AACN certification covering critical care nursing across adult ICU and progressive care settings.
Who it's for
Registered nurses with direct bedside care experience with acutely and critically ill adult patients — AACN built CCRN around its Synergy Model, matching nurse competencies to patient needs, so it's aimed squarely at ICU nurses who want formal recognition of complex critical-care judgment.
What's covered
- Clinical judgment (80% of the scored exam) — cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, GI, renal, neurological, musculoskeletal, and multisystem content
- Professional caring and ethical practice — 20%
What to expect
AACN writes CCRN items around realistic patient scenarios rather than isolated facts — most questions ask you to prioritize an intervention or interpret a clinical picture, matching the exam's clinical-judgment-first design.
How to prepare
AACN's own resources include the CCRN Exam Handbook (free, with the full test plan and sample questions), a CCRN/PCCN review course, and AACN's practice-question products; candidates with solid bedside ICU experience commonly study for several weeks, focusing on the highest-weighted body systems first.
Certification details
- Certifying body: AACN Certification Corporation (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses).
- Eligibility (Direct Care pathway): Unencumbered RN/APRN license, plus 1,750 hours of direct care for acutely/critically ill adults in the prior 2 years (at least 875 in the most recent year), or 2,000 hours over 5 years.
- Exam format: 150 questions (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest), 3-hour time limit, computer-based testing at 300+ sites, results available immediately.
- Content outline: Clinical Judgment (80% — cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, GI, renal, neurological, musculoskeletal, and multisystem content) and Professional Caring & Ethical Practice (20%).
- Official pass rate: 72.02% first-time pass rate (2025).
- Fee: $260 (AACN member) / $375 (non-member).
- Recertification: Every 3 years, via 100 Synergy CERPs or exam retake.