OCN Exam: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Published 2026-11-02 · Facts and text checked 2026-10-16 · Questions from our OCN study guide · Reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer

The most common OCN exam mistakes: studying brand names when ONCC uses only generic names, giving every area equal time when the outline is weighted, knowing an emergency's name but not the first nursing action, and reading the scaled passing score of 55 as a percentage. Each fix below is tied to the official facts.

1. Studying brand drug names. ONCC uses only generic names on its tests. Learn the generic name of every agent you study.
2. Treating the outline as equal parts. The areas are weighted: symptom management and supportive care is 25% of the test, psychosocial dimensions 10%. Spend your time in proportion.
3. Recognizing an emergency but not the first action. Oncologic emergencies are 16% of the test, and questions usually ask what the nurse does first. Practice the priority action, not just the name of the syndrome.
4. Reading the score as a percentage. The passing standard is a scaled score of 55 on a 25-75 scale, not 55% correct. The raw number of correct answers needed varies by test form.
5. Forgetting the unscored questions. 20 of the 165 questions are unscored and you cannot tell which ones. Give every question the same attention.
6. Planning a quick retake. After a failed attempt you can apply again only once your 90-day test window has expired. Prepare to pass the first time.

Practice the fix: OCN practice test.