ONCB now offers Retest for Success…a unique program to help RNs earn the only credential that recognizes their commitment to lifelong learning and the high level of knowledge that contributes to effective orthopaedic patient care.
How it works
With Retest for Success, participating health care facilities can sponsor a minimum of three RNs or NPs to take the ONC® (basic credential) or ONP-C® (nurse practitioner credential) examination. Health care 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 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.
Please note: only nurses who are pursuing initial certification are eligible for Retest for Success benefits. The program does not apply to current credential holders taking the exam for recertification.
Reduced test anxiety for you…less fear of failure because you can retest for success!
More help for exam candidates
To help jump-start candidates’ exam preparation, ONCB offers a free online practice examination to each Retest for Success applicant to help identify areas of strength as well as areas for additional study. This 50-question general practice exam covers all content areas on the ONC certification exam (e.g., degenerative disease, metabolic and inflammatory disorders).
How to begin
Discuss Retest for Success with your nurse leaders and ask them to review the program contract. Encourage them to contact the ONCB staff with any questions, or to discuss details of program participation. A nurse leader with authority to sign contracts on behalf of your employer can complete the contract and return by one of the following:
Postal Mail:
ONCB
330 N. Wabash, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60611
Attn: Retest for Success
Email: rfs@oncb.org
Fax: 312-673-6971
Contract Terms
The contract is available at no cost to facilities and good for a 1 year period; a countersigned copy will be returned to your facility’s contact person. He or she also will receive a memo with instructions for using the online examination application. Each facility has a unique code that must be entered as the candidate begins the online application.
The first three RNs/NPs should apply at approximately the same time to satisfy the terms of the contract. After the minimum of three candidates has been met, individual nurses may apply as they become eligible or ready to test during the remainder of the contract period. When completing the application, candidates either pay personally for their exams or, based on facility practice, indicate “My facility will pay.” Candidates will be prompted to “Create Invoice,” and then print and provide to the person responsible for payment at their facility.
We do not accept check payments. If your facility prefers a specific payment method for their employees, please contact ONCB at oncb@oncb.org for more information.
Exam applicants will receive emailed approval to test with an identified expiration date for the 90-day window in which they must test. Any nurse who is not successful on the first attempt must wait 90 days to schedule the second exam and then has an additional 90 days to retest without payment of additional fees.
Get started!
A specialty nursing certification is a significant benefit for you and your employer…an important distinction that is valuable to your patients and your organization. Spread the word about this great program (download our information flyer) that will help more orthopaedic nurses earn distinction as certified professionals!
*Retest for Success participants are not eligible for other group discounts offered by ONCB.