AACN CCRN - Critical Care Registered Nurse Practice Test

Candidates must have a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license and meet one of two clinical practice requirements: 1) 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients within the last two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application; OR 2) 2,000 hours of direct care within the last five years, with 144 hours in the most recent year. Direct care is defined as hands-on, bedside care of patients or supervision of nurses providing such care.

The CCRN exam is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. The test is weighted across three patient age groups (Adult, Pediatric, Neonatal), though most candidates take the Adult exam. The passing standard is set using criterion-referenced methodology and is expressed as a scaled score of 82. This is not a percentage; it is a scaled score that ensures consistency across exam forms.

The CCRN certifies expertise in the care of acutely and critically ill patients, typically in high-intensity ICU settings where patients require invasive monitoring, vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation, or other advanced life support. The PCCN certifies expertise in the care of progressively ill patients, often in intermediate care units (IMC), step-down units, or telemetry floors, where patients are unstable but at a lower risk of immediate, life-threatening deterioration. The choice depends on the nurse's specific practice environment and patient population.

CCRN certification is valid for three years. Renewal can be achieved through one of two pathways: 1) Renewal by Synergy CERPs: Earning 100 continuing education recognition points (CERPs) aligned with the AACN Synergy Model, with specific requirements for clinical hours (432 hours) and professional activities; or 2) Retaking and passing the CCRN examination. The renewal process ensures certified nurses maintain current knowledge and active engagement in critical care practice.

Yes. The 'Professional Caring and Ethical Practice' domain constitutes a significant portion (20%) of the exam blueprint. This domain covers essential non-clinical competencies, including advocacy, moral agency, caring practices, collaboration, systems thinking, response to diversity, clinical inquiry, and facilitation of learning. These questions assess the nurse's ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, support families, work within interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to a healthy work environment-all critical skills for holistic critical care.