The CLNC^® Certification Examination

CLNC^® Certification Process  |   Benefits of Certification  |   Recertification  |   Certification FAQ

To take the CLNC^® Certification Examination, you must:

• Maintain an active RN license in the U.S. or Canada (a BSN degree is not required) and
• Complete the Basic CLNC^® Certification, which is included in any of the CLNC^® Success Systems.

Exemptions from meeting any of these criteria will not be granted.

Additional eligibility requirements may be adopted by Vickie Milazzo Institute from time to time in its sole discretion. Any such requirements will be designed to establish, for the purposes of CLNC^® Certification, the adequacy of a candidate’s knowledge and experience in functioning as a legal nurse consultant. Vickie Milazzo Institute may change these eligibility requirements at any time without notice.

The distribution of questions at the various cognitive levels is as follows:

• Level 1: Knowledge/Comprehension – 59%.
• Level 2: Application/Analysis – 41%.

Testing at cognitive levels above basic recall or comprehension indicates the candidate’s ability to identify problems, plan, implement and evaluate.

Basic CLNC^® Certification – The comprehensive CLNC^® Certification Program (Online, DVDs, CDs or 6-Day Seminar) provides all the information you need to successfully pass the CLNC^® Certification Examination.

Study the Basic CLNC^® Certification Program, choosing the method of learning that best suits your needs:

• Study at home (Online, DVDs or CDs).
• Attend the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar.
• Follow along with the Core Curriculum for Legal Nurse Consulting^® textbook.
• Practice the Core Curriculum review questions.

Take the CLNC^® Certification Exam as follows:

• If you are attending the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar, complete the CLNC^® Certification Examination on Day 6 following the review session.
• If you are completing the CLNC^®  Home-Study Certification Program  (Online, DVDs or CDs), you will need to complete and submit the CLNC^® Certification Program Evaluation. You will also need to complete and submit the CLNC^® Certification Exam Application. After submitting the evaluation and application, you will receive an email eligibility notice with instructions on scheduling your CLNC^® Certication Exam at a Prometric Testing Center near you (allow two weeks for this process).

Competency statements – The following statements identify the essential competencies a CLNC^® consultant should possess.The CLNC^® consultant should be able to:

• Demonstrate the knowledge inherent in the role of the Certified Legal Nurse Consultant.
• Apply knowledge of basic sciences to the provision of legal nurse consulting services.
• Demonstrate understanding of the litigation process.
• Apply knowledge of theories of liability used in medical-related cases.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medical malpractice, personal injury, products liability, environmental and workers’ compensation cases.
• Apply screening principles to medical-related cases.
• Demonstrate case evaluation strategies and apply principles to report writing.
• Detect tampering in the medical record.
• Research the scientific literature to support interpretation of the medical record.
• Obtain and interpret medical records for adherences to and deviations from standards of care as they apply to the case.
• Demonstrate knowledge of managed care litigation.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist attorneys in developing discovery such as interrogatories and requests for production.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role of the testifying expert and the ability to interface with experts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contract formulation as it applies to a legal nurse consulting practice.
• Integrate legal and ethical principles into legal nurse consulting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of marketing strategies and apply interviewing techniques.

Testing blueprint.
A testing blueprint identifies areas of knowledge that might be tested, along with the approximate percentage of questions in each content area. The following testing blueprint outlines topics that might be included on the CLNC^® Certification Examination, along with a percentage representing the approximate proportion of examination questions related to each content area.

1. The Role of the Certified Legal Nurse Consultant – 10%.

• Types of cases on which legal nurse consultants are qualified to consult.
• Distinctions between the consulting expert and the testifying expert.
• Scope of practice of the CLNC^® consultant.

2. The Litigation Process – 8%.

• Pre-litigation phase of a lawsuit.
• Phases of litigation.
• Methods of discovery.
• Alternative dispute resolution.
• Variables that affect who wins.

3. Theories of Liability and Defenses Used in Medical-Related Cases – 7%.

• Intentional tort.
• Negligence.
• Strict liability.

