CCRN Exam FAQs
The CCRN exam is a specialty certification exam administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Certification Corporation (AACN) and designed for nurses who are providing care to acutely and/or critically ill newborns, children and adults. Acute and critical care nurses are presently certified worldwide in each of the specialties: adult, pediatric and neonatal nursing.
The CCRN exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
The CCRN exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions. Only 125 questions on the test will be scored. The other 25 are used for statistical data and trials for future tests.
You have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the CCRN exam.
The CCRN is taken at more than 300 PSI/AMP test center locations in the United States and is available in both computer and pencil and paper formats. Candidates may register online for the computerized test at the AACN website, while candidates seeking the paper exam may download a paper application at the same website.
The minimum passing score for the CCRN exam is a score of 83. Unofficial results are available at the testing center immediately after the exam.
The CCRN covers the following domains:
I. CLINICAL JUDGMENT
A. Cardiovascular
B. Respiratory
C. Endocrine/Hematology/Gastrointestinal
D. Musculoskeletal/Neurological
E. Multisystem
II. PROFESSIONAL CARING & ETHICAL PRACTICE
A. Advocacy/Moral Agency
B. Caring Practices
C. Response to Diversity
D. Facilitation of Learning
E. Collaboration
F. Systems Thinking
G. Clinical Inquiry
The CCRN exam was developed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Certification Corporation (AACN), an autonomous, non-profit organization which has regulated the critical care nurse profession since 1969.
The CCRN exam is offered on a daily basis, year-round at testing sites across the United States and US territories.
The CCRN certification helps you maintain current knowledge base of acute and critical care nursing as well as reinforcing the special knowledge and experiences required for this profession. The CCRN is used to assess whether an individual has the knowledge base necessary to work as an effective critical care nurse. The CCRN does not stand for "Critical Care Registered Nurse" (as commonly believed), since it does not certify an individual as a registered nurse. While the CCRN is not usually required to work in a critical care unit, it does indicate that an individual possesses an advanced comprehension of critical care procedures, and also allows an individual to credit himself/herself with the CCRN letters after their licensing credentials. Nurses looking to obtain CCRN certification may work in such fields as: cardiac care units, intensive care units, combined ICU-CCUs, trauma units, medical and surgical ICUs, or critical care transport and flight.
- A current, unencumbered license as an RN or APRN in the U.S.
- You must also meet one of the following options:
- Option 1: Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill patients during the previous two years; 875 of those hours must be accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
- Option 2: Practice as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill patients; 144 of those hours must be accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
"Eligible hours" are those spent caring for one patient population (adult, pediatric or neonatal) in alignment with the exam for which you are applying. The majority of the clinical hours for CCRN exam and renewal eligibility must be spent caring for critically ill patients.
Go to the AACN webpage to register. You will receive a confirmation email after you have successfully applied for the exam. You may then schedule an exam appointment using the link in your confirmation email or via your AACN customer dashboard.
If you do not pass the exam, you may reapply to AACN Certification Corporation for a retest. You may apply for and take the same certification exam up to 4 times in a 12-month period. After 12 months, you must sign a new honor statement.
You will receive it by mail or email within one to two weeks after you take the CCRN exam.
Renewal notifications for the CCRN will be emailed to you four months before your scheduled renewal date. You must successfully apply for and schedule your CCRN exam in enough time to complete the exam before your scheduled renewal date. You may not take the exam early, then attempt to renew by CE Points or CERPs if you do not pass. You must hold a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license to renew.
Practice tests, such as Tests.com's CCRN Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools. It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Tests.com has worked with instructors in critical care nursing to create a CCRN Practice Test to help you prepare for your CCRN certification exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual CCRN exam by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your certification exam on your way to a successful career as a CCRN. Click here to take a free CCRN Practice Exam.
