CNEcl Exam Resources

Page updated on: March 06, 2025

These resources are not listed in a particular order and the NCWS does not endorse specific products. This list is a starting point to explore products that may be beneficial to you.

CNEcl Candidate Handbook offers detailed information regarding the exam. It can be found here

Courses Available for CNEcl Exam Preparation

NLN resources CNE®cl Exam Prep Preparing for the Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Examination

Overview

Before preparing for the Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator examination, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. The Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator examination was developed to measure competence in the scope of the academic clinical nurse educator practice role. It is recommended that in preparing for this examination, you begin by reviewing the following:

  1. The detailed test blueprint(page 8 of handbook) to identify the exam's content areas and determine which areas to focus your study.
  2. The test blueprint(page 7 of handbook) to understand how each content area is weighted and to review the percentage of questions that pertain to each area.
  3. The recommended reference list(page 16 of handbook) which provides references specific to each of the content areas. The recommended reference list is provided to serve as a guide and is not intended to be all-inclusive.
  4. Sample questions, (pages 18-19 of the Candidate Handbook) are similar to those found on the examination, but do not represent the full range of content or levels of difficulty.
  5. A Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) is an internet-based, 65-item, multiple- choice practice examination and can be considered a learning tool and assessment instrument that is parallel in form to the actual CNE®cl examination. The CNE®cl SAE is a half-length examination that will meet the examination specifications including content outline coverage, percentage of items in each of the content categories and the cognitive complexity item distribution. By taking the SAE, candidates will be able to practice taking CNE®cl-type questions, experience computer-based testing, review rationales for correct and incorrect answers and receive a score report to assess strengths and areas for additional study. Note: those who purchase the SAE will be provided online access to this product for 60 days from the date of purchase. https://www.nln.org/awards-recognition/nln-credentialing/cne-cl/Certification-for-Nurse-Educatorscnecl/cne-cl-exam-prep

Cost: Member 65.00 Non-Member 75.00 (there are two packages)

NLN CNEcl Course

Overview

This online learning program will prepare the participant for the NLN CNEcl certification examination. It is the only official NLN online course. The session will identify the Cenacle testing criteria and an overview of the certification exam. Learning modules will be used to describe the six core competencies that serve as the NLN test blueprint for the academic clinical nurse educator certification exam. Learners will view narrated video content module, engage in self-directed learning workbook activities, complete practice exam questions, and develop a certification study plan. https://ondemand.nln.org/product?catalog=CNEcl

Cost: 179.00 members/199.00 non members  

MGH Institute of Health Professions CNEcl Review Course

Overview

The CNEcl Certification Preparation Course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge needed for the National League of Nursing (NLN) Certified Academic Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) examination. This course offers flexible options, with a fully self-paced experience, a 6-module asynchronous course, or an enhanced 8-module version with the added benefit of 2 live virtual sessions. 100% of participants who completed both the synchronous and asynchronous courses passed the NLN CNE®cl exam on the first attempt. https://www.mghihp.edu/clinical-nurse-educator  

Cost: Asynchronous Course 165.00 or Asynchronous with two live virtual sessions 250.00

Clinical Nurse Educator Certification (CNE®cl) Exam Review (Nurse Tim)

Overview

This webinar is designed to prepare nurse educators to successfully take the NLN® Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Certification (CNE®cl) examination. The presentation will focus on the core competencies of the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator required to validate the achievement of standards through certification. Participants in this course will review topics based on the six content areas covered in the exam blueprint, including the roles of the clinical nurse educator; teaching and learning strategies; facilitating learning in the clinical environment; curriculum assessment and evaluation in the clinical setting; and facilitation of learner development and socialization. This is a 2.5hour webinar. https://nursetim.com/webinars/Clinical-Nurse-Educator-Certification-CNEcl-Exam-Review

Cost: Need to email to obtain a quote

Drexel Clinical Nurse Educator Review for Certification

Overview

The Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) exam is offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program. According to the NLN, the CNEcl certifications recognize excellence in the advanced specialty role of the academic nurse educator. This Review for Certification: CNEcl nursing continuing professional development program was developed by Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Division of Continuing Nursing Education. This program will provide a review of the core competencies for nurse educators, which is the basis for the certified nurse educator exams. One day Webinar.

Cost: 265.00

Books

Shellenbarger, T. (2019). Academic clinical nurse educator review book: The official NLN guide to the CNEcl exam. Wolters Kluwer ISBN/ISSN:9781975154011

Nugent, P. M., & Vitale, B. A. (2023). Test success: Clinical judgment and test-taking strategies (10th ed.). F.A. Davis. 

Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) Review Manual – A Systematic CNEcl Review Book, Includes a CNEcl Practice Exam and Essential Knowledge Designated by NLN 1st Edition by Karen K. Gittings DNP RN CNE CNEcl (Author), Ruth A. Wittmann-Price PhD RN CNS CNE CNEcl CHSE ANEF FAAN (Editor), Linda Wilson PhD RN CPAN CAPA NPD-BC CNE CNEcl CHSE CHSE-A FASPAN ANEF FAAN FSSH (Editor) 

Additional Resources

  • Khan Academy contains free cources on testing skills. Users must create a login here.
  • LinkedIn Learning offers a free one-month subscription and contains test-taking & study skills courses. Users must create an account here.