# CNML Prep

> CNML Prep is an iPhone and iPad study app for the AONL Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML®) exam: 350+ exam-style practice questions, 100-question mock exams, flashcards and an AI tutor that explains every answer.

CNML Prep is an independent mobile app (iPhone and iPad) for nurse managers and unit leaders preparing for the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML®) exam administered by the AONL Credentialing Center of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). It is not affiliated with AONL.

CNML Prep is part of Exam321.com (https://exam321.com), a family of mobile apps providing a wide variety of exam preps.

## Key facts

- Practice questions: 361, grouped into four practice topics, each with a written explanation
- Mock exams: 100 questions drawn from every practice topic, scored by topic
- Quiz modes: Survival (three lives), Infinite and Test
- Flashcards: 50 key nurse-manager terms
- AI tutor: explains why each answer is right or wrong, with follow-up questions
- Also: daily quiz and streaks, saved questions and flashcards, performance tracking, exam-date countdown
- Price: free to download; first quizzes free; CNML Prep Premium in-app purchase unlocks unlimited access
- Pass Guarantee Program: Premium subscribers who used the app for at least 14 days before the exam, did not pass, and email within 14 days of receiving their result get 3 more months of Premium free; repeatable until they pass (terms: https://cnmlprep.com/pass-guarantee; full policy: https://www.znosnie.com/pass-guarantee-policy)
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cnml-exam-prep-2026/id6762880474
- Contact: contact@znosnie.com

## Question bank by practice topic

- Financial Management: 96 questions — Budgets, FTEs and HPPD, variance analysis, reimbursement and healthcare economics.
- Human Resource Management: 91 questions — Recruitment, retention, performance management, labor law and a healthy work environment.
- Performance Improvement: 87 questions — PDSA, Lean and Six Sigma, patient safety, root cause analysis and regulatory compliance.
- Strategic Management and Technology: 87 questions — Leadership theories, strategic planning, change models, governance and health IT.

## About the CNML exam

- Credential: CNML®, Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
- Awarded by: AONL Credentialing Center (American Organization for Nursing Leadership)
- Format: 115 multiple-choice questions, 100 of them scored
- Time allowed: 2 hours
- Delivery: Computer-based through PSI, at a test center or by live remote proctoring
- Valid for: 3 years, then recertification (45 hours of professional development or re-exam)
- Eligibility: active, unrestricted RN license; bachelor's degree or higher with at least one degree in nursing; 2,080 hours in a nurse manager or primary unit leader role, or 4,160 hours in a comprehensive nursing leadership support role
- Passing standard: set by AONL with the Angoff method; the score report shows pass or fail and raw scores by content area
- Retakes: no sooner than 90 days after the last attempt, at most four attempts in two years
- Official source: https://www.aonl.org/initiatives/cnml

### Official CNML content outline (AONL handbook, revised 12/2023): scored items per domain

- Communication and Relationship Building: 25
- Health Care Environment and Clinical Principles: 18
- Leadership: 25
- Professionalism: 14
- Business Skills and Principles: 18
- Total scored items: 100 of 115 (15 unscored pretest items)
- Handbook: https://www.aonl.org/system/files/media/file/2024/01/CNML%20Handbook12.23.pdf

## Pages

- [Home](https://cnmlprep.com/): app overview, exam overview, question bank by practice topic, features, FAQ
- [Blog](https://cnmlprep.com/blog): CNML exam study notes and plans
- [Tools](https://cnmlprep.com/tools): free nurse manager tools — HPPD, staffing FTE, average daily census, nurse-to-patient ratio, budget variance and turnover calculators, CNML glossary, CNML practice test
- [Contact](https://cnmlprep.com/contact): support, question corrections, partnerships
- [Pass Guarantee Program](https://cnmlprep.com/pass-guarantee): terms for the 3-month Premium extension after a failed exam
- [CNML Exam 2026: Format, Eligibility, Cost and Content Outline](https://cnmlprep.com/blog/cnml-exam): The AONL CNML exam explained: 115 questions in 2 hours, eligibility, the $300 or $425 fee, the five content domains, scoring, retakes and recertification.
- [Free CNML Practice Questions with Answers and Explanations](https://cnmlprep.com/blog/cnml-practice-questions): 12 free CNML practice questions on finance, HR, performance improvement and strategy, each with the answer and a full explanation. Test yourself before the exam.
- [How to Study for the CNML Exam: An 8-Week Plan](https://cnmlprep.com/blog/cnml-study-guide): A week-by-week CNML study plan for working nurse managers: what to study in each of the five AONL domains, how to practice, and when you are ready to book.

