Pain Exams
European Diploma in Pain Nursing
A European benchmark qualification for pain nurses, assessing the recognition, assessment, treatment, and evaluation of all types of pain.
Held by diplomates across seven countries and two continents, and now offered in three languages.
One exam, three languages
Sit the EDPN in English, German, or Dutch
In 2026, both the written multiple-choice paper and the oral viva are conducted in your chosen language. Registration and the administrative process remain in English. Watch the short introduction for your language and download the guides you need.
Take the exam in English
Why pain nurses across Europe and beyond choose the EDPN.
Het examen in het Nederlands
Waarom pijnverpleegkundigen kiezen voor de EDPN.
Die Prüfung auf Deutsch
Warum sich Pflegefachpersonen für die EDPN entscheiden.
The EDPN so far
First awarded in 2024 and now held by nurses across two continents, the EDPN is establishing a shared European standard for specialist pain nursing.
Why take the EDPN
A recognised standard for specialist pain nursing
The diploma gives you a shared European benchmark, clear evidence of your specialist expertise, and entry to a growing community of pain nurses.
A European benchmark
The EDPN sets a consistent standard of competency and outcomes for specialist pain nursing across Europe, recognisable wherever you practise and open to nurses inside and outside Europe.
Proof of your expertise
On passing both parts you receive a certificate and badge that demonstrate your specialist knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours to colleagues and employers, and let you benchmark against your peers.
The Laserina O'Connor Award
The highest-scoring candidate each year receives the Laserina O'Connor Award, which includes free registration to the next EFIC Congress.
A European network
Diplomates join a growing community of pain nurses across Europe and beyond, with continued exchange and preparation resources through the EFIC Academy.
Background
Purpose and background
Purpose
The EDPN exists to raise the standard of pain nursing through a qualification that tests a broad understanding of all types of pain, including its recognition, assessment, treatment, and evaluation.
It is not designed to replace national qualifications. Instead, it establishes a harmonised understanding of specialist pain management nursing across Europe, open to all European nurses as well as nurses from outside Europe, and provides a qualification in countries where no national equivalent exists.
What the exam is based on
The examination content is drawn from the European Pain Federation EFIC Core Curriculum for the European Diploma in Nursing and selected accompanying learning materials.
Objectives
- Define the scope of practice expected of a pain nurse, including what is needed for effective, quality, patient-centred care.
- Set out the breadth and depth of knowledge, the range of skills, and the professional behaviours required for effective, patient-centred pain management.
- Provide consistency of standards and outcomes across European countries through a benchmark of standard competency.
Who it's for
Is the EDPN right for you?
The EDPN is open to nurses with a Level 5 or 6 qualification on the European Qualifications Framework who see and manage people with pain. At least three years of documented clinical experience in pain nursing is essential.
Nurses working in inter- or multidisciplinary pain teams, such as pain centres, acute pain teams, or pain clinics, are ideal candidates, though the diploma is open to any nurse with an interest in pain and its management.
Eligibility at a glance
- A nursing degree.
- A CV showing at least three years' clinical work assessing and treating people with pain. Clinical work during postgraduate training and fellowships counts.
- One letter of support from a referee, for example a head of department, clinical director, or senior colleague, confirming you are in good standing and regularly see and manage people with pain.
- A strong working knowledge, spoken and written, of the language you sit the exam in (English, German, or Dutch).
- Payment of the fee by the deadline, and submission of all supporting documents for the viva by the deadline.
Acceptance is confirmed at the discretion of the Examination Committee, which may cap participant numbers. The full eligibility and registration rules are set out further down this page.
The examination
The exam at a glance
Written paper (MCQ)
75 minutes
Fifty multiple-choice questions, each a short stem followed by at least four statements, where you identify the correct statement or statements. Sat in person in English, German, or Dutch.
Oral examination (viva)
30 minutes
A dialogue with two independent examiners, built around one clinical case report you submit and which is graded in advance. Standardised questions open the discussion, with further dialogue arising from them.
Date and place
Both parts on 9 October 2026, in Brussels
Pass mark
Minimum of 60% for each part
Frequency
One full sitting offered each year
In their words
What EDPN diplomates say
Hear from nurses who have taken the diploma, then read what recent diplomates told us about the experience.
The EDPN has been instrumental in strengthening my clinical knowledge and advancing my practice as a pain nurse. It has enhanced my ability to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care while reinforcing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. I would highly recommend the programme to any nurse committed to excellence in pain management.
Priya Sodi
The EDPN has greatly improved my skills in pain management, directly benefiting my clinical practice. I found the focus on evidence-based approaches and teamwork especially valuable. I highly recommend it to other pain nurses for its practical insights and ability to enhance patient care. Also found the EFIC Academy very helpful in preparing for the exams.
