Prohibited Exam Behavior

As a guardian of the public safety, the NBCRNA takes very seriously the integrity of the exams that are the gateway to nurse anesthesia credentials and that are an integral part of nurse anesthesia training. Any attempt to confer an unfair advantage on any parties involved in testing could damage the validity of those exams and the value of the credentials associated with them.

Report Cheating

If you observe inappropriate, unethical, or cheating behaviors related to any NBCRNA examination, please report it by going to the following website: www.nbcrna.ethicspoint.com or by phone at 844-703-1790.  You may remain anonymous if you wish. This is a third-party reporting service known as Ethics Point. You can remain anonymous if you choose, and no direct contact with NBCRNA staff is required to make a report via this service.

What to Report

The validity of NBCRNA's exams and the value of the CRNA credential depend on the confidentiality of test questions and the appropriate conduct of examinees. If you observe any type of exam-related misconduct, either inside or outside the test center, it is your responsibility to report it either here or on our hotline.

  • Attempt to Disseminate Test Questions
  • Attempt to Purchase Test Questions
  • Discussion of Test Questions
  • False Identity
  • Proctor Misconduct
  • Theft of Test Questions
  • Unauthorized Materials
  • Other

This service is not staffed by NBCRNA employees, and your reporting can remain completely anonymous, if you choose.

Inappropriate Exam Behavior FAQs

  • Q What are some (but certainly not an exhaustive list of) examples of improper exam-related behaviors?

    Use of “Ringer” or proxy:

    • -Attempting to have someone other than yourself take the exam under your name or taking the exam for someone else under their name.
    • -Hiring/using a “ringer” (more knowledgeable person) or a “proxy” to sit for the examination in one’s place.
    •  

    Retention or possession of exam materials:

    • -Having an electronic device in the test center that can take pictures, video, audio, or record or transmit typed text or copy files
    • -Forgetting to take off your smartwatch
    • -Having a USB drive in your pocket
    • -Having printed copies, pictures, handwritten notes, files, or other representations of exam content, inside or outside the test center
    • -Memorizing content that is on an exam to later record or share it
    •  

    Sharing Exam materials:

    • -Talking to examinees, faculty, students, or test prep / review course personnel about what is, or is not, on the exam.
    • -Talking to examinees, faculty, students, or test prep / review course personnel about what is more or less important to study based on your exam experience – such as:
      • "There was much more about ____ on the test than I expected."
      • "There was this question about ____ that really confused me. How would/did you answer?"
      • "You should review the diagram of ____. One question was just like that."
      • "Why do we spend so much time studying ____ when it's not on the exam?"
      • "I teach this aspect of the curriculum in my course, but it's not really covered on the boards."
      •  
    • -Posting social media, email, or discussion board messages about experience of question materials on the exam
      • "I was really glad I took ____ test prep course because the questions were almost identical to the real thing."
      • "Does anybody want to get together to make an exam study guide? I can remember a few questions, and if we put our heads together..."
      • "This was a terrible test. For instance, this question about ____ didn't make any sense..."
      •  
    • -Contributing actual test materials to a prep course with or without compensation
      • Attempting to obtain actual exam materials or inside information:
      • Attending a course or purchasing materials that claim to include actual test content
      • Asking someone who has taken an exam for information about the exam, such as
      • "I feel like I'm a little weak on ____. Were there many questions about that?"
      • Answering test questions on the basis of anything other than one's own knowledge and judgement
      • Using notes brought into the test center
      • Looking at another person's exam
      • Asking a proctor or another examinee for answer information
      • Any prohibited communication while taking the exam

  • Q What are penalties for improper exam-related behavior?

    Penalties include but are not limited to:
    • -Loss of eligibility to take any NBCRNA exam, including SEE, NCE, REE, CPCA and NSPM - now or in the future
    • -Invalidation of exam results
    • -Revocation of certification
    • -Assessment of monetary damages
    • -Legal liability

  • Q What should I do if I witness behavior I think may be improper?

    • -If you see any behavior related to NBCRNA exams that you think may be improper, you are obligated to report it.
    • -The NBCRNA uses a third-party reporting service known as Ethics Point. You can remain anonymous if you choose, and no direct contact with NBCRNA staff is required.To reach Ethics Point to report irregular or improper behavior:

    Online Reporting: www.nbcrna.ethicspoint.com

    Phone reporting: 844-703-1790

  • Q What are examples of permitted exam-related behaviors?

    • Exchanging general information about the test center environment or rules
      • "Are you allowed to take a break during the test?"
      • "There was a little bit of a delay to get seated at the center."