4. Anatomy of Personal Injury, Products Liability, Toxic Tort and Workers’ Compensation Cases – 7%.

• Products liability.
• Toxic tort cases.
• Work-related injuries.
• General personal injury and medical malpractice.

5. How to Screen Medical-Related Cases Effectively and Efficiently – 8%.

• The significance of screening.
• Persons who screen medical malpractice cases.
• Legal elements of a medical-related case.
• Factors that affect the initial screening opinions of attorneys and insurance companies.
• What the Certified Legal Nurse Consultant needs to screen a case.
• Potential defendants.
• Principles of screening.
• Case screening form.
• Plaintiff alert situations.
• Cases plaintiff attorneys frequently reject and defensible cases.

6. Comprehensive Case Evaluation Strategies and Report Writing Techniques – 8%.

• Steps for evaluating medical malpractice and medical-related cases.
• Report writing – malpractice and other medical-related cases.

7. How to Detect Tampering in a Medical Record – 8%.

• Purpose of the medical record in the courtroom.
• Persons who can detect tampering.
• Implications of tampering.
• Tampering alert signals.
• Tampering detection techniques.
• The CLNC^® consultant’s response to suspected tampering or alteration.
• The role of the forensic document examiner (FDE).
• Working effectively with the FDE.
• The FDE’s tools, techniques and capabilities.
• The tort of intentional spoliation.

8. How to Research Medical-Related Cases – 4%.

• Information available at a library.
• Selecting the best source of information.
• Finding information.
• Choosing a database vendor.
• Information brokers.
• Document delivery.
• Information available through the Internet.

9. Standards of Care – 3%.

• Sources indicative of standards of care.
• Obtaining standards and guidelines.
• Use of standards of care in the courtroom.
• Analyzing policies and procedures of the defendant healthcare facility.

10. The Role of the Certified Legal Nurse Consultant in Managed Care Litigation – 5%.

• Legal theories.
• Legal defenses.
• Potential defendants.
• Accreditation of managed care organizations (MCOs).

11. Helping Attorneys with Discovery – 4%.

• Guidelines for drafting interrogatories and requests for production.
• Types of interrogatories directed to defendants.
• Types of requests for production directed to defendants.
• Types of interrogatories directed to plaintiffs.
• Types of requests for production directed to plaintiffs.

12. Helping Attorneys Develop Demonstrative Evidence – 1%.

13. The Role of the Nurse as a Testifying Expert – 7%.

• Role of the testifying expert (TE).
• Communicating with the attorney-client.
• Preparing for deposition and trial.
• What to expect during deposition and trial.
• Strategies for testifying.

14. Locating and Working with Testifying Experts – 3%.

• Sources for locating TEs.
• Brokering TEs for law firms.
• Working effectively with TEs.
• Assessing qualifications of potential TEs.
• Communicating with potential TEs.
• Types of TEs used in medical-related cases.
• Fees for locating expert witnesses.

15. How to Formulate and Negotiate Contracts – 3%.

• Contracts.
• Common clauses.
• Contract drafting strategies.
• Negotiating strategies.

16. Legal and Ethical Issues – 5%.

• Liability issues.
• Conflicts of interest.
• Confidentiality.

17. Developing a Marketing Strategy – 5%.

• Elements of effective marketing.
• Competitive strategies.
• Fees.

18. Successful Interview Techniques – 4%.

• Preparation.
• Interview concepts.
• Closing.
• Evaluation of performance.

19. Business Development Principles – 0%.

The above outline is not an all-inclusive review of the scope of the CLNC^® consultant’s knowledge, but is provided to help you evaluate your own level of knowledge.

Sample questions.
The following five test questions are provided as samples of the format of the examination questions and do not reflect the scope or difficulty level of the exam. The rigorous review to which actual examination questions are subject was not applied to these samples. Review these items for format only, not for content.

