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OCN Oncology Certified Nurse (ONS) Practice Test

140 questions available

Oncology nursing certification covering cancer treatment, symptom management, chemotherapy administration, and patient education for oncology nurses. Administered by Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Key domains include Symptom Management and Palliative Care, Treatment Modalities (Chemo/Radiation/Biotherapy/Immunotherapy/Surgery/HSCT), Disease-Specific (Solid Tumors, Hematologic) and Oncologic Emergencies.

Certification exam
165 Exam questions
Practice bank
140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
Official objectives from Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
qf-import140 practice questions83 answers with a checkable referenceBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

83 of 140 answers carry a checkable reference.

Treatment Modalities (Chemo/Radiation/Biotherapy/Immunotherapy/Surgery/HSCT)

Intrathecal MTX ALL:

Symptom Management and Palliative Care

A 58-year-old patient with metastatic lung cancer reports severe pain that is inadequately controlled with current oral morphine dosing. The nurse is preparing to discuss pain management options with the oncology team. Which intervention represents the most appropriate next step in this patient's analgesic therapy?

Disease-Specific (Solid Tumors, Hematologic)

A 62-year-old patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer starts pembrolizumab after tumor testing shows PD-L1 expression of 80% and no actionable EGFR or ALK alteration. Six weeks later the patient reports 8 watery stools per day, cramping, and lightheadedness. The patient asks whether to take loperamide and come for the next infusion. Which nursing response best matches current immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity management?

Oncologic Emergencies

During report, a nurse learns that a 45-year-old patient with breast cancer developed sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and hypotension 2 hours after central venous catheter placement. The patient has elevated D-dimer and decreased oxygen saturation. Which oncology emergency should the nurse prioritize in the differential diagnosis?

Oncology Nursing Practice (Standards, Ethics, EBP)

Grade 3 poorly differentiated:

Why This Certification Opens Doors

In the complex and rapidly evolving field of oncology, specialized knowledge directly impacts patient safety, outcomes, and quality of life. The OCN credential signifies that a nurse possesses the validated expertise to manage intricate treatment regimens, recognize and intervene for serious side effects, provide nuanced symptom management, and deliver compassionate, patient-centered care across the cancer continuum. This certification matters because it assures patients and families they are being cared for by a nurse with proven competency, and it provides healthcare institutions with a reliable standard for staffing specialized units, ultimately contributing to safer, more effective cancer care delivery.

Exam Blueprint

Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.

01Symptom Management and Palliative Care
21%
02Treatment Modalities (Chemo/Radiation/Biotherapy/Immunotherapy/Surgery/HSCT)
21%
03Disease-Specific (Solid Tumors, Hematologic)
13%
04Oncologic Emergencies
11%
05Care Continuum (Health Promotion, Screening, Survivorship)
9%
06Oncology Nursing Practice (Standards, Ethics, EBP)
9%
07Psychosocial Dimensions
9%

Exam Details ONCC-OCN

Exam Code ONCC-OCN
Vendor qf-import
Exam questions 165

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the OCN exam?

You must hold a current, active RN license, have a minimum of one year of experience as an RN within the last three years, and have completed at least 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the last 2.5 years. The experience must be in a role defined by direct or indirect patient care.

What is the best resource for studying for the OCN exam?

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is the definitive source. The primary resources are the Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing (7th ed.) and the OCN(R) Certification Review Manual. The official ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate course is also highly recommended, as chemotherapy principles are heavily tested. Always align your study with the official Test Blueprint.

How many questions are on the exam, and what is the format?

The OCN exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest questions. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam. It is administered via computer at approved testing centers.

How long is the OCN certification valid, and how do I maintain it?

OCN certification is valid for four years. You can renew through one of two pathways: by retaking and passing the OCN examination, or by completing 100 continuing education points (with specific category requirements) and 1,000 practice hours in oncology nursing during the four-year renewal cycle.

Is the exam focused only on clinical knowledge?

No. While clinical knowledge (e.g., symptom management, treatment modalities) forms a significant portion, the exam also covers professional performance, including coordination of care, education, evidence-based practice, ethics, and quality improvement. It assesses the nurse's role across the entire professional spectrum.