Criteria
Candidates who are interested in sitting for the certified urologic examination must meet the basic criteria as listed below prior to submitting an application.
Associate
U.S Eligibility Criteria
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/ Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must hold a current license as a practical/ vocational nurse in the United States, or its territories.
- The applicant must have 1 year of experience as an LPN/LVN in urology nursing practice.
Other Associates:
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have completed an accredited training program and one year of practice in the field of urology
(or) - The applicant must have completed three (3) years of in-service training under the supervision of a practicing urologist or Nurse Practitioner (NP) with a letter of verification from the urologist or NP.
International Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have completed a state approved educational program and the practice requirements as stated above.
- Examination provided in English only.
- CBUNA reserves the right to review transcripts of the nursing/ training education program to determine eligibility.
Registered Nurse
U.S Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have completed a nationally accredited nursing educational program.
- The applicant must have completed (2) years working as a Registered Nurse (RN) with a minimum of 800 clinical practice hours of providing patient care to urologic patients within the last three (3) years.
- The applicant must hold a current active, unrestricted professional license in the U.S. or its territories.
International Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have completed a state approved educational program and the practice requirements as stated above.
- The applicant must hold a license/registration as a first level general nurse.
- The examination is provided in English only.
- CBUNA reserves the right to review transcripts of the nursing education program to determine eligibility.
Nurse Practitioner
U.S. Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have completed a nationally accredited nursing educational program.
- The applicant must have completed two (2) years working as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) with a minimum of 800 clinical practice hours of providing patient care to urologic patients within the last three (3) years.
- The applicant must have current recognition by the state board of nursing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
- The applicant must hold a master’s degree in nursing or a DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice).
- The applicant must hold current certification as a nurse practitioner from a national certifying board: American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), National Certification Corporation (NCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or Pediatric Nurse Certification Board (PNCB).
International Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have completed a state approved educational program and practice requirements as stated above.
- The applicant must hold recognition as a nurse practitioner from the nursing regulatory authority in their country or province.
- The examination is provided in English only.
- CBUNA reserves the right to review transcripts of the nursing education program to determine eligibility.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
No individual shall be excluded from the opportunity to participate in the CBUNA certification process on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Description
Urology Associate
There are 150 questions on the examination. The urologic practitioner must be knowledgeable in all areas of urology. The Content Area percentages and the Practice percentages for the exam items are included in the Certification Preparation Guide. The Certification Preparation Guide has been designed as a guide to help focus your attention on areas of particular emphasis as determined by practice analysis and is not meant to be all-inclusive.
As of October 2013, the new passing score for the CBUNA Associate exam was determined and set at 72% by using the Angoff Procedure.
Urology Registered Nurse
There are 150 questions on the examination. The urologic nurse must be knowledgeable in all areas of urology. The Content Area percentages and the Practice percentages for the exam items are included in the Certification Preparation Guide. The Certification Preparation Guide has been designed as a guide to help focus your attention on areas of particular emphasis as determined by practice analysis and is not meant to be all-inclusive.
As of October 2018, the passing score for the CBUNA Registered Nurse exam was determined and set at 70% by using the Angoff Procedure.
Urology Nurse Practitioner
There are 175 questions on the examination. The nurse practitioner must be knowledgeable in all areas of urology. Therefore, the test content is broad and comprehensive. The examination is an objective test covering knowledge, understanding and application of urologic theory and practice. The Certification Preparation Guide has been designed as a guide to help focus your attention on areas of particular emphasis as determined by practice analysis and is not meant to be all-inclusive.
As of October 2017, the new passing score for the CBUNA Nurse Practitioner exam was determined and set at 72% by using the Angoff Procedure.
Objectives
Urology Associate
To measure the associate's ability to:
- Review normal anatomy of the genitourinary (GU) system and identify how alterations predispose patients to common urological problems, in both the pediatric and adult population.
- Identify the common GU congenital anomalies, their signs and symptoms, and the diagnostic evaluation.
- Apply the principles of nursing to the caring management of urologic patients throughout their lifecycle.
- Describe treatment modalities for adult urologic problems including the patient preparation process, the potential complications, and the expected outcomes of each treatment.
- Describe treatment modalities for the pediatric urologic problems and the role of the associate in patient and family preparation, monitoring complications, and recognizing the expected outcomes.
- Identify the common pediatric anomalies and the care associated with these patients as they move into adulthood.
- Understand the different classifications of drugs used to treat urologic conditions, their indications for use and potential side effects and interactions.
- Describe the diagnostic imaging studies used to evaluate urologic conditions as well as the preparation process, the indications for use, and the contraindications.
- Recognize the diagnostic laboratory studies used to diagnosis urologic problems: the normal values and the implications of abnormal results.
- List the surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies commonly used during urologic procedures.
