CFN study guide
CFN · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Forensic Nurse (CFN) credential is a professional certification for registered nurses who combine clinical expertise with the legal and investigative aspects of forensic nursing. It is intended for nurses working in sexual assault response, intimate partner violence, death investigation, correctional health, psychiatric forensic settings, or any role where nursing care intersects with the justice system. The CFN study guide has 8 sections and about 2,195 words.
01Forensic Nursing Foundations and Professional Practice
This domain tests how forensic nursing fits into health care and legal systems: scope of practice, specialty standards, role boundaries, and professional obligations. Questions often ask what a nurse should do when clinical care and legal requests collide.
330 words, about 2 min02Forensic Evaluation, Documentation, and Evidence Collection
This domain tests accurate, objective evaluation and documentation, plus evidence handling from collection through transfer. The exam favors measurable descriptions, proper packaging, and an intact chain of custody.
299 words, about 1 min03Victim and Survivor Care: Trauma-Informed Assessment and Intervention
This domain tests trauma-informed assessment and intervention: recognizing trauma responses, creating safety, supporting choice, and avoiding re-traumatization during forensic care. Core principles include safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility.
239 words, about 1 min04Interpersonal Violence: Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, and Abuse Across the Lifespan
This domain tests recognition and response across sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child and elder abuse, trafficking, and strangulation. The exam emphasizes lethality risk, mandatory reporting, and not dismissing subtle presentations.
282 words, about 1 min05Death Investigation and Medicolegal Processes
This domain tests death investigation roles, jurisdiction, scene preservation, postmortem changes, and reporting obligations. Questions often distinguish cause from manner of death and ask what a nurse may or may not do before the medical examiner arrives.
291 words, about 1 min06Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues in Forensic Nursing
This domain tests consent, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, legal process, and ethical decision-making. The exam rewards knowing when disclosure is permitted, required, or prohibited.
257 words, about 1 min07Forensic Mental Health, Behavioral Crisis, and Vulnerable Populations
This domain tests mental health assessment, de-escalation, capacity, and care of vulnerable groups. Questions often ask how to balance safety, autonomy, and confidentiality during a crisis.
253 words, about 1 min08Interprofessional Collaboration, Consultation, and Courtroom Testimony
This domain tests teamwork, consultation, information sharing, and testimony. Questions focus on role clarity, lawful communication, and credible witness behavior.
244 words, about 1 min