How to take the National CCRN Examination

Registered nurses can obtain the CCRN credential.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation awards the Certification for Adult, Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care Nurses (CCRN) credential to registered nurses (RNs) who pass its CCRN exam. The corporation offers the exam in the United States and abroad to RNs wishing to be recognized as exemplary in the specialty of critical care. To become certified as a CCRN, you must follow several steps.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of RN licensure
• Credit card or check for payment
• CCRN candidate handbook

Instructions

The CCRN Examination Process

1. Provide proof of eligibility to take the CCRN exam. The two requisites to take the exam are proof of RN licensure and AACN membership. If you are not already an AACN member, the Association provides you the opportunity to join at a discounted membership rate during the application process. You will also need to provide the contact information of a colleague, such as another RN or a doctor, to verify your eligibility.

2. Complete the application process. A checklist for this process is included in the "Certification Exam Handbook" available on the AACN's website. The Association requires that you fill out the two-page application, as well as the one-page "honor statement page" included in the handbook. After attaching the application fee, either in the form of a check or credit card information, mail everything to the Corporation at AACN Certification Corporation, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. This process can also be completed online.

3. Prepare for the exam. The process for verifying your application takes 4 to 6 weeks, or 2 to 4 weeks if you completed the application process online, during which time you should prepare for the exam. The Corporation lists seven options on its website. An important start, however, is review of the "Certification Exam Handbook." This study guide contains important information, such as the exam blueprint, practice questions, as well as a bibliography of the resources used to develop the exam. The corporation also suggests other preparation opportunities on its website, such as self-assessment exams and review courses available for purchase.

4. Schedule a time, date and location to take the exam. Once the Association verifies your application, you will receive an "Approval-To-Test" postcard and e-mail. Both of these will direct you to call a toll-free telephone number for Applied Measurement Professionals Inc. (AMP) to schedule a date and time to take the exam. You will have 90 days from the date of the postcard and e-mail to schedule your exam. You will be able to take your exam in one of the 170 AMP testing centers nationwide.

5. Await your performance results. If you pass the exam, the Corporation will send you a "congratulations packet" containing a certificate and wallet card stating that you have successfully passed the CCRN exam. You will be able to begin using the CCRN credential at that time. As stated by the Corporation, "Unsuccessful candidates are eligible for a discounted retest fee." Those who fail the examination are directed to the application process for retesting.

References

• AACN Certification Corporation: About AACN Certification Corporation
• Certification Corporation for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Certification Exam Handbook
• AMP: Technology that Works, People Who Care

Resources

• Healthcare - Training Center.com: CCRN