## Free tools

- [HPPD calculator](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/hppd-calculator): Calculate nursing hours per patient day (HPPD) from productive hours and patient days, or work out the hours a shift needs to hit a target HPPD.
- [Nurse staffing FTE calculator](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/nurse-staffing-fte-calculator): Turn a target HPPD and average daily census into productive and paid FTEs, with nonproductive time. Plus FTE from weekly hours (36 hours = 0.9 FTE).
- [Average daily census calculator](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/average-daily-census-calculator): Calculate average daily census (ADC) from patient days, plus bed occupancy rate and average length of stay. Worked example from the CNML handbook.
- [Nurse-to-patient ratio calculator](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/nurse-to-patient-ratio-calculator): Work out how many nurses a shift needs for a nurse-to-patient ratio such as 1:4 or 1:5, and the RN hours per patient day that ratio implies.
- [Budget variance calculator](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/budget-variance-calculator): Calculate budget variance in dollars and percent and see if it is favorable or unfavorable, then split a labor variance into volume and rate variances.
- [Turnover & vacancy rate calculator](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/nurse-turnover-rate-calculator): Calculate annualized nurse turnover rate from separations and average headcount, and RN vacancy rate from unfilled and budgeted FTEs (NSI formula).
- [CNML glossary](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/cnml-glossary): Searchable glossary of 50 key CNML® exam terms: budgeting, staffing, HR law, quality improvement, leadership theories and change models.
- [Free CNML practice test](https://cnmlprep.com/tools/cnml-practice-test): Take a free 15-question CNML® practice test covering finance, HR, performance improvement and strategy. Instant scoring and an explanation for every answer.

## Languages

The home and contact pages are available in 2 languages (the blog is English-only):

- [English](https://cnmlprep.com/) (en)
- [Español](https://cnmlprep.com/es) (es)

## FAQ

### What is the AONL CNML exam?

The CNML® exam is the certification exam for nurse managers and unit leaders, administered by the AONL Credentialing Center (American Organization for Nursing Leadership). Passing it earns the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader credential.

### How many questions are on the CNML exam?

The CNML exam has 115 multiple-choice questions, of which 100 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest items. Candidates have 2 hours to complete it. Always confirm current details in the AONL CNML handbook.

### Who is eligible for the CNML exam?

You need an active, unrestricted RN license, a bachelor’s degree or higher (at least one degree in nursing), and either 2,080 hours in a nurse manager or primary unit leader role or 4,160 hours in a nursing leadership support role. Check the AONL handbook for the current requirements.

### What is CNML Prep?

CNML Prep is an iPhone and iPad app built only for the CNML exam. It includes 361 exam-style practice questions organized by topic, 100-question mock exams, 50 key-term flashcards, a daily quiz and an AI tutor that explains the reasoning behind every answer.

### How long should I study for the CNML exam?

Many candidates plan for 6 to 12 weeks of steady preparation. Short daily sessions work better than cramming: CNML Prep is designed around short daily quizzes, key-term flashcards, saved questions and a countdown to your exam date.

### Is CNML Prep free?

CNML Prep is free to download, and your first practice quizzes are free. CNML Prep Premium, an in-app purchase, unlocks unlimited quizzes, mock exams, the full question bank and extended AI tutor access.

### Is CNML Prep affiliated with AONL?

No. CNML Prep is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by AONL. CNML® is a registered trademark of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.