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BONENT Certification Exams

By Steve February 5, 2014 Dialysis Technician Certification

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology is an organization that is recognized by the National Association of Nephrology Technicians (NANT). BONENT began offering exams to technicians in the early 1970s as an alternative to those being offered through the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AMSECT). Its members work to review and revise exams so that they reflect current standards and to ensure that one’s competency is accurately evaluated.


BONENT examinations are administered in many parts of the World including the United States, Singapore, Australia, Turkey, and New Zealand. The first examination offered through BONENT was the Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) which remains the core credential offered to individuals working in the industry. Two additional exams including the Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) and the Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) were added in later years. BONENT continues to depend heavily on its members for financial and administrative support.

Technician Certification Exam Details

1) The Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam – This exam was designed to measure technical proficiency in knowledge and skills that are relevant to the profession. Questions are categorized according to five major domains of practice including patient care (65%), machine technology (10%), water treatment (5%), dialyzer reprocessing (5%), and personal development (15%). The exam contains 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed in three hours or less.

Eligibility – In order to take this exam, applicants must submit a copy of a high school diploma or transcripts with a principal’s signature or school seal, complete a minimum of 12 months of experience in nephrology patient care or complete an accredited dialysis course approved by the BONENT Board, and submit two signed reference letters. Additional details about eligibility requirements can be found by clicking here.

Exam Fee – written exam: $220, computer based exam: $250

Exam Application – Click Here

Exam Preparation – Practice Exam


2) The Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) Exam – This examination has 150 multiple choice questions that have been divided into four major domains of practice that include dialysis treatment and related issues (74.5%), environmental control (10%), supervision and administration (10%), and professional development (5.5%). Those who plan to take the exam are advised to focus their studies on those areas that tend to be weighted more heavily.

Eligibility – In order to sit for this exam, applicants must be a registered nurse (RN) with a valid license and at least 12 months of experience with end stage renal disease (ESRD), a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) with at least 24 months of experience with ESRD in a nursing capacity as verified by a supervisor or director, two signed letters of recommendation, must be employed at the time of application, and submit an application. More detailed information about eligibility requirements can be found by clicking here.

Exam Fee – written exam: $220, computer based exam: $250

Exam Application – Click Here

Exam Preparation – Study Guide

3) The Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) Exam – This exam contains 150 multiple choice questions that have been divided into four major domains of practice that include nursing process (60%), education (20%), administration (10%), and professional development (10%). Those who plan to take this exam are well-advised to focus their studies on those areas that are weighted more heavily.

Eligibility – In order to sit for this exam, applicants must be a registered nurse (RN) with a valid license and at least 12 months of experience with end stage renal disease (ESRD), a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) with at least 24 months of experience with ESRD in a nursing capacity as verified by a supervisor or director, two signed letters of recommendation, must be employed at the time of application, and submit an application. More detailed information about eligibility requirements can be found by clicking here.

Exam Fee – written exam: $220, computer based exam: $250

Exam Application – Click Here

Exam Preparation – Study Guide

Recommended Reading Materials


There are a few textbooks that have been endorsed by BONENT for studying purposes. While applicants are not required to review these materials, those who do study tend to perform better. It is also recommended that a technician consult with other technicians and facility administrators in order to get a better idea of what can be expected and how to prepare for the exam. The topic is often addressed during the technician orientation and training process as well.