Your Guide to Preparing for the June 2025 CNS Exam
When Sarah, a CNS candidate, first started preparing for her exam, she felt completely overwhelmed. “I didn’t know where to start,” she admitted. “There was so much material to cover, and I wasn’t sure if I even remembered half of what I learned in school.” After reassuring Sarah that nearly everyone feels this way about the CNS test (you’re not alone!!!), we started to explore the different steps to make studying for the CNS exam manageable.
At Clinician’s Incubator, we have a tried-and-true set of steps we use with every exam prep cohort. Let’s break them down together so you can feel confident on exam day.
1. Review the Exam Outline
Start your preparation by familiarizing yourself with the CNS exam outline. This document is your roadmap, detailing the topics and competencies you need to master. As you review, take stock of the areas where you feel confident versus those that may need extra attention. Are you solid on biochemistry but less comfortable with lifecycle nutrition or clinical interventions? Identifying these gaps early will help you focus your efforts and maximize your study time.
2. Assess Your Resources
Next, consider the textbooks you have already and see how they line up with the exam outline. It’s very likely that you already have what you need, but it is important to see if your current texts have any gaps such as lifecycle nutrition or nutrigenomics. For subjects where you lack resources, consider investing in a new textbook, borrowing one from a colleague or library, or looking up reputable sources online. Being strategic with your resources can save you both time and money. Remember: you don’t need to purchase every single textbook written about nutrition. Leverage what you already know. For example, if you mastered micronutrients using a specific textbook in school, stick with it—even if it’s not the most current edition.
3. Map Out Your Study Plan
Once you’ve identified your focus areas and gathered your materials, it’s time to create a study plan. Use a calendar to map out your schedule, ensuring you allocate enough time to cover all the exam sections. Break your plan into manageable chunks, and don’t forget to include review sessions to reinforce your learning. Seeing your study plan laid out visually can make the process feel more achievable and help you stay accountable.
4. Fill Knowledge Gaps with Free Resources
If there are areas you didn’t cover in school, don’t worry. Clinician’s Incubator offers a free mini-course specifically designed to teach what you may have missed in school. Whether it’s a specific topic like nutrigenomics or herbs and botanicals, this resource provides targeted guidance to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Join Signature Supervision and Get Our Next Level Test Prep
Ready to take your prep to the next level? Join Signature Supervision by early April (we have rolling enrollment), because test prep starts mid-April. We offer 18-20 hours of live, focused instruction, plus study materials and a live proctored sample exam. With expert guidance and a supportive community, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge you need to succeed on exam day. Don’t miss your chance to join—spaces fill quickly!
Take the First Step Today
Preparing for the CNS exam is a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Start by following these steps, and when you’re ready, join our comprehensive supervision and test prep program to ensure you’re fully equipped to pass with flying colors. Let’s make June 2025 your success story!