Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does the Retest for Success Program work?
   • With Retest for Success, participating healthcare facilities can sponsor a minimum of three RNs or NPs to take the ONC® (basic credential) or ONP-C® (nurse practitioner credential) examination. Healthcare facilities do not have to pay for their candidates; nurses can self-pay and still benefit from the program by being part of a Retest for Success facility. Candidates also do not need to test together; they can develop their own exam preparation plans and schedule their test dates any time within 90 days after the application approval. As a participant in Retest for Success, any nurse who is not successful on the first attempt can retest without paying additional exam fees but must wait a minimum of 90 days to retake the examination. In addition, all candidates receive a free online practice exam to jumpstart their prep.
   • Learn more here: https://www.oncb.org/retestforsuccess/?fbclid=IwAR3dBGLVAkLPb3Oz-wTf58lDtPA1KVy0x1ZqhQPfq8va9mhylgXl74hbBig
2. Apart from the Retest for Success program, does ONCB offer any group discounts on the exam?
   • Yes! If you are not part of our Retest for Success program, we do offer a group discount if you have five or more nurses testing from the same facility. Your group will receive 15% off the exam fee when prepaid by the facility. Contact ONCB (oncb@oncb.org) for more information.
3. Does ONCB offer any scholarships? Yes, we offer multiple scholarships throughout the year.
   • Exam and Recertification Scholarships
     • Given once a year, submissions are due by January 1, annually. 
     • Award(s)
       • For first-time ONC and/or ONP-C Exam Candidate(s)
         • Two (2) scholarships are awarded for first-time ONC exam candidates (One of two exam scholarships can be awarded to a non-NAON member.)
         • One (1) first-time ONP-C exam scholarship (can be awarded to a non-NAON member.)
       • For ONC and/or ONP-C Recertification
         • Two (2) scholarships for ONC recertification.
         • Two (2) ONP-C recertification scholarships (open to ONP-C and OCNS-C credential holders).
         • All applicants for recertification scholarships must be NAON members.
   • Exam Prep Products Scholarship – jointly sponsored with NAON
     • Maximum of four winners per year
       • Two for May award (one ONC and one ONP-C)
       • Two for October award (one ONC and one ONP-C)
     • Given twice a year, submissions due by May 1 and October 1, annually
     • Awards are available only to non-certified NAON members
     • Award(s)
       • ONC Exam Prep Scholarship
         • One copy of the current Core Curriculum for Orthopaedic Nursing, courtesy of NAON
         • Bundle of five online ONC practice examinations provided by ONCB
       • ONP-C Exam Prep Scholarship
         • The AAOS Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care textbook with interactive eBook courtesy of NAON
         • Bundle of five online ONP-C practice exams provided by ONCB
   • ONCB Dottie Roberts Excellence in Certification Scholarship
     • One winner per year.
     • Given once a year, submissions are due by January 1, annually.
     • Candidate must hold current ONC, ONP-C, or OCNS-C certification and must be recertifying for at least the second time.
     • Award
       • One free recertification
   • To apply for any of our scholarships and for more information, visit our website here: https://www.oncb.org/certifications/onc-certification/scholarships-and-awards/