CBCN Study Plan: 8-Week Schedule
Week-by-Week Study Guide for the ONCC CBCN Exam
This 8-week plan prepares breast care nurses for the ONCC CBCN (Certified Breast Care Nurse) exam.
Exam Overview
- •Questions: 165 (125 scored + 40 pretest)
- •Time: 3 hours
- •Cost: $300 ONS member / $420 non-member
- •Domains: Detection and diagnosis, staging, treatment, symptom management, survivorship, palliative/end-of-life, education
Week 1-2: Breast Cancer Biology, Detection, and Diagnosis
- •Breast anatomy and physiology
- •Risk factors and genetic predisposition (BRCA1/2, other mutations)
- •Screening guidelines (mammography, MRI, clinical breast exam)
- •Diagnostic workup: biopsy types, pathology, tumor markers
- •Staging (TNM system) and prognostic factors
Week 3-4: Treatment Modalities
- •Surgical options: lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node procedures
- •Radiation therapy: types, side effects, skin care
- •Systemic therapy: chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapy (HER2)
- •Endocrine therapy: tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors
- •Immunotherapy and emerging treatments
Week 5-6: Symptom Management and Complications
- •Treatment side effects: nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, lymphedema
- •Bone health and fracture risk
- •Cardiotoxicity monitoring
- •Pain management strategies
- •Psychosocial distress screening
Week 7: Survivorship, Palliative Care, and Education
- •Surveillance and follow-up guidelines
- •Late and long-term effects of treatment
- •Fertility preservation and sexual health
- •Palliative care integration and end-of-life support
- •Patient education and health literacy
Week 8: Practice Exams and Final Review
- •Days 1-2: Full practice exam
- •Days 3-4: Targeted review
- •Days 5-6: Second practice exam
- •Day 7: Rest
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CBCN exam?
165 multiple-choice questions (125 scored + 40 pretest), 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the CBCN?
ONCC uses a scaled score of 55 on a 25-75 scale. The specific number of correct answers needed varies by exam form.
Can I retake the CBCN if I fail?
Yes. ONCC offers the DoubleTake option — for $100 at registration, you get one free retake if you don’t pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBCN exam?
The CBCN is a standardized exam. For a comprehensive study guide with practice questions and full-length exams, see our CBCN Study Guide.
How should I prepare for the CBCN?
Start with a structured study plan, use official exam blueprints, and practice with realistic exam questions. Our CBCN Study Guide covers the complete exam content with detailed rationales.
Where can I find CBCN practice questions?
Our CBCN Study Guide includes full-length practice exams with detailed answer rationales covering every content area on the actual exam.
Related Resources
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our CBCN Study Guide covers every content area with practice questions and detailed answer rationales.