OCN® Certification Guide for Oncology Travel Nurses
Table of Contents
Whether you’re an experienced oncology nurse or a travel RN seeking roles in cancer centers, earning your Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) credential can help you stand out. Administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), the OCN® certification is one of the most respected oncology nursing credentials available. This guide walks you through eligibility, exam structure, costs, preparation, and how certification can enhance your career—especially in high-demand travel roles.
Who should pursue OCN® certification?
OCN® certification is ideal for:
RNs with at least one year of adult oncology nursing experience
Oncology nurses working in hospital oncology units, infusion centers, and outpatient clinics for at least one year.
Travel nurses applying for NCI-designated or Magnet cancer centers
- This credential demonstrates your ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based oncology care and enhances your eligibility for premium oncology assignments.
Eligibility requirements for the OCN® exam
To sit for the OCN® exam, you must:
Hold a current, active RN license (U.S. or Canada)
Have a minimum of two years (24 months) of experience as an RN within the four years (48 months) prior to application.
Accumulate at least 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the four years (48 months) prior to application.
Complete 10 contact hours of nursing continuing education (within the last 3 years). Some of these hours (max 50%) can be continuing medical education (CME) or continuing pharmacy education (CPE).
OCN® exam structure & content areas
The OCN® exam is computer-based and administered through PSI Testing Centers.
Quick facts:
Format: 165 multiple-choice questions (135 scored)
Time limit: 3 hours
Delivery: In-person at PSI centers
Exam Results: Same day
OCN® exam content breakdown:
Content Area | % of Exam |
Symptom Management | 23% |
Oncology Nursing Practice | 19% |
Treatment Modalities | 19% |
Care Continuum | 17% |
Oncologic Emergencies | 12% |
Psychosocial Dimensions of Care | 10% |
Exam costs & fees
Type | Fee (USD) |
Initial Exam (ONS member) | $260 |
Initial Exam (non-member) | $420 |
Renewal by Exam | $300 |
Renewal by Points | $200 |
Renewal deadlines:
Early Application Deadline: Sept 15
Final Deadline: Oct 15
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Renewal & recertification pathways
OCN® certification is valid for 4 years.
You can renew via:
1. Continuing Competency (Points Method)
Total of 100 points over 4 years
Must include 10 points in oncology nursing practice (minimum)
Activities include CE, academic coursework, precepting, and professional service
2. Re-examination
Retake the OCN® exam before expiration
Use the ONCC LearningBuilder tool to track points and submit documentation.
How to prepare for the OCN® exam
Recommended prep strategies:
ONCC Candidate Handbook for exam policies
OCN® Content Outline to prioritize study areas
ONS Certification Review Bundle (books, courses, practice tests)
8–10 week study plan to review core topics and take practice exams
Practice Tests/Flashcards from ONS and third-party providers
Benefits of OCN® certification
- Validates your oncology nursing expertise
Required or preferred at many NCI-designated and Magnet facilities
Enhances your resume for specialty travel assignments
May lead to higher pay or differential offers
Demonstrates commitment to lifelong learning
OCN® certification for travel nurses
If you’re a travel RN specializing in oncology, OCN® can:
Open doors to assignments at top cancer centers
Qualify you for roles requiring oncology certification
Improve job placement and assignment speed
Help negotiate higher pay for credentialed roles
Note: Some roles may still require a ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate in addition to or instead of OCN®.
Career pathways after OCN® certification
OCN®-certified nurses often go on to:
Apply & find OCN® jobs
Ready to advance your oncology nursing career? Nomad Health helps OCN®-certified nurses find high-paying travel opportunities—with transparent pay.
Frequently asked questions
- RNs with a minimum of two years (24 months) of experience as an RN within the four years (48 months) prior to application. at least 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the four years (48 months) prior to application.
- $260 for ONS members, $420 for non-members.
- 4 years.
- Either earn 100 points (CE, practice, etc.) or retake the exam.
- OCN® is a board certification. The ONS Chemo course is a skills-based CE for drug administration.
- Many facilities prefer or require it, especially NCI-designated centers.
- Enhanced job opportunities, higher pay potential, and professional recognition.