Overview of the AACN Exam
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is a non-profit organization that supports critical care nursing staff by promoting excellence in the practice while providing education and advocacy for registered nurses and nursing professionals.
Obtaining an AACN certification attests to a nurse's comprehensive healthcare expertise, demonstrating excellence and proficiency in nursing. There are stringent knowledge and skill demands that nursing staff must meet, especially when providing essential care. This certification serves as a validation to patients, peers, and employers that these individuals have not only met but also exceeded the stipulated requirements to operate as skilled nursing professionals.
Here are examples of AACN certifications for a variety of disciplines:
- CCRN: Acute/Critical Care Nursing Certification
- CCRN-K: Acute/Critical Care Knowledge Professional Certification
- CCRN-E: Acute/Critical Care TeleICU Nursing Certification
- PCCN: Progressive Care Nursing Certification
- PCCN-K: Progressive Care Knowledge Professional Certification
- CMC: Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty Certification
- CSC: Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty Certification
- ACNPC-AG: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification
- ACCNS-AG: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
- ACCNS-P: Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
- ACCNS-N: Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
Each AACN certification has specific requirements for testing, including application fees, test plans, number of questions, and time limits. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider these factors before registering for a certification exam.
AACN Practice Test Benefits
Many have heard this sentiment time and time again, but practice does make perfect!
In preparation for the AACN exam, sharpening a familiarity with the test topics is in the applicant's best interest. The AACN practice test comprises similar questions in the same style to those encountered during the official exam. Utilizing AACN practice questions assists test-takers in identifying areas where a review of their understanding might be helpful, and it aids in managing the allotted time for answering questions on exam day. The more time spent reintroducing different topics through the AACN practice test, the less anxious individuals will feel while taking the official exam.
The AACN practice test offers:
- Hundreds of questions on different topics
- Organization by topic/chapter
- Unlimited practice exams
- Mobile-friendly options
- Authentic testing experience
Through dedicated practice, nurses aspiring to achieve their certification can approach the exam with self-assurance in their abilities, knowledge, and skills.
Master the AACN Practice Test for Exam Readiness
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers various certifications, each focusing on a specific topic. AACN practice questions are accessible for each specific AACN certification, presented in the same multiple-choice format as the official exam. By taking these practice tests, test takers can review content related to the exam topics and become familiar with the question format. Mastering the AACN practice test will increase the chance of passing the exam within the maximum limit of five (5) attempts, a restriction that applies to all AACN exams. Practicing timed questions will boost confidence, and a deeper familiarity and understanding of the exam topics will be gained.
Each AACN exam covers a unique certification, which means that the questions asked on each exam will differ. However, they all follow a similar format, as they are divided into either:
- Clinical Judgment
- Non-Clinical Judgment
- Professional Caring and Ethical Practice
The particular exams assess a nurse's understanding of specific patient conditions or issues, depending on the specialization.
Are the AACN Practice Questions Similar to What's on the Exam
Yes, the AACN practice test contains questions similar to those on the official AACN exam. When preparing to take an AACN exam, nurses should consider taking the corresponding AACN practice test for the credentials they are testing for. This practice test can help them identify areas where they might require additional practice. Furthermore, resources such as exam reviews, study guides, and practice tests are available for each specific certification.
After completing the AACN practice questions, individuals can identify areas of improvement and answer practice questions on specific topics. The greater their familiarity with the content, format, and question style, the higher their chances of successfully obtaining their AACN certification.
Ask Others for Help
Preparing for the AACN exam does not need to be a feat that is done alone. The systems of accountability will reveal themselves through the use of the AACN practice test and answering questions about topics related to essential nursing knowledge and skills. Many professionals have these certifications that can be learned from, and receiving a first-person account of how their exam experience went will help future test takers feel more prepared and confident in their own skills.
Here are some recommendations for the test takers:
- Join an AACN exam study group
- Watch AACN seminars or attend in person, if that is an option
- Reach out to educators with questions about the exam
- Connect with other nursing professionals who have recently received their certification
- Ensure enough time is dedicated to studying the AACN practice questions in the weeks and days before the official test.
Those resources serve as excellent supplements to the diligent work put toward preparing for the AACN exam. They provide valuable support that enhances confidence as test day approaches.
Strategies for AACN Test Day
In the days leading up to the AACN test, practicing and reviewing the test content is crucial. It is advisable not to learn any new information on the day of the official exam. Repetition builds confidence and a better understanding of the content that will be tested.