(1) Joyce Miller files a lawsuit against her physician for damages and injuries resulting from a silicone breast
       implant. She will most likely pursue her cause of action under a theory of:

(a) Negligence.
(b) Strict liability.
(c) Assault.
(d) Express warranty.

Answer: a.

(2) As a CLNC^® consultant you will be more helpful to the attorney if you:

(a) Sit on the fence and don’t take a stand.
(b) Take a stand, even if you’re not always right.
(c) Take a stand only when you’re 100% certain that you’re right.
(d) Offer an opinion you think the attorney needs to hear.

Answer: b.

(3) A request for certain documents or tangible items is a(n):

(a) Affidavit.
(b) Interrogatory.
(c) Request for admission.
(d) Request for production.

Answer: d.

(4) Which of the following situations would MOST likely merit a thorough investigation, review and analysis of
      the medical records?

(a) A patient who recovered from a misdiagnosed myocardial infarction.
(b) A patient with blood transfusion-associated hepatitis.
(c) A patient who was turned away from the ED due to lack of insurance.
(d) A patient who was noncompliant and failed to timely seek treatment.

Answer: c.

(5) A hospital employee gives a patient the wrong dose of medication. The hospital is vicariously liable under
      which theory?

(a) Ostensible agency.
(b) Direct corporate liability.
(c) Fiduciary duty.
(d) Respondeat superior.

Answer: d.

Advantages of taking the exam at the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar

• You spend six days with the master teacher who developed the CLNC^® Certification Program, Vickie L. Milazzo, RN, MSN, JD. Vickie will personally coach and mentor you.
• Your exam is given at the end of the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar, while all you’ve learned is still fresh on your mind.
• Your exam is preceded by our half-day “crash course” – a comprehensive Certification Exam Review including numerous test-taking techniques and review questions.

Vickie Milazzo Institute offers the CLNC^® Certification Examination in a booklet format at the end of each CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar.

• This allows you to complete the CLNC^® Certification Examination immediately following the review session (held on Day 6).
• Candidates test together in the meeting space used for the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar.
• The testing environment is professional, secure and standardized.

To be admitted to the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar for which you are registered, you must show two forms of identification: a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) that contains an address and signature that matches the information on your application and your active RN license. Once you have checked in, you take the CLNC^® Certification Examination on Day 6. The test area is proctored by Vickie Milazzo Institute staff who can answer administrative questions.

All examinations are in English and are administered by paper and pencil (booklet) testing only. The two-hour CLNC^® Certification Examination consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. The examination tests the basic knowledge and the application of knowledge encompassing not only tasks legal nurse consultants perform, but also the ability to conduct oneself as a professional legal nurse consultant.

• You must receive a score of 70% or more to pass the examination. If you are successful, you will receive access to print your CLNC^® Certification certificate.

Vickie Milazzo Institute offers the CLNC^® Certification Examination in a computerized format.

• You must apply for the examination within one year of purchasing your CLNC^® Home-Study Certification Program (Online, DVDs or CDs). You must take the exam at Prometric within 90 days of the date of your notice of eligibility.
• After completing your study of the CLNC^® Certification Program, complete and submit the evaluation and CLNC^® Certification Exam Application. 
• Computer-based testing (CBT) allows you to schedule the CLNC^® Certification Examination quickly and conveniently at a Prometric Testing Center near you. Most centers are open six days a week year round.
• Each candidate takes the examination by individual appointment at a Prometric Testing Center (test site). After you receive an eligibility notice from the Institute, you can schedule your examination by calling Prometric and specifying when and where you wish to take the exam.
  
  • At most locations, you may sit for the examination Monday through Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm, every week of the year (except for certain holidays).
  • Call 866.496.9749 immediately after receiving your eligibility notice to ensure that your local Prometric Testing Center’s operating hours coincide with your scheduling needs.
• The testing environment for CBT is professional, secure and standardized. Private modular testing booths provide individual work space, comfortable seating, proper lighting and ventilation. You can concentrate without distractions.
•  Prior computer experience is not necessary as you need only use a few keystrokes. Before the exam, you will be offered the option to take a CBT tutorial.

