CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

Candidates must hold a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the United States or its territories. Additionally, they must have accrued a minimum of two years of experience as an RN within the past five years, with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in hospice and palliative nursing. These hours must be completed prior to applying for the exam. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria as outlined by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) at the time of application.

The CHPN examination is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 135 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest items. Candidates have three hours to complete the exam. The questions are based on the official test blueprint, which outlines the percentage of questions from each content domain. The passing standard is determined using psychometric methods and is expressed as a scaled score. A scaled score of 400 or higher is required to pass. The exact number of correct answers needed varies slightly between exam forms to account for difficulty.

The most effective preparation strategy involves a multi-faceted approach. First, thoroughly review the official HPCC Test Blueprint, which details the exact percentage of questions from each topic area. Use current, authoritative textbooks on hospice and palliative nursing as primary study resources. Incorporate practice questions and review courses specifically designed for the CHPN to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify knowledge gaps. Forming or joining a study group with colleagues can provide support and deepen understanding through discussion. Finally, reflect on your clinical experiences, as the exam heavily tests applied knowledge and clinical judgment in complex patient situations.

CHPN certification is valid for four years. Recertification can be achieved through one of two pathways: retaking the CHPN examination or completing the professional development portfolio (HPCC Recertification by Portfolio) process. The portfolio pathway requires accruing 100 contact hours of continuing education relevant to hospice and palliative nursing, with specific hour requirements in pharmacotherapeutics and professional topics. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate ongoing clinical practice hours in the specialty. It is crucial to maintain documentation of all continuing education and practice hours for audit purposes.

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress, and can be provided at any stage of illness alongside curative treatment. Hospice care is a specific type of palliative care for people who are terminally ill, typically with a prognosis of six months or less, and focuses on comfort rather than cure. The CHPN credential is unique in that it certifies competency across the full continuum of serious illness care. The exam blueprint and content explicitly cover principles and practices applicable to both models, ensuring certified nurses are equipped to provide expert care in hospice settings, palliative care consult services, and other settings where patients face life-limiting conditions.