The Dermatology Nurses' Association
Nurses serving nurses for more than 30 years!

DNC Examination Description

The dermatology nursing certification examination is based on a job analysis of dermatology nursing practice. The job analysis and the examination were developed with the assistance of the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET). The test consists of 200 multiple choice items, written within the framework of the nursing process. The examination is approximately 4 hours in length.

Objectives of the Examination

The dermatology nursing certification examination is designed to measure the nurse's ability to:

  • Assess and monitor the status of patients with dermatologic disorders before, during, and after treatment.
  • Select appropriate strategies to meet the education, health promotion, and psycho-socio-cultural needs of dermatology patients, their significant others, and the community.
  • Plan, administer (or assist others to administer), and monitor the medical, surgical, and phototherapeutic interventions for patients with dermatologic disorders.
  • Coordinate care to ensure safe, efficient delivery of high-quality dermatology care, in collaboration with other health care providers and community resources.

Content Areas of the Examination

By Dermatology Nursing Practice Area:

  • General Dermatology - 55%
  • Surgical Dermatology - 30%
  • Phototherapy - 15%

By Patient Problem Area:

  • Infections - 15%
  • Tumors/Malignancies - 15%
  • Dermatitis - 13%
  • Papulosquamous Disorders - 13%
  • Photosensitivity/Photodamage - 9%
  • Hypersensitivities/Infestations - 7%
  • Pigmentation/Vascular Disorders - 6%
  • Hair and Nails - 5%
  • Acne and Rosacea - 5%
  • Wounds and Ulcers - 5%
  • Bullous and Immune Disorders - 4%
  • Miscellaneous - 3%

View the DNC Patient Problem List (pdf)

To obtain an application contact:

Dermatology Nurse Certification Program
c/o C-NET
601 Pavonia Avenue, Suite 201
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 800.463.0786
Fax: 201.217.9785
Cost: $200 -- DNA Member, $275 -- Nonmember