To be admitted to the Prometric Testing Center, you must show two forms of identification: a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) that contains an address and a signature that matches the information on your application, your active RN license and confirmation number. Once you have checked in and have been verified, test-site personnel will explain the testing process after which you may choose to take the CBT tutorial.

• The test area is proctored by Prometric Testing Center staff who can answer administrative questions.

All examinations are in English and administered by computer-based testing only. The two-hour CLNC^® Certification Examination consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. The examination tests the basic knowledge and the application of knowledge encompassing not only tasks legal nurse consultants perform, but also the ability to conduct oneself as a professional legal nurse consultant.

There’s no waiting to find out how you did. You receive your score immediately upon completing the CLNC^® Exam. You must receive a score of 70% or more to pass the examination. If you are successful, you will receive access to print your CLNC^® Certification certificate.

If you are enrolled in the CLNC^® Home-Study Certification Program (Online, DVDs or CDs), the application process for the computerized CLNC^® Certification Examination is as follows:

• You must submit the following:
  (1) Completed CLNC^® Certification Program evaluation.
  (2) Completed examination application.
  (3) Required fee (if applicable).
   
• The examination application and the Home-Study evaluation forms can be found online at the links provided in your product confirmation email, or you may call the Institute at 800.880.0944.

• If mailing your application, send all application materials to:

Vickie Milazzo Institute
5615 Kirby Drive, Suite 425
Houston, TX 77005-2448

If you want verification that the Institute has received your application, send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. Vickie Milazzo Institute cannot be responsible for any materials lost or delayed in the mail. Your receipt from the postal service verifies that the material was mailed on a specific date. Also, applications sent by certified mail may be traceable by the postal service.
You may wish to fax your materials to: 713.942.8075.

• Vickie Milazzo Institute will verify your eligibility and notify Prometric Testing Centers.
• Vickie Milazzo Institute will send you an eligibility notice indicating your eligibility period and instructions to schedule your exam appointment.
• Choosing a test site.
• Once you are notified of your eligibility to take the CLNC^® Certification Examination, you are responsible for contacting Prometric Testing Centers to choose your test site and make a test appointment. The toll-free number is 866.496.9749. Prometric Testing Centers are located across the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories.
• You have 90 days from the date of your notice of eligibility in which to take the examination. If you do not take the CLNC^® Exam within that period, you forfeit all testing fees. Test appointments may be made Monday through Saturday (except on certain holidays) based on availability.
• To ensure that you can take the examination at the time and location you choose, call to schedule your examination immediately after receiving your eligibility notice from Vickie Milazzo Institute.

Admission to the test site on the day of the examination.

• No admission tickets are issued for test appointments at a Prometric Testing Center.
• You are responsible for arriving at the test site 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If traveling to an unfamiliar area, allow enough travel time to locate the testing facility.
• Upon arrival at the appointed time you must show the following information to check in:

1. A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) that contains a signature and
2. Your active RN license.
3. Your confirmation number from Prometric.

• If you do not meet these check-in requirements, you will not be admitted to the test site and you will forfeit your testing rights. Candidates who are no-shows, who are more than 15 minutes late or who are refused entry due to lack of proper identification must pay an additional fee to Vickie Milazzo Institute to take the examination at a future date.
• Upon check-in at the testing facility, you will be escorted to a computer and will be allowed to take a tutorial about using the computer. The time required to take the tutorial is not deducted from the allotted examination time. Books, calculators, papers or other reference materials are not permitted in the examination room.

Taking the CLNC^® Certification Examination.

• Once you are ready to start the test, two hours are allotted for the examination itself. Answer each question to the best of your ability. If time permits after answering all the questions, you may review your examination and change any responses. The review process is straightforward and is explained clearly in the tutorial.
• If time permits, you will be asked to answer a short computer-based survey about your testing experience.
• Your examination results will be posted on the computer screen immediately after you complete the exam. You will also receive a printed score report verifying the date you took the examination. You are then free to leave.
• If you received a passing score of 70% or greater, you will receive your CLNC^® Certification notice.