Annie John
Taking part in the EDPN was a fantastic opportunity for me to expand my expertise in the field of pain management and to integrate it into my daily practice. The numerous resources and presentations on the EFIC Academy platform proved particularly valuable. This has significantly broadened my horizons and, not least, has led to a whole new network of colleagues with whom I continue to exchange ideas even after the exam.
Daniel Mauter
For me, the EDPN meant a great leap forward for the recognition and practice standardisation of pain nursing specialists in Europe. It was a great way to consolidate my knowledge and skills as well as connect with pain nurses internationally. I would absolutely recommend the EDPN to any experienced pain nurse or nurse looking to advance their skill set in pain management.
Erin Widengren
Ready to sit the 2026 exam?
Registration closes 9 July 2026. The exam takes place on 9 October 2026 in Brussels, in English, German, or Dutch.
Fees and registration
Register for the EDPN Exam 2026
Full EDPN Exam 2026
EUR250
Excluding VAT · non-refundable
How to register
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Pay the exam fee
Follow the checkout process on this website and pay the fee to sit the EDPN Exam.
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Complete your application form
You will receive a follow-up email with a form to complete. Have ready, in English, German, or Dutch: your CV, your current and valid nursing registration (if available), copies of any qualifications or higher degrees, and one letter of support from a referee such as a head of department, clinical director, senior colleague, or an EFIC Councillor or Chapter Executive Board member.
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Committee review
Your form is reviewed by the EFIC Education Committee against the eligibility criteria. If your application is not successful, your fee is refunded minus a 10% admin charge. Successful candidates receive details of the examination process, preparation, resources, and logistics.
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Attend the preparation webinar
You will be invited to a webinar covering the content and format of the examination. The link follows in due course.
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Receive your exam details
Once approved, you receive full information on the exam, how to arrange your travel, and what to prepare.
Member discount
EFIC Academy members receive 25% off the fee before VAT, either via an emailed code or applied automatically when you join while registering.
Financial aid
Please watch for future updates on whether EFIC will offer financial support for upcoming examinations.
Travel visa
EFIC is not responsible for personal visa applications but can provide supporting letters. If a visa is refused, the fee is refunded minus a 10% admin fee, provided confirmation is given two months ahead of the exam.
Refunds
The fee is non-refundable, except where an application is not accepted by the Education Committee, in which case it is refunded minus a 10% admin charge.
Ready to sit the 2026 exam?
Registration closes 9 July 2026. The exam takes place on 9 October 2026 in Brussels, in English, German, or Dutch.
See what the exam looks like
Sample MCQ questions
These worked examples show the style of the written paper. Each question has a short stem followed by at least four statements, and you identify the correct statement or statements. Open each one to see the answer, the reasoning, and the references.
Q1 IASP definition of pain and related phenomena
Which of the following pain types is not officially described in the Taxonomy of the International Association for the Study of Pain?
Reasoning
The nurse should be able to explain common pain and pain-related phenomena according to the IASP taxonomy, and describe the terminology and definitions used in practice.
References
- IASP taxonomy: iasp-pain.org/resources/terminology
Q2 Principles of assessment
Which assessment instrument is not validated for pain assessment in older people with cognitive impairment?
Reasoning
Pain assessment is a complex process requiring effective interpersonal skills, evaluation of the wide range of factors affecting the pain experienced, and the selection of valid and reliable measures for the individual. The nurse needs to demonstrate critical selection of appropriate, valid, and reliable assessment and outcome measures.
References
- European Pain Federation Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group of the IASP guidelines on neuropathic pain assessment. Eur J Neurol. 2023;30(8):2177-2196. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.15831
- Schofield P, Docking R, Cox F, et al. The Assessment of Pain in Older People: UK National Guidelines. Age & Ageing. 2018;47(suppl_1):i1-i22. academic.oup.com/ageing
Q3 Principles of treatment
With reference to non-pharmacological techniques in acute pain management, please choose the incorrect statement.
Reasoning
Nurses are involved in a variety of non-pharmacological interventions for pain management. They need to be able to critically discuss the use, evidence, efficacy, and potential interactions and adverse effects of complementary and alternative medicine used in the treatment of pain, and to critically discuss alternative strategies for pain management.
References
- Cochrane Complementary Medicine: cam.cochrane.org
Q4 Pharmacological interventions
Select the incorrect statement regarding opioid stewardship.
Reasoning
Pharmacological interventions are often the first-line treatment for pain, and nurses play a key role in medication administration, safety, patient education, evaluating effectiveness, and managing side effects or adverse events. Pain nurses need a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacological interventions.
References
- Levy N, Quinlan J, El-Boghdadly K, Fawcett, et al. An international multidisciplinary consensus statement on the prevention of opioid-related harm in adult surgical patients. Anaesthesia. 2021;76:520-536. doi.org/10.1111/anae.15262
- Liu S, Athar A, Quach D, Patanwala AE, et al. Risks and benefits of oral modified-release compared with oral immediate-release opioid use after surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anaesthesia. 2023;78:1225-1236. doi.org/10.1111/anae.16085
Q5 Family and patient education, non-pharmacological interventions
Select the correct statement for self-management techniques for chronic back pain.