Here are some tips for a successful AACN exam day:
- Get a good night's sleep. A well-rested mind will always perform better than an exhausted one.
- Place all required documents and identification in a convenient and easily accessible location.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Eat something that is nutrient dense and avoid a lot of sugar.
- Arrive for the test early.
- Read each exam question carefully and thoughtfully.
- Review each answer. If there is time at the end of the exam, go through and double-check the answers.
By following these tips, individuals can approach the AACN exam day with confidence, organization, and a clear mindset, optimizing the chances of success.
Although the number of questions on AACN exams varies, they are all multiple-choice tests. The following table lists all the AACN certification exams, their corresponding number of questions, time limits, and focus areas that require preparation.
| Certification Type |
Certification Specifics |
# of Questions |
Allotted Time |
Exam Focuses |
| CCRN |
Acute and Critical Care Nursing |
125 scored questions, 25 data questions (150 total) |
3 hours
(180 mins) |
80% Clinical Judgment
20% Professional Caring and Ethical Practice |
| CCRN-K |
Acute and Critical Care Knowledge |
125 scored questions, 25 data questions (150 total) |
3 hours
(180 mins) |
80% Clinical Judgment
20% Professional Caring and Ethical Practice |
| CCRN-E |
Acute and Critical Care TeleICU Nursing |
125 scored questions, 25 data questions (150 total) |
3 hours
(180 mins) |
80% Clinical Judgment
20% Professional Caring and Ethical Practice |
| PCCN |
Progressive Care Nursing |
100 scored questions, 25 data questions (125 total) |
2.5 hours
(150 mins) |
80% Clinical Judgment
20% Professional Caring and Ethical Practice |
| PCCN-K |
Progressive Care Knowledge Professional |
100 scored questions, 25 data questions (125 total) |
2.5 hours
(150 mins) |
80% Clinical Judgment
20% Professional Caring and Ethical Practice |
| CMC |
Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty |
75 scored questions, 15 data questions (90 total) |
2 hours
(120 mins) |
100% Clinical Judgment |
| CSC |
Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty |
75 scored questions, 15 data questions (90 total) |
2 hours
(120 mins) |
100% Clinical Judgment |
| ACNPC-AG |
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner |
150 scored questions, 25 data questions (175 total) |
3.5 hours
(210 mins) |
80% Clinical Judgment
20% Non-Clinical Judgment |
| ACCNS-AG |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wellness through Acute Care) |
150 scored questions, 25 data questions (175 total) |
3.5 hours
(210 mins) |
65% Clinical Judgment
35% Non-Clinical Judgment |
| ACCNS-P |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wellness through Acute Care) |
150 scored questions, 25 data questions (175 total) |
3.5 hours
(210 mins) |
65% Clinical Judgment
35% Non-Clinical Judgment |
| ACCNS-N |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wellness through Acute Care) |
150 scored questions, 25 data questions (175 total) |
3.5 hours
(210 mins) |
65% Clinical Judgment
35% Non-Clinical Judgment |
When registering for an AACN certification exam, individuals can choose to take the exam on a computer or with a pencil and paper. Computer-based exam results are received immediately, while results for the written exams may take up to two (2) months to be processed.
-
While the number of included questions varies for each AACN exam, all of them consist of both scored questions and data questions. For instance:
- The CCRN, CCRN-K, and CCRN-E exams all consist of 125 scored questions and 25 data questions, totaling 150 questions.
- The PCCN and PCCN-K exams feature 100 scored questions and 25 data questions, resulting in a combined 125 questions.
- The CMC and CSC exams involve 75 scored questions and 15 data questions, totaling 90 questions.
- The ACNPC-AG, ACCNS-AG, ACCNS-P, and ACCNS-N exams entail 150 scored questions and 25 data questions, resulting in a collective count of 175 questions.
-
Candidates have the opportunity to take any AACN exam, regardless of the certification. However, this opportunity is limited to up to four retakes per year, allowing them to pursue success diligently. It's important to note that each retake is associated with fees.
-
The length of AACN exams varies based on the number of questions. For instance:
- The CCRN, CCRN-K, and CCRN-E exams must be completed within three hours (180 minutes).
- The PCCN and PCCN-K exams have a time limit of two and a half hours (150 minutes).
- The CMC and CSC exams must be completed within two hours (120 minutes).
- The ACNPC-AG, ACCNS-AG, ACCNS-P, and ACCNS-N exams are allotted a three and a half-hour timeframe (210 minutes).
