Whether you’re looking to start your certification journey or need information on upcoming exam dates, this page serves as your comprehensive guide to taking the Certified Bariatric Nurse examination.
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 |
Candidate Handbook and Quick Links
Explore the current CBN Candidate Handbook for important information regarding eligibility requirements, examination policies, application procedures, examination content, and candidate responsibilities.
- Click Here to access the 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook
- Click Here to Prepare for the CBN Exam
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for CBN Certification, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- 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.
- Licensure status will be verified and confirmed to be in good standing and unencumbered.
- Individuals licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurse( LVN) are not eligible.
- 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. International licensure will be reviewed individually by the CBN Certification Council, and applicants must submit an English copy to cbn@asmbs.org for license verification upon registering for the CBN exam.
- 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 in good standing for a minimum of two years. In addition, candidates must have at least 2,000 hours of experience in obesity (pre-clinical or clinical) and/or metabolic and bariatric surgery 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 current 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook for additional information regarding eligibility requirements, application procedures, supporting documentation, and examination policies.
Application and Eligibility Procedures
Candidates seeking CBN certification must complete the online examination application and submit all required information and fees by the applicable registration deadline.
Applicants are responsible for providing complete and accurate information related to licensure, professional practice experience, and eligibility requirements. Submission of an application does not guarantee eligibility approval or authorization to test.
Click Here to Register For the CBN Exam
Application Review Process
All applications are reviewed by the CBN Certification Program to verify eligibility requirements and completeness of submitted information. Additional documentation or clarification may be requested during the review process.
Incomplete applications will not be processed or approved for examination scheduling until all required information and documentation have been received.
License Name Verification
The name used during examination registration must exactly match the name on the candidate’s nursing license and government-issued identification. Candidates whose names differ across records may be required to submit legal documentation verifying the name change.
Eligibility Notification
Candidates will receive notification regarding the status of their application after the eligibility review process has been completed.
Approved candidates will receive instructions regarding scheduling their examination through the contracted testing vendor.
Candidates determined to be ineligible will be notified of the reason for the determination and, when applicable, provided information regarding reconsideration or appeal processes
Requests for Reconsideration and Appeals
Eligibility for the CBN Examination may be denied, suspended, or revoked for violations of CBN Certification Program policies, including fraudulent application activity, falsification of credentials, examination misconduct, or violations of the ASMBS Code of Ethics.
Candidates who receive an adverse eligibility or disciplinary determination may request reconsideration or submit a formal appeal in accordance with current CBN Certification Program policies and procedures. Additional information regarding eligibility appeals, reconsideration requests, disciplinary actions, and candidate grievances is available on the CBN Appeals and Candidate Grievances webpage and in the current CBN Candidate Handbook.
Authorization to Test and Examination Scheduling
Candidates approved for testing will receive authorization and scheduling instructions from the contracted testing vendor. Examination appointments are scheduled directly through PSI and are subject to testing center availability. The CBN Examination is administered at PSI testing centers throughout the United States and internationally. To locate a testing center near you, please visit the PSI website. Candidates are responsible for scheduling their examination appointment within the assigned testing window.
Rescheduling, Withdrawals and Refunds are outlined in the current Candidate Handbook.
Questions regarding examination scheduling and administration should be directed to the ASMBS Test Taker Services hotline at 888-519-9901 or examschedule@psionline.com.
Examination Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with documented disabilities, qualifying medical conditions, or approved religious accommodations. Requests must be submitted in accordance with current CBN and PSI procedures. Additional information is available in the current Candidate Handbook.
CBN Examination Audit
Five percent (5%) of candidates sitting for the CBN examination will be selected for audit to verify required professional experience. Candidates selected for audit must download and complete the CBN Clinical Practice Verification Form (Audit Form), available on the CBN Examination Information webpage. Once completed, the form must be submitted through the CBN Audit Documentation Submission Form.
All signatures on the audit form must be legitimate and verifiable. Typed names, electronic script fonts, or cursive-style text entered in place of an actual signature will not be accepted. Failure to provide valid documentation or signatures may result in delays, denial of eligibility, or other action in accordance with CBN policies.
Examination Results and Score Reporting
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.
Re-Examination Information
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 eligible to sit for the next immediate testing window following an unsuccessful attempt.
A new application and examination fee are required for each examination attempt. Candidates must continue to meet all eligibility requirements and application deadlines in effect at the time of reapplication.
This waiting period is intended to support adequate preparation time and help maintain examination security and fairness.
Discounted Retake Fee
A one-time 25% discount on the examination fee is available for candidates retaking the examination during the second testing window following an unsuccessful attempt. This discount applies only to that eligible testing window and may not be applied to future attempts. To request the discounted retake fee, please contact cbn@asmbs.org.
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.