Reasoning
Nurses are involved in a range of non-pharmacological interventions, from comfort, positioning, and relaxation through to interventions requiring additional training. They also play a central role in educating people living with pain, their families, and other healthcare professionals in the interprofessional team.
References
- EFIC Academy: europeanpainfederation.eu/efic-academy
- Drake G, de C Williams AC. Nursing Education Interventions for Managing Acute Pain in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes and Teaching Methods. Pain Management Nursing. 2017;18(1):3-15.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
When is the exam, and what is the deadline?
The EDPN Exam 2026 takes place on 9 October 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. Registration closes on 9 July 2026.
In which languages can I sit the exam?
In 2026, both the written multiple-choice paper and the oral viva are conducted in English, German, or Dutch. Registration and the administrative process remain in English, and translation or interpretation services are not available.
Please note that obtaining the EDPN in a language other than English does not constitute proof of language proficiency at a European level. If you intend to practise in another country, additional language qualifications may be required to meet national standards.
Do I have to pass both parts, and what is the pass mark?
Yes. The exam has two parts, a written MCQ paper and an oral viva, both sat on the same day. The minimum pass mark is 60% for each part.
Is the EDPN recognised in my country?
The EDPN is a European benchmark qualification rather than a replacement for national qualifications. It establishes a harmonised standard of specialist pain nursing across Europe and provides a qualification where no national equivalent exists. Where a national qualification does exist, the EDPN lets you benchmark your specialist knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours against your peers.
What documents do I need to apply?
After paying the fee you will receive a form to complete, along with: your CV showing at least three years' relevant clinical experience, your current and valid nursing registration (if available), copies of any qualifications or higher degrees, and one letter of support from a referee. Documents may be provided in English, German, or Dutch.
How much does it cost, and is there a member discount?
The fee is EUR 250, excluding VAT. EFIC Academy members save 25% before VAT, either through an emailed code or applied automatically if you join the EFIC Academy while registering.
What if my application is not accepted, or I want to appeal?
Acceptance is confirmed at the discretion of the Examination Committee, which may cap participant numbers. If your application is not accepted, your fee is refunded minus a 10% admin charge, and you are welcome to apply for a future sitting.
To appeal a result, write to the Examination Committee via the EFIC Secretariat within four weeks of receiving your results. The Committee responds within six weeks.
For candidates
Full regulations
The complete eligibility, language, conduct, and appeals rules for the EDPN examination.
Candidates are accepted for participation if they meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrable possession of a nursing degree.
- A CV detailing at least three years' clinical work in which people with pain have been assessed and treated. Clinical work during postgraduate training and fellowships in which people with pain have been assessed and treated can be used as proof of relevant clinical experience.
- A letter of support or endorsement from one referee, for example a head of department, clinical director, or senior colleague.
- The endorsement letter should state that the candidate is in good standing in their country and department, and is involved in seeing and managing people with pain on a regular basis.
- A strong working knowledge, spoken and written, of the language in which the candidate sits the exam (English, German, or Dutch).
- Payment of fees ahead of the requested deadline.
- Submission of all supporting documents required for the viva and any other presentations ahead of the requested deadline.
The confirmation of any participant's registration is at the discretion of the Examination Committee. Participants whose registration is not accepted are informed in writing with a brief justification reflecting the eligibility criteria.
The Examination Committee may set a maximum number of participants for any part of the examination, should the number of eligible candidates exceed the available resources. Candidates not accepted on this basis are eligible to apply in future, but are not automatically placed on a waiting list for the next examination.
In 2026, the examination content, both written and oral, is offered in English, German, and Dutch. Candidates are advised that a high level of spoken and written ability in their chosen language is required. Translation and interpretation services are not available for this examination.
The EDPN is typically conducted in English and may also be offered in additional languages. Obtaining the EDPN in a language other than English does not constitute proof of language proficiency at a European level. Candidates intending to practise in another country should be aware that additional language qualifications may be required to meet national regulatory or professional standards.
- Candidates are provided with pens and pencils. No additional materials may be taken into the examination venues.
- Electronic devices such as phones, tablets, computers, and smart watches are strictly prohibited.
- Communication between participants during the examination is strictly prohibited.
- Any participant found to be breaching these rules, or to be jeopardising the fair conduct of the examination in any other way, will be excluded. Any participant found to have passed any part of the examination through fraudulent means will have their qualification rescinded.
Any participant wishing to appeal should write to the Examination Committee, via the European Pain Federation EFIC Secretariat, within four weeks of receiving their results. Appeals are responded to by the Examination Committee within six weeks of the initial communication of results.