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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
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August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
A closer look at NRC’s proposed rule eliminating ALARA
On July 1, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed removing the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) principle from its radiation protection regulations and replacing it with a graded approach. The agency also proposed increases to effluent dose limits and adjusting how it handles allowances for exceeding dose limits.
The CNP exam is offered three times per year, in spring, summer, and fall. Your application and exam fees are due when you submit your application. Any candidate found ineligible at the time of application will forfeit $125 of the application fee; the balance of the application fee will then be refunded.
Summer 2026
Testing Period: Tuesday, July 28 - Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Fall 2026
Applications Open: Monday, September 14, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Testing Period: Wednesday, November 18 - Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Spring 2027
Applications Open: Monday, January 11, 2027
Applications Deadline: Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Testing Period: Wednesday, March 24 - Wednesday, April 21, 2027
The review period for applications is 7-14 business days. After you application is approved, you will receive an email notification from ANS, followed by an email from PearsonVUE with information about scheduling your exam appointment. To schedule your exam, visit the Pearson VUE website and either sign in or create a new account.
Go To Pearson VUE
How to Schedule Your Exam Appointment
The system will take you to the scheduling portal and show you the examinations for which you are eligible. Based on your address or using a location that you enter into the system, Pearson will show the closest three centers to you. You can change the range of centers by changing the search at the top of the screen. You may select up to three test centers to see availability at the testing centers.
The available dates and times are presented; please select the preferred test center, along with a date/time using the calendar screen. If no appointments are available at a center during the time you are authorized, you will need to pick a different center.
Once you select a date/time, you will be presented with information about your appointment. Please review the details before you confirm your appointment.
Once confirmed, you will receive a final confirmation screen and an email with the exam details, test center location, directions to the test center, and testing policies. Making additional changes after confirmation may result in additional fees.
How to Reschedule Your Exam Appointment
Requests for rescheduling an examination appointment to a different date within the same testing period must be submitted directly to Pearson VUE through the scheduling web link listed on your Exam Appointment (EA) email.
If you reschedule at least 72 hours before your appointment and use the Pearson VUE online portal, there is no fee. If you do not use the online portal for rescheduling, you will be charged a $125 rescheduling fee. Rescheduling is not permitted after the 72-hour cut-off point.
How to Transfer Your Exam Appointment to a Different Testing Period
Requests for transferring an examination appointment to a different testing period must be submitted by following the instructions provided by Pearson VUE testing service. All transfers of examinations to a different period are subject to a $125 transfer fee.
Failure to keep an appointment or cancelling an appointment without the appropriate notice (fewer than two weeks before the scheduled appointment) will result in forfeiture of all applicable exam fees.
You may transfer your exam to the next testing period up to two times. Upon transferring your exam, you are no longer eligible for a refund and will forfeit all applicable exam fees should you decide to cancel your exam after it has been transferred to a later testing period. If you wish to transfer your examination further than two testing periods from the original application, you must submit for a cancellation and refund and resubmit a new application.
It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the testing center location and parking facilities before the day of your exam so that you arrive at the testing center stress-free and on time.