Use of the NBCRNA Self-Evaluation Examination to Predict Applicant Success in Passing the National Certification Examination on the First Attempt

Introduction The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) produces the National Certification Examination (NCE) and grants credentials to registered nurse anesthetists. To provide the profession with adequately prepared practitioners, the NBCRNA gauges anesthetists’ transition from training to practice. A key indicator is the first-time pass on the NCE. Aim The aim of this research was to determine whether success on the NCE’s preparatory Self-Evaluation Examination (SEE) predicts a first-time pass for the NCE. Methods This retrospective analysis consisted of applicants who fulfilled the general requirements for data acquisition and had taken both the SEE and NCE. Each applicant’s SEE information included the SEE total score, SEE domain scores, SEE test date, and the NCE results (pass or fail). Results The applicant’s age and days between SEE and NCE were associated with significant variance in success on NCE at first attempt. Total SEE score predicted performance nearly as well as all the other variables in the final regression model. Conclusion The components of the SEE mirror content areas of the NCE. This research emphasizes the importance of SEE testing as a predictor of students’ successful transition from nurse anesthesia programs to initial certification.