Should I Apply for the CCRN or PCCN Certification Exam?

CCRN
Critical Care

PCCN
Progressive Care

Patient Problems/Nursing Actions

CCRN—Critical Care
Refer to the CCRN Test Plan in the initial exam handbook for your specific exam.

PCCN—Progressive Care
Refer to the PCCN Test Plan in the initial exam handbook for your specific exam.

Patient Stability

CCRN—Critical Care
Patients are critically ill and unstable. A majority of the practice hours for CCRN eligibility must be focused on critically ill patients.

PCCN—Progressive Care
Patients are acutely ill and moderately stable with potential to become unstable.

Patient Complexity

CCRN—Critical Care
Typical assignment of one nurse to one to two patients based on acuity.

PCCN—Progressive Care
Typical assignment of one nurse to three to four patients based on acuity.

Practice Areas
Determination of eligibility is not based on unit location but on patient acuity, as patient placement varies by facility and bed availability.

CCRN—Critical Care
Critical Care Unit
Intensive Care Unit
Emergency Department
PACU/RR
Trauma Unit
Transport Flight

PCCN—Progressive Care
Progressive Care Unit
Telemetry Unit
Stepdown Unit
Intermediate Care Unit
Observation Unit
Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Interventional Radiology

CCRN—Critical Care
Apply

PCCN—Progressive Care
Apply

Prospective candidates must work with acutely/critically ill patients for eligibility hours specified in the exam handbook for CCRN or PCCN. If you are unsure if you are eligible for the PCCN or CCRN exam, you should discuss eligibility with your supervisor and/or contact AACN before applying.

Preparation Tools and Exam Handbooks

Find in-depth information about exam eligibility and the application process.

Prepare

Test plans and table data are based on results of the CCRN Study of Practice and Direct Care Eligibility Pathway requirements and PCCN Study of Practice and Direct Care Eligibility requirements.