Significant Changes at BONENT for Exam Candidates
BONENT Adds Computer Based Testing & More than 175 New Locations
With the new federally-mandated certification regulations passed in April 2008, the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing Technology (BONENT) has taken some bold steps to accommodate the large pool of nephrology technicians who need to obtain certification by April 2010.
BONENT has added a second exam method by which nurses and technologists can become certified. Beginning October 1, 2008, candidates may take BONENT examinations (CHT, CHN and CPDN) through a computer-based test (CBT), in addition to the current paper & pencil exam (PPE).
“This is a very exciting time for BONENT and for those nephrology professionals who need to be certified in the next 22 months,” said R.J. Picciano, BA, CHT, OCDT, BONENT President. “The BONENT Board and Exam Committee have been working on these changes over the past year, but moved quickly to finalize all details of the new CBT process.”
The CBT examinations will be offered at approximately 175 sites throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Turkey and a growing list of international countries. Click here for a complete list of CBT locations with available days and times, which are separate from the PPE list.
The following points are the same for both exam methods:
- Use the same application (candidates must indicate PPE or CBT)
- Require the same amount of time
- Have the same questions
- Have a proctor on site
- You choose your own exam site
The differences between the two exam methods are:
- Each exam type has its own separate list of locations
- Candidates receive an unofficial printout of their scores as soon as they complete the CBT
- There is no application deadline for the CBT. Candidates have 6 months to choose when and where to take the exam after their application has been approved.
BONENT is known for its three nursing and technologist certification programs with exams taken by national and international members:
- Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Examination
- Certified Hemodialysis Nurse Examination
- Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Examination
Nursing Exam Reduced to 150 Questions & 3 Hours
Examinations Committee Chair Lyle Smith, BSN, CNN, CPDN, says that “Once the BONENT Board of Directors made the decision to proceed with computer-based testing, it was perfect timing to reduce the number of nursing exam questions from 200 to 150 and the time limit from four hours to three.”
New Marketing Materials
BONENT Executive Director Peter Anas says “With all of these changes come updated marketing materials to help explain all aspects to potential exam candidates. We’ve developed a logo for both PPE and CBT and use them throughout our materials to focus on any differences between the two exam methods.” There is a new and easier-to-understand Candidate Handbook with the date of 7-1-08 on the yellow-colored front cover. The new two-page exam Application Form has the date 7-1-08 in the top right corner. The BONENT web site www.BONENT.org has been slightly re-structured to find information quicker and to include the new information that’s in the handbook.
For More Information
For more information, please contact BONENT:
Executive Director: Peter Anas at 202-462-1252 or at peter@BONENT.org
President: RJ Picciano at 315-440-0601 or at president@BONENT.org.
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