- Apply principles of asepsis to care of urologic patients.
- Develop, implement, and teach the principles for promoting a safe environment for patients undergoing an urological procedure both in a clinic setting and in the operating room.
Urology Registered Nurse
To measure the RN's ability to:
- Detect alterations in genitourinary anatomy and physiology.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal growth and development.
- Identify adult and pediatric genitourinary problems.
- Select appropriate treatment modalities for adult and pediatric urologic problems.
- Evaluate laboratory findings with respect to genitourinary pathology.
- Classify drugs used to treat urologic problems.
- Assess patient response to pharmacologic therapy.
- Compare diagnostic studies used to evaluate genitourinary alterations.
- Describe the use of various urologic instruments and supplies.
- Apply principles of asepsis to care of urologic patients.
- Assess progression of urologic cancers.
- Formulate teaching plans to address genitourinary problems for patients, their families and the community.
- Evaluate interventions in relationship to desired outcomes.
- Relate new trends and research from urologic literature.
Urology Nurse Practitioner
To measure the practitioner's ability to:
- Assess health history and physical findings systematically.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal growth, development, and physiology.
- Identify common adult and pediatric genitourinary problems.
- Select appropriate treatment modalities for adult and pediatric urologic problems.
- Evaluate laboratory findings with respect to genitourinary conditions.
- Recommend appropriate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management approaches.
- Assess response to pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies.
- Select diagnostic studies to evaluate genitourinary conditions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate indications for invasive urologic procedures.
- Apply the principles of nursing to the care of urologic patients.
- Compare treatment options for urologic cancers, and evaluate methods that monitor progression.
- Formulate teaching plans to address genitourinary problems for patients, their families and the community.
- Evaluate interventions in relationship to desired outcomes, including quality improvement and care coordination.
- Correlate risk factors with specific urologic conditions.
- Explain and identify relevant governmental and professional practice standards.
Blueprints
The test specifications (blueprints) are developed, reviewed, and revised through formal practice analysis surveys approximately every 5 years. CBUNA has approved the following blueprint (framework) for examination development:
CUA Test Specifications (Blueprint)
Adopted March 2013/Effective October 2013
Axis I - Patient Problems
- Pediatric anomalies and common neoplasms. 4%
- Urinary tract inflammations and disorders. 18%
- Voiding dysfunctions, including incontinence. 25%
- Obstructive uropathies, including stones & BPH. 30%
- Infertility and sexual dysfunctions; disorders of male genitalia. 8%
- Genitourinary cancers. 15%
Axis II - Patient Care Activities
- Prepare for and implement care of patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/ treatments. 35%
- Monitor and evaluate patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/treatments. 30%
- Teach patient, their significant others, and other staff members about management and prevention of urologic conditions. 20%
- Ensure a safe environment for patient, including instrument preparation, assisting with operative procedures, proper handling of specimens, etc. 15%
CURN Test Specifications (Blueprint)
Adopted October 2017/Effective October 2018
Axis I - Patient Problems
- Pediatric anomalies, embryology and common pediatric neoplasms. 5%
- Urinary tract inflammations and disorders. 18%
- Voiding dysfunctions, including incontinence. 24%
- Obstructive uropathies and trauma, including stones & BPH. 25%
- Infertility and sexual dysfunctions; disorders of male genitalia. 5%
- Genitourinary cancers. 23%
Axis II - Nursing Activities
- Assess and monitor patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/treatments. 25%
- Plan and implement care of patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/ treatments. 30%
- Teach patient, their significant others, other health professionals, and the public about prevention and management of urologic conditions. 25%
- Evaluate outcomes of care given to patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/ treatments. 12%
- Ensure professional practice in promoting patient outcomes, e.g., consultation, staff development, quality improvement, and research. 8%
CUNP Test Specifications (Blueprint)
Adopted April 2023/Effective January 2024
Axis I - Patient Problems
- Common Pediatric Disorders. 6%
- Urinary Tract Inflammations and Disorders. 24%
- Voiding Dysfunctions, Including Incontinence. 23%
- Obstructive Uropathies and Trauma, Including Stones and BPH. 20%
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Disorders of Genitalia and Male Infertility. 10%
- Genitourinary Lesions, Benign and Malignant. 17%
Axis II - Nurse Practitioner Activities
- Assess and diagnose pathologic processes and complications of urologic conditions. 35%
- Prescribe/perform interventions, including treatments, therapies, and procedures consistent with comprehensive care needs. 30%
- Educate patient, family, other health care professionals and the public about urologic conditions. 28%
- Consult for and with peers and other health care professionals regarding specific cases. 4%
- Participate in the practice management and research activities to promote optimal outcomes, e.g., case management, coordination of care, quality improvement. 3%