Rescheduling, Cancellation or Failure to Keep a Scheduled Exam Appointment.

• According to current policy of Prometric Testing Centers, you may reschedule an appointment or change testing sites without a penalty, provided you notify Prometric at least six business days before your scheduled appointment. If you reschedule your exam appointment, you must still take your examination within 90 days of your notification of eligibility or else forfeit all fees.
• Withdrawals or rescheduling are permitted only up to six business days before the exam appointment. After that, you must take the examination at the scheduled time or else pay an additional fee to reschedule the exam.
• There are no exceptions to these requirements.

Vickie Milazzo Institute will send access to print your CLNC^® Certification certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

• You are responsible for notifying the Institute in writing or by updating your information in the NACLNC^® Online Directory of changes in any of the following:

1. Name.
2. Address.
3. Phone.
4. Email address.

If you must retake the examination due to failure, you must reapply to Vickie Milazzo Institute following the steps outlined above and pay an additional test fee.

• Refunds are not available for unsuccessful candidates.
• If you sit for the examination and do not receive a passing score, you are NOT eligible for any refund. You can retest at any time for a retesting fee.

There is an additional administration fee for students of the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar who either are unable to sit for the examination on Day 6 or who choose to take the examination at a Prometric Testing Center. Please contact a representative of Vickie Milazzo Institute for information prior to Day 6 of your seminar if you cannot take the exam on Day 6.

Candidates requiring special accommodations.

• Vickie Milazzo Institute wants to ensure that no individual is deprived of the opportunity to take the CLNC^® Certification Examination solely by reason of a disability or impairment. All Prometric Testing Centers are fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Special testing arrangements will be considered for disabled individuals provided that requests for such arrangements are submitted with your examination application and are accompanied by documentation of the disability or impairment from a suitably licensed professional. Special testing accommodations, such as additional testing time or a reader or signer, are scheduled subject to preapproval by Vickie Milazzo Institute. In some instances a 30-day period may be required for scheduling purposes. Only those candidates who have been granted this approval in advance will receive special accommodations during testing.

The CLNC^® Certification Examination at the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar is offered in a booklet format. The following are common questions about the CLNC^® Certification Examination at the seminar.

1. When may I take the CLNC^® Exam?
   At any CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar for which you are registered, you may sit for the examination on Day 6. The examination usually ends by 4:00pm on Day 6.
2. How much time is allowed for the examination?
   You are allowed two hours for the CLNC^® Certification Examination. There are 120 multiple-choice
   questions on the exam.
3. What are the requirements for admission to the seminar?
   You must bring with you:
   
   
   • A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) that contains an address and a signature that matches the information on your application.
   • Your active RN license.
4. If I can’t take the CLNC^® Examination on Day 6, how can I reschedule?
   There is an additional administration fee for students of the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar who either are unable to sit for the examination on Day 6 or who choose to take the examination at a Prometric Testing Center. Please contact a representative of Vickie Milazzo Institute for information prior to Day 6 of your seminar.

The CLNC^® Certification Examination is also offered through computer-based testing. The following are common questions about the computerized CLNC^® Certification Examination.

1. When may I take the CLNC^® Certification Examination?
   At most Prometric Testing Center locations, you may sit for the examination Monday through Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm, every week of the year (except for certain holidays). Call 866.496.9749 immediately after receiving your eligibility dates to ensure that your local Prometric Testing Center’s operating hours coincide with your scheduling needs.
2. How much time is allowed for the examination?
   You are allowed two hours for the CLNC^® Certification Examination. There are 120 multiple-choice questions on the CLNC^® Exam.
3. What information must I provide Prometric Testing Center to schedule the examination?
   You must provide:
   
