Claire GozaAre you ready to get CCRN® or PCCN® Certified? If this has been on your mind as a registered nurse working in the Critical or Progressive care setting, then getting CCRN® and/or PCCN® certified may be a very beneficial next step in your nursing career.
In this article, we prepared a list of frequently asked questions and answers to questions we hear about the most as nurses prepare for the CCRN® and PCCN® exams.
What exactly are the CCRN® and PCCN® Certifications?
CCRN® or PCCN® certifications and are specialty certifications for Critical Care Registered Nurses (CCRN) and Progressive Care Registered Nurses (PCCN) that are gained from passing an exam. It is a way for nurses to demonstrate their expert knowledge when caring for patients in critical care and progressive care settings.
Both exams are 150 questions and cover topics and systems such as, but not limited to hemodynamics, cardiac, pulmonary, neurology, and professional caring and ethical practices. The CCRN® exam dives deeper into advanced critical care topics.
Why do nurses choose to get CCRN® / PCCN® certified?
There are many reasons to get your CCRN® or PCCN® certification. These certifications help keep your critical care and progressive care knowledge up to date. It may also advance your nursing career by giving you a competitive edge and setting you apart from others. Most of all, it is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in caring for critically and acutely ill patients!
What is the difference between the CCRN® versus PCCN® Exam?
Which certification exam to take is completely up to each individual nurse and what would best serve them in their career. It depends on the patient population and acuity that the nurse cares for regularly. There are a few key differences between each exam.
Who should take the CCRN® Exam?
The CCRN® exam covers care given to critically ill patients. It is geared towards registered and advanced practice nurses who work in critical care settings such as ICUs, trauma units, and emergency rooms. Key topics covered on the exam include cardiovascular management, pulmonary care, and endocrine essentials.
Who should take the PCCN® exam?
The PCCN® exam covers care provided to less acutely ill patients. It is geared toward nurses working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and recovery facilities. This exam focuses on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine topics as well. However, it also covers clinical judgment, professional caring, and ethical practices.
What are the requirements for taking each exam?
To be eligible to sit for the CCRN® or PCCN® exam, you must:
- Have an active RN (Registered Nurse) or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) license in the United States (or its territories). You receive this license upon passing the NCLEX-RN
- Meet one of the following clinical hour practice requirements:
- Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely ill (PCCN) or critically ill (CCRN) adult patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application
- Practice as an RN or APRN during the previous five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely ill (PCCN) or critically ill (CCRN) adult patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application
- You may apply online or via paper application for CCRN® / PCCN® certification exams on AACN’s website.
- Pay the exam fee: $255 for AACN members and $370 for nonmembers
How long does each certification last?
Once you pass the CCRN® / PCCN® Exam, you are certified for three years. After that, you can either:
- Recertify by obtaining the required continuing education and practice hour requirements
- Retake the exam
How can nurses prepare for the CCRN® / PCCN® Exams?
Preparing for the CCRN® or PCCN® exams may seem super intimidating at first, but with the proper preparation, you confidently head into the exam room!
Consider making a review course a part of your study plan. Nicole Kupchik Consulting offers online on-demand review courses for both the CCRN® and PCCN® exams. These self-paced courses taught to ACCN’s test plans include video lectures and downloadable study guides. Plus, you’ll receive CE credits upon completion.
Practice exams are another one of the best ways to test your knowledge and see what your strongest and weakest areas are ahead of the exam. Check out Nicole Kupchik Consulting’s Ace the CCRN® or Ace the PCCN® Practice Question Review Books! Both books are an amazing resource for prepping for your exam and contain three full practice exams that provide the rationale for each of the questions.
Where can nurses take the exam?
CCRN® and PCCN® Exams are offered via computer at hundreds of testing centers across the United States, and each exam takes about 3 hours to complete.
What should I expect on exam day?
Plan to arrive at your testing center early! You will not be admitted if you arrive more than 15 minutes past your scheduled time.
Make sure you bring a government-issued ID to the exam center. It is required to sit for the exam.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Driver’s License
- State / Province ID Card
- International Travel Passport
- U.S. Visa
Just make sure that the name on the ID that you present is the same as the name on your AACN record.
After you complete your exam, your results will appear on-screen immediately. You will receive a more in-depth score report within 24 to 48 hours post-exam completion.
What happens if I fail the exam?
If you fail the exam the first time, it is not the end of the world! You can retest up to 4 times in the following 12-month period. Remember to take advantage of your score report so you can see what you need to focus on for the next time you test.
Preparing for either of these nursing certifications may feel daunting, yet the results can be an amazing way to advance your career in critical care and progressive care settings. Remember, you can do it and our team is happy to be a resource to help!
Nicole Kupchik
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