OCN vs CPHON: Which Oncology Nursing Exam Is Yours?
October 12, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
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The Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) and the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) are both awarded by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), and on the surface the two exams look identical. They are not interchangeable: one certifies adult oncology practice, the other pediatric hematology and oncology. This comparison uses ONCC's 2026 Test Registration Manual.
| OCN | CPHON | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Registered nurses in adult oncology | Registered nurses in pediatric hematology/oncology |
| Questions | 165 multiple-choice; 145 scored, 20 pretest | 165 multiple-choice; 125 scored, 40 pretest |
| Time | 3 hours (includes a 15-minute tutorial and a post-test survey) | 3 hours (same session format) |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 55 (scale 25-75) | Scaled score of 55 (scale 25-75) |
| Fee | $300 ONS/APHON members, $420 nonmembers | $300 ONS/APHON members, $420 nonmembers |
| Practice hours required | 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing in the last 4 years | 2,000 hours of pediatric oncology or hematology nursing in the last 4 years |
| Content outline | Six subject areas, from a 2024 role delineation study | Six subject areas, from a 2021 role delineation study |
What is the same
Both require a current, unencumbered RN license in the US, its territories or Canada, at least 24 months of RN experience within the 48 months before you apply, and 10 contact hours of oncology (or, for CPHON, oncology or hematology) continuing education in the last 36 months. Both sessions last three hours with no scheduled break, both use four-option questions, and both report a scaled score where 55 passes. ONCC's scaled score is not a percentage: the number of correct answers that equals 55 varies from form to form.
What is different
The population. OCN experience must come from adult oncology; CPHON experience from pediatric oncology or hematology. The 2,000 practice hours have to match the credential you apply for.
How many questions count. On the OCN 145 of the 165 questions are scored; on the CPHON only 125 are, because CPHON carries 40 pretest questions instead of 20. On both exams you cannot tell which questions count, so the practical effect is small: answer everything.
The blueprint. Each exam has its own six-area Test Content Outline. Build your plan on the outline of the exam you are taking, not on a review book for the other population.
Which one should you take?
If your oncology hours are with adults, the OCN; if they are with children and adolescents in hematology/oncology, the CPHON. If your hours are split, check which credential your hours qualify for before you apply: ONCC asks for 2,000 hours in the specialty of the credential.
Practice for it: the OCN study guide and the free OCN practice test (no account).
Official sources
Checked against the sources above on October 12, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.