TCRN Certification Guide for Travel Trauma Nurses
Whether you’re a trauma nurse working in a Level I trauma center or a travel RN rotating through high-acuity emergency settings, earning your TCRN certification is a powerful way to validate your expertise in trauma nursing. Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) credential signals advanced clinical knowledge, readiness for trauma care leadership, and eligibility for top travel assignments.
This guide explains the exam, eligibility, fees, prep resources, and what makes TCRN a smart investment for trauma nurses.
What is the TCRN certification?
The TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse) credential is a nationally recognized trauma nursing certification issued by BCEN. It demonstrates expertise in caring for trauma patients across the continuum—from prehospital through rehabilitation—and supports advancement in both permanent and travel nursing roles.
TCRN certification is especially relevant for nurses in:
Level I and Level II trauma centers
Trauma surgical units and resuscitation bays
Emergency departments and critical care areas
Prehospital, flight, and retrieval settings
Eligibility & requirements
To be eligible for the TCRN exam, you must:
Hold a current, unrestricted RN license (U.S. or Canada)
Recommends you have 2 years’ experience in your specialty area; however, it is not required.
Recommended experience
1,000 practice hours in trauma nursing within the past 2–3 years (not required, but improves exam success)
Familiarity with trauma assessment, triage, resuscitation, and post-op care
There are no CE hours or degree prerequisites.
TCRN exam overview
The TCRN exam is computer-based and delivered at Pearson VUE centers. To find a Pearson VUE test center, use the "Find a Test Center" tool on the Pearson VUE website and enter your address.
The clinical practice exam questions cover:
Neurologic
Horacic
Abdominal
Genitourinary
Obstetrical
Musculoskeletal
Surface
Burns
Shock (e.g., hypovolemic, obstructive, distributive, cardiogenic)
Hemostatic resuscitation
Substance use
Trauma quality improvement
Disaster management
End-of-life issues (e.g., advanced directives, palliative care, brain death)
Psychosocial issues related to trauma (e.g., post-traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, coping)
Quick Facts:
Format: 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored)
Time limit: 3 hours
Delivery: In-person at Pearson VUE
Passing Score: Scaled score determined by version
TCRN Exam Content Outline:
Domain | % of Exam |
Clinical Practice | 44% |
Continuum of Care for Trauma Patients | 24% |
Professional Issues | 12% |
Trauma Systems & Safety | 10% |
Disaster Preparedness | 10% |
Exam costs & test assurance
Fee Type | Society of Trauma Nursing Member | Non-Member |
Initial Exam | $285 | $390 |
Retest | $340 | $340 |
Renewal (Exam) | $350 | $350 |
Renewal (CE) | $250 | $250 |
Test Assurance Add-On | +$100 | +$100 |
Note: Costs change over time, so please review the BCEN website for the most up-to-date rates.
Preparing for the TCRN exam
Top prep strategies include:
BCEN Candidate Handbook (exam structure, rules)
BCEN Content Outline (domain weights and topics)
Study Timeline: 8–12 weeks recommended
Prep Courses: Society of Trauma Nurses (STN), ENA trauma modules
Books/Guides: Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), test banks, flashcards
Renewal & recertification
TCRN certification is valid for 4 years.
Renewal can be completed via:
1. Continuing Education (CE):
100 CE contact hours (75 clinical, 25 professional)
Submit documentation via BCEN platform
2. Re-examination:
Register and pass the TCRN exam again before expiration
Benefits of TCRN certification
- Recognition by trauma and emergency leadership teams
- Preferred or required for Level I/II trauma roles
- Demonstrates clinical depth and trauma specialization
- Improves competitiveness for high-acuity assignments
- May increase access to higher-paying travel nurse contracts
- Make you eligible for exclusive trauma contracts
- Help you stand out in trauma/ED-focused staffing pools
- Streamline credentialing for Level I facilities
- Support onboarding for trauma program or float pool roles
How to get started
- Confirm your RN license is active
- Assess trauma experience or begin targeted cross-training
- Review BCEN’s TCRN Handbook & Content Outline
- Create a study plan (8–12 weeks)
- Register for the exam at bcen.org
- Add Test Assurance at checkout (optional)
- Take the exam at a Pearson VUE location
- Receive results immediately after testing
Whether you’re deep into trauma nursing or expanding your career into trauma settings, TCRN certification is a high-impact credential that validates your skills and expands your opportunities. Travel nurses, in particular, can benefit from added flexibility and access to more trauma-focused assignments.
Related Reading
Frequently asked questions
- TCRN stands for Trauma Certified Registered Nurse, a credential awarded by BCEN.
- Any RN with a current, unrestricted license. Trauma experience is recommended.
- $370 for members, $390 for non-members. Retests are $340.
- A $100 add-on that allows one free retake if you fail the first attempt.
- 100 CE hours every 4 years (75 clinical, 25 professional).
- Yes—it helps qualify you for trauma center roles and premium travel contracts.
- Yes, especially those working in trauma, post-op, or surgical ICUs.