CFRN
BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
Certifies nurses in air medical transport and critical care flight nursing.
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CFRN Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) |
| Governing Body | BCEN |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 102 of 150 scored items correct |
| Exam Fee | $285 ASTNA member / $380 non-member |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | BCEN official website ↗ |
CFRN Content Areas and Domains
Domain areas are sourced from the BCEN content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ General Principles of Flight Transport Nursing Practice (30 items)
- ✓ Resuscitation Principles (40 items)
- ✓ Trauma (30 items)
- ✓ Medical Emergencies (35 items)
- ✓ Special Populations (15 items)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CFRN
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CFRN is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CFRN format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CFRN Frequently Asked Questions
What does CFRN stand for?
CFRN stands for BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN). It is administered by BCEN.
Who administers the CFRN?
The BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) is administered by BCEN. For official information, visit the BCEN website.
How many questions is the CFRN?
The CFRN consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CFRN?
The passing score for the CFRN is 102 of 150 scored items correct, as set by BCEN. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CFRN exam cost?
The CFRN exam fee is $285 ASTNA member / $380 non-member. This fee is set by BCEN and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CFRN are scored?
175 items total: 150 scored + 25 unscored pretest items (BCEN CFRN FAQ, verbatim: 'The CFRN exam consists of 175 items (150 scored and 25 unscored pretest items).'). Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CFRN scored?
Raw-score standard, not a percentage. Exams taken before Aug 31, 2026: 108 of the 150 scored items correct. Exams taken on or after Aug 31, 2026 (new content outline): 102 of the 150 scored items correct. Cut score set by modified Angoff with statistical equating; approved by the BCEN Board of Directors. Always confirm the current standard with BCEN before testing.
What should I know about the current CFRN exam blueprint?
Topics listed are from the NEW CFRN Examination Content Outline effective Aug 31, 2026 (counts sum to 150 scored items). The outline in force until Aug 30, 2026 has the same five domains with different counts: General Principles 28, Resuscitation Principles 38, Trauma 29, Medical Emergencies 40, Special Populations 15. Certification valid 4 years.
What is the BCEN CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) exam?
CFRN from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing is the premier specialty certification for flight nurses working on rotor-wing (helicopter) and fixed-wing air medical transport programs. It covers flight physiology, advanced emergency and critical care nursing, aeromedical interventions, and the unique environmental factors of aviation-based patient transport.
What are the CFRN eligibility requirements?
Candidates must hold a current RN license and have a minimum of 2 years of flight nursing experience. Flight nurses must have flight experience, this is not an entry-level credential for emergency nurses transitioning to flight without air medical experience. Most candidates also hold CEN or CCRN prior to pursuing CFRN.
How hard is the CFRN exam?
CFRN is considered among the most challenging nursing specialty exams. It requires mastery of flight physiology (hypoxia, gas laws, dysbarism), critical care nursing at the paramedic-equivalent scope, advanced airway management, hemodynamic support during transport, and management of multi-trauma patients in the austere flight environment. Candidates consistently describe pharmacology and flight physiology as the most challenging sections.
How long should I study for the CFRN?
Most candidates study 10–16 weeks. Key resources include the ENA Flight Nursing Core Curriculum, BCEN practice exams, and CAMTS standards. High-yield areas: flight physiology (Boyle's law, Dalton's law, Henry's law, hypoxia types), critical care transport pharmacology, cardiac emergencies, trauma, pediatric emergencies, and aeromedical systems.
How does CFRN compare to CTRN?
CFRN is specific to flight nursing (air medical), while CTRN (Certified Transport Registered Nurse) covers all patient transport modes including ground critical care transport and fixed-wing, without the specific flight physiology emphasis of CFRN. Flight nurses working exclusively on air transport programs typically pursue CFRN; those in hybrid flight/ground roles may consider both.
How long is CFRN certification valid?
CFRN is valid for 4 years. Renewal requires a current RN license, ongoing flight nursing practice, and CE hours in relevant content, or renewal by re-examination through BCEN.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), a Nursing & Nursing School certification, administered by BCEN. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by BCEN. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the BCEN official website ↗ .