CNN-NP Exam Information and Outline
Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner
CNN-NP Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the official CNN-NP exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap, breaking down exactly which technical domains and skills will be tested. By reviewing the syllabus, you can identify your strengths and focus your study time on the areas where you need the most improvement.
The information below reflects the latest 2026 course contents as defined by NNCC. We provide this detailed breakdown to help you align your preparation with the actual exam format, ensuring there are no surprises on test day. Use this outline as a checklist to track your progress as you move through our practice question banks.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
Format: Computer-based testing (CBT) at PSI Testing Centers or paper-and-pencil testing (if requested).
Number of Questions: 175 multiple-choice questions.
Duration: 4 hours.
Passing Score: A standard score of 95- achieved by correctly answering at least 70% of the questions (approximately 123 questions)
1. Concepts of Kidney Disease (Approximately 10–14% of the Exam)
This section assesses foundational knowledge of renal anatomy- physiology- and pathophysiology- as well as the management of kidney disease.
Renal Anatomy and Physiology:
Structure and function of the kidneys (e.g.- nephron- filtration- reabsorption- secretion)
Regulation of fluid- electrolyte- and acid-base balance
Hormonal functions of the kidney (e.g.- erythropoietin- renin- vitamin D activation)
Pathophysiology of Kidney Diseases:
Acute冰: Acute kidney injury (AKI)- chronic kidney disease (CKD)- end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Glomerular diseases (e.g.- glomerulonephritis- nephrotic syndrome)
Tubulointerstitial diseases
Genetic disorders (e.g.- polycystic kidney disease)
Secondary causes of kidney disease (e.g.- diabetes- hypertension- autoimmune disorders)
Assessment and Diagnosis:
Clinical presentation of kidney diseases
Diagnostic tools (e.g.- urinalysis- serum creatinine- glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation- imaging- biopsy)
Staging and classification of kidney disease (e.g.- CKD stages 1–5)
Management Principles:
Non-dialytic management of CKD (e.g.- dietary modifications- blood pressure control- glycemic control)
Patient education on disease progression and lifestyle modifications
2. Hemodialysis (Approximately 25–30% of the Exam)
This section focuses on the principles and management of hemodialysis- a common kidney replacement therapy.
Principles of Hemodialysis:
Dialysis process (e.g.- diffusion- ultrafiltration)
Vascular access types (e.g.- arteriovenous fistula- graft- catheter)
Dialyzer types and characteristics
Patient Management:
Pre-dialysis assessment (e.g.- weight- vital signs- access evaluation)
Monitoring during dialysis (e.g.- blood pressure- fluid removal- complications like hypotension or cramping)
Post-dialysis evaluation and follow-up
Complications and Interventions:
Access-related complications (e.g.- infection- thrombosis- stenosis)
Dialysis-related complications (e.g.- disequilibrium syndrome- amyloidosis)
Medication management (e.g.- anticoagulants- erythropoiesis-stimulating agents)
Pharmacology:
Medications commonly used in hemodialysis patients (e.g.- phosphate binders- calcimimetics- iron supplements)
Drug dosing adjustments for reduced renal function
3. Peritoneal Dialysis (Approximately 15–20% of the Exam)
This section covers the management of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis- an alternative to hemodialysis.
Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis:
Types (e.g.- continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)- automated peritoneal dialysis (APD))
Peritoneal membrane characteristics and transport rates
Dialysate composition and dwell times
Patient Management:
Catheter placement and care
Training patients for home dialysis
Monitoring for adequacy (e.g.- Kt/V- peritoneal equilibration test)
Complications and Interventions:
Infectious complications (e.g.- peritonitis- exit-site infections)
Non-infectious complications (e.g.- hernias- membrane failure)
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Pharmacology:
Antibiotics for peritonitis
Adjustments for peritoneal dialysis patients
4. Kidney Transplantation (Approximately 10–15% of the Exam)
This section evaluates knowledge of kidney transplantation processes and post-transplant care.
Pre-Transplant Evaluation:
Candidate selection and workup
Donor evaluation (living vs. deceased donors)
Immunologic considerations (e.g.- HLA matching- crossmatching)
Transplant Procedure:
Surgical considerations
Immunosuppressive therapy initiation
Post-Transplant Management:
Monitoring for rejection (acute and chronic)
Immunosuppressive regimens (e.g.- calcineurin inhibitors- corticosteroids- antimetabolites)
Complications (e.g.- infection- malignancy- cardiovascular disease)
Long-term follow-up and graft survival
Pharmacology:
Immunosuppressants (e.g.- tacrolimus- mycophenolate- prednisone)
Prophylactic medications (e.g.- antivirals- antifungals)
5. Acute Therapies (Approximately 5–10% of the Exam)
This section addresses acute kidney injury and therapies used in critical care settings.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):
Causes (e.g.- prerenal- intrinsic- postrenal)
Diagnostic evaluation (e.g.- fractional excretion of sodium- ultrasound)
Management (e.g.- fluid resuscitation- avoidance of nephrotoxins)
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapies (CRRT):
Modalities (e.g.- continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH)- hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF))
Indications (e.g.- AKI in critically ill patients- sepsis)
Anticoagulation strategies
Other Acute Therapies:
Plasmapheresis for renal-related conditions (e.g.- glomerulonephritis- transplant rejection)
Management of electrolyte emergencies (e.g.- hyperkalemia- hyponatremia)
6. Pharmacology (Integrated Across All Sections- Approximately 10–15%)
Pharmacology is a cross-cutting topic- with questions integrated into the above sections. Key areas include:
Medications for Kidney Disease:
Antihypertensives (e.g.- ACE inhibitors- ARBs)
Diuretics
Phosphate binders- vitamin D analogs- and calcimimetics for mineral and bone disorders
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron therapy for anemia
Dosing Adjustments:
Adjustments for reduced renal clearance
Dialyzability of medications
Adverse Effects and Interactions:
Nephrotoxicity of drugs (e.g.- NSAIDs- aminoglycosides)
Drug-drug interactions in patients with comorbidities
7. Professional Practice and Patient Education (Approximately 5–10%)
This section covers the nurse practitioner’s role in patient care and professional responsibilities.
Patient Education:
Teaching patients about disease processes- treatment options- and lifestyle modifications
Supporting adherence to dialysis schedules and medications
Providing resources for transplant preparation and follow-up
Ethical and Legal Considerations:
Informed consent for procedures
End-of-life care and advance directives in ESRD
Scope of practice for nephrology nurse practitioners
Collaboration:
Working with interdisciplinary teams (e.g.- nephrologists- dietitians- social workers)
Referrals to specialists (e.g.- vascular surgeons- transplant coordinators)