CHPN Exam FAQs
CHPNs provide support for patients and families with end of life care. CHPNs provide direct patient care, they may serve as team managers, administrators, and educators, since such roles are often filled by nurses who were previously clinicians in the field.
Yes, to earn the CHPN credential, you have to pass the CHPN exam, administered by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN). Formed in 1993 to develop a certification program for the practice of hospice and palliative nursing, its first Certification Exam for Hospice Nurses was administered in 1994. There are over 18,000 individuals certified by this organization. Initially credentialed as certified registered hospice nurses (CRNH), this designation was discontinued in 2002, after the 1999 credentialing change to certified hospice and palliative care nurse (CHPN).
The CHPN exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and the test taker is given 3 hours to complete the exam. Only 135 questions on the test will be scored. The others are used for statistical data and trials for future tests.
You have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the CHPN exam.
The CHPN is taken at more than 500 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 test at the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center website..
The CHPN is scale scored at a 75 as a minimum passing score for the test. Unofficial results are available at the testing center immediately after the exam.
The CHPN covers the following domains:
- Patient Care: Assessment and Planning
- Patient Care: Pain Management
- Patient Care: Symptom Management
- Support, Education and Advocacy
- Practice Issues
The CHPN is offered on a daily basis, year-round at testing sites across the United States and US territories.
The CHPN certification helps you maintain current knowledge base of acute and clinical material as well as reinforcing the special knowledge and experiences required for this profession. The CHPN credential is used to assess whether an individual has the knowledge base necessary to work as an effective hospice nurse and can benefit the CHPN in job opportunities and promotion.
To be eligible for the CHPN exam, an applicant must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Hold a current, unrestricted active registered nurse license in the United States, its territories or the equivalent in Canada.
2. Hospice and palliative registered nursing practice of 500 hours in the most recent 12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to applying for the examination.
Start by visiting the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center website. After you pay and submit your application, eligibility will be confirmed or denied and you will be prompted to schedule an examination appointment at a test center or for live remote proctoring, or supply additional eligibility information.
You can reapply to take the test by following these steps:
1. Submit a new application and test fee to PSI
2. Required to wait until the next testing window to retest.
3. Unlimited testing is allowed
Candidates will receive an on-screen "pass" or "fail" at the end of the CHPN exam. A detailed score report will be emailed to LRP candidates within 24 hours. Scores are not reported over the telephone, by electronic mail or by facsimile.
Each CHPN certification has a four year validation period.
Yes. Renewal notifications for the CHPN will be emailed to you four months before your scheduled renewal date. You must successfully apply for and schedule your CHPN exam in enough time to complete the exam before your scheduled renewal date.
Practice tests, such as Tests.com's CHPN 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 certified CHPN instructors to create a CHPN Practice Test to help you prepare for your CHPN 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 CHPN 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 CHPN. Click here for a free CHPN Practice Exam.
