Exam structure, 2026 client-needs blueprint, clinical judgment, application sequence, exam-day rules and official preparation links.
questions in the variable-length CAT exam.
maximum testing time, including breaks.
pretest questions; candidates cannot identify them.
Individual exams can vary within the official percentage ranges.
| Category | Official range | Study focus |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Care | 15–21% | Prioritization, delegation, ethics, advocacy, continuity, quality and legal responsibilities |
| Safety & Infection Prevention and Control | 10–16% | Precautions, asepsis, hazards, injury prevention, emergency response |
| Health Promotion & Maintenance | 6–12% | Growth and development, prevention, prenatal/postpartum, screening, self-care |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6–12% | Mental health, substance use, crisis, coping, therapeutic communication, abuse/neglect |
| Basic Care & Comfort | 6–12% | ADLs, mobility, nutrition, elimination, comfort, sleep and assistive devices |
| Pharmacological & Parenteral Therapies | 13–19% | Medication safety, IV therapy, adverse effects, blood products and calculations |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9–15% | Labs, diagnostics, complications, procedures and monitoring |
| Physiological Adaptation | 11–17% | Acute, chronic and life-threatening conditions, emergencies and system instability |
Identify relevant assessment findings and changes.
Connect findings to likely explanations.
Decide which problem needs attention first.
Develop safe and appropriate interventions.
Select or implement the priority nursing action.
Assess the response and determine next steps.
Submit the application and required evidence through the regulator.
Do not treat exam registration as a substitute for CNO eligibility.
Use the exact identity details required for testing.
Select an approved test centre and appointment.