   
   1. The name of the examination (refer to your eligibility notice).
   2. Your student number from the eligibility notice.
   3. Your name.
   4. Your daytime telephone number.
   5. Where and when you would like to take the exam.
4. What are the requirements for admission to the testing center?
   You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. You must bring with you:
   
   
   1. A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) that contains an address and a signature that matches the information on your application.
   2. Your active RN license.
   3. Your confirmation number.
5. If I can’t keep my scheduled testing appointment, how can I reschedule?
   You may reschedule the examination up to six business days prior to the originally scheduled test date by calling Prometric at the toll-free number 866.496.9749.
6. Are refunds available for no-shows?
   Since the rescheduling policy is so liberal, no refunds are available.
7. Is computer knowledge necessary to take the computer-based exam?
   No, computer knowledge is not required to take the computerized exam. Before the examination begins, a simple introductory lesson is presented that explains the process of selecting answers and moving from question to question. You simply choose a letter on the keyboard and press “ENTER” to record each answer, or you may use the mouse to click the chosen response.
8. While taking the examination, can I move back and forth between items?
   Yes, while taking the computerized exam, you can skip forward and backward on the exam.
9. Can I mark items for later review?
   Yes, the computerized examination contains a feature that allows you to mark items so that you may review them later.
10. What are the testing centers like?
    Each testing center allows you to concentrate on your examination, without distractions. Private, modular testing booths provide work space, comfortable seating, proper lighting and ventilation. The computer workstations offer state-of-the-art technology with high-clarity screen displays to minimize eye strain.
11. Is there a registration deadline for the CLNC^® Examination?
    You have up to one year to complete the CLNC^® Home-Study Certification Program and sit for the exam.
12. When do I apply for the CLNC^® Examination?
    You must complete the Basic CLNC^® Certification Program before you apply. Because processing and approving your application may take approximately three to four weeks, you should plan ahead. For example, if you want to take the examination in March, you should apply in early February.

The following are common questions about general policies regarding the CLNC^® Certification Examination.

1. Are actual test questions available for review?
   Vickie Milazzo Institute does not make test questions available for review. Because test questions can be used for more than one examination administration, distributing such materials would compromise the security of the items and the fairness of the exam.
2. When do I receive my test score?
   For the computer-based exam, results are available on the computer screen at the completion of the exam. For the examination administered at the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar, you will be notified within six weeks. Test scores are released only to the candidate.
3. Who may learn about my CLNC^® Certification status?
   Vickie Milazzo Institute may release your certification status to a third party, but will not provide any details, such as test scores, unless you give permission in writing.
4. What if I need to retake the exam?
   If you do not receive a passing score on the exam, you may retake the exam. There is no waiting period for retesting, but Vickie Milazzo Institute recommends that you allow enough time to study and prepare again. Different forms of the examination will be given.
   
   Unsuccessful candidates who wish to retest must reapply to Vickie Milazzo Institute, resubmit all applicable fees and documentation and reestablish eligibility. Unsuccessful candidates may submit a copy of their “fail notice” in lieu of resubmitting the documentation forms; however, they must submit a new application form found online at the link provided in your product confirmation email or call 800.880.0944. 
5. How often can I retake the examination?
   You may retake the examination as often as needed to successfully complete it.
6. Can I appeal these policies?
   Any request to waive any policy of Vickie Milazzo Institute regarding eligibility or administrative issues must be received in writing within 60 days of the incident being appealed. The correspondence should contain a detailed account of why the policy should be waived. All decisions will be provided in writing. FAILURE OF THE EXAMINATION IS NOT APPEALABLE.
7. Can I be dismissed from the examination?
   You will be dismissed from the test administration or have certification withheld for any of the following reasons:
   
   
   1. Failing to present both photo and signature identification and active RN license.
   2. Using unauthorized aids during the exam.
   3. Not following testing directions and procedures.
   4. Creating a disturbance.
   5. Giving or receiving help on the examination.
   6. Attempting to remove notes from the examination room.
   7. Impersonating another candidate.

If you are dismissed for any of the above reasons, you forfeit any testing fees.