBN exam is administered at PSI testing sites throughout the United States and internationally. To find the testing site nearest you, click here. Questions about the application process and administration of the CBN examination should be directed to the ASMBS Test Taker Services hotline at 888-519-9901, or email examschedule@psionline.com.
CBN Eligibility
Before applying for CBN Certification, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- Licensure: Be currently licensed as a Professional Nurse (RN) in one of the 50 United States, or one of its territories, at the time of application and examination.
- A valid license number must be entered when applying online.
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are not eligible to sit for the examination, or
- Licensure: Be currently licensed as a Professional Nurse outside of the 50 United States, and its territories.
- Candidates must hold a nursing license equivalent to a Registered Nurse.
- The examination is based on the most current practice analysis of nursing care of patients with obesity (pre-clinical or clinical) and metabolic and bariatric surgical patients in the United States of America.
- Passing the CBN examination does not guarantee that the certification will be accepted outside of the 50 United States, and its territories.
- The examination will only be offered in the English language.
- The examination will be offered in test centers around the world. Test center information will be available at http://schedule.psiexams.com/.
- Professional Practice Experience: Candidates must be a registered nurse (RN) or international equivalent with a minimum of two years of experience in obesity (pre-clinical or clinical) and/or metabolic and bariatric surgery and at least 2,000 hours of related nursing practice completed within the previous four years.
- Nursing practice may include clinical practice, education, administration, leadership, quality improvement, research or consultation.
- Adhere to the CBN Certification Standards of Conduct.
- Adhere to the ASMBS Code of Ethics.
Review the Eligibility section of the 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook for to find additional information.
CBN Examination Audit
Each year, 5% of candidates sitting for the CBN examination are randomly selected for an audit to verify their professional experience. If selected, candidates will be required to submit documentation confirming they meet the eligibility requirement for experience in metabolic and bariatric nursing.
You may download the CBN Examination Audit Form below:
CBN Examination Audit Form for Clinical Practice Verification
Candidate Handbook Notice
The CBN Candidate Handbook is posted online annually on October 1. While this date reflects the formal release of the handbook for the examination cycle, updates and clarifications may be made periodically throughout the year. Candidates are responsible for referring to the CBN website for the most current version of the handbook and all applicable policies, procedures, and program requirements.
Request a Printed Certificate or CBN Pin
All newly certified CBNs will be added to the LearningBuilder platform within two weeks of the examination application window closing. Once added, certificants will receive a welcome email with instructions to log in to LearningBuilder, where they may download and print their certificate for personal or professional use.
If you would like to receive a printed copy of your certificate by mail, please click here to submit your request. All submissions are verified to confirm eligibility. Please allow up to three weeks for processing and delivery. If you have not received your certificate within four weeks, please contact us at certificates@asmbs.org.