Numerous challenges can be associated with pursuing a degree as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The risk to perspective students and their nurse anesthesia programs may be lessened if success factors for program completion and passing of the national certification examination (NCE) could be identified. The purpose of this ex post facto study was to determine nurse anesthesia student characteristics that can predict success in passing the National Certification Exam on the first administration. The population for this study consisted of 2,298 first-time nurse anesthesia graduate participators taking the NCE. The time period covers the year 2010. NCE results were obtained from the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). No names or identifiable information were linked to the reported results. Descriptive analysis provided demographic information on the National Certification Examination scores as well as means and standard deviations for the data collected. One-way ANOVAs were computed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in NCE scores based on the four age groups, type of acute care setting, and number of years of critical care experience for the participants. There was a significant difference based on age, F (3,2294) = 18.32, p < 0.000, and years of experience, F (3,2274) = 6.56, p < 0.05. Younger nurse anesthesia students and nurse anesthesia students with fewer years of critical care experience prior to starting their NAP have significantly higher scores on the first attempt at the national certification examination. A discriminant analysis was used to determine which of the four characteristics of anesthesia students could be used to predict student success on the NCE; only age was found to discriminate significantly between the top examination scores and the failing examination scores (F = 36.72, p = 0.000). Younger nurse anesthesia students have significantly higher scores on the first attempt at the national certification examination. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]