Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Study Guide 2026-2027
Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Study Guide 2026-2027
Complete CDN Exam Prep with Practice Tests, Clinical Scenarios, and Detailed Rationales
By Capra Academy · Published May 12, 2026 · 326 pages
About This Book
Comprehensive preparation for the CDN exam covering kidney disease, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis principles, patient assessment and vascular access, dialysis complications and fluid management, infection control and water treatment, medication management and nutrition, and professional practice. Includes practice tests with detailed rationales.
What’s Inside
- Practice Exams with Detailed Rationales
- Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis
- Patient Assessment & Vascular Access
- Dialysis Complications & Fluid Management
- Infection Control & Water Treatment
- Medication Management & Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDN certification?
The CDN (Certified Dialysis Nurse) is administered by the NNCC (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission). It validates specialized knowledge in dialysis care including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and related nephrology nursing.
How many questions are on the CDN exam?
The CDN exam has 150 questions with a 3-hour time limit. The passing score is 95 (approximately 70% correct). The exam costs $350 standard or $300 for ANNA/ASN/NKF/NOVA members.
What is the difference between CDN and CNN?
CDN is for nurses focused on dialysis care; CNN (Certified Nephrology Nurse) covers broader nephrology nursing including pre-dialysis, dialysis, and post-transplant care. Both require 2,000 hours of nephrology experience.
What study materials are recommended for CDN?
Core references include Contemporary Nephrology Nursing (4th ed., 2022), Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing (7th ed., 2020), and Nephrology Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (9th ed., 2022). NNCC also offers a free Certification Preparation Guide and a $50 online practice exam.