Eligibility
COHN AND COHN-S EXAMINATION
HANDBOOKS
Before applying for any ABOHN examination remember to download
the COHN or COHN-S handbook for the specific examination you are planning to
take. The handbooks are available under the heading of
Certification. Each of the handbooks contain the "Blue Print
and Core Content" of the specified examination. The
handbooks contain information regarding the applications,
references and other material pertaining to the examination.
CERTIFICATION
CRITERIA
Certification is a voluntary mechanism for validating professional
knowledge and expertise in a specialty. In contrast to licensure, which assures the
public of safe practice at a beginning level, certification reflects specialty practice
and knowledge at a proficient level. By meeting the challenge of certification, the
certified individual has made a commitment to a specialty and to continued professional
growth and development. Certification is recognized by employers and peers as an
achievement and leads to employment opportunities, advancement, and professional
prestige.
ABOHN uses the definition of occupational and environmental health nursing
and the standards of practice, in addition to other criteria, to determine eligibility for
certification. The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN)
establishes the definition and standards of specialty practice. The entire document
is available from AAOHN National Office, 7794 Grow Drive,
Pensacola, FL 32514.
Telephone (850) 474-6963 or (800) 241-8014.
AAOHN
Standards of Practice Document
CORE CREDENTIALS
Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)
This credential is offered to registered nurses with an Associate, Diploma
or higher degrees. The focus of the COHN certification examination is more directed
toward direct clinical care, but contains questions that also apply to the role of
advisor, coordinator and case manager.
Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S)
This credential is offered to registered nurses with a Bachelor's degree
or higher. The focus of the COHN-S certification examination is on the roles of
management, education, consultation and case management in addition to direct care.
After the eligibility requirements have been met the candidate is required
to achieve a passing score on the national examination. Upon successful completion
of the examination, a certificate is issued that states that the candidate has met the
standards for board certification as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse or Certified
Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist and either the COHN or COHN-S credentials are
awarded. Only those nurses who have met all of the criteria and have been successful
on the examination and are in ACTIVE status are entitled to use these credentials.
ABOUT THE EXAMINATION
To achieve COHN and COHN-S certification, eligible candidates must be successful on a 150-question, multiple choice, computer based examination. The examinations are offered at 150 sites throughout the United States. For a list of examination sites use this hyperlink http://www.goamp.com.
When you reach the site click on "Candidates,"
then click on "Healthcare" and then click on "American
Board for Occupational Health Nurses."
Candidates have three hours to complete the examination.
The examination is developed and revised by the Board of Directors in consultation with a professional examination service. Examination questions are written by a panel of certified occupational health nurses, are edited by experts in testing and evaluation and are approved by the Board. The examination content is based on the results of research designed to identify the tasks and knowledge required to practice in the specialty of occupational health nursing. This method has resulted in a valid and highly reliable examination.
Criteria |
COHN |
COHN-S |
RN Licensure |
Required |
Required |
| Education |
None specified |
Must have Bachelor's
Degree or higher |
| Work Experience in OH |
3,000 hours in
occupational health in the past five years; or
a completion of a certificate program in occupational health nursing for
academic credit. |
3,000 hours in
occupational health in the past five years; or
a completion of a certificate program in occupational health nursing for
academic credit; or
a completion of a graduate level of education with a concentration in
occupational health. |
| Continuing Education in OH |
None required |
None required |
