Revised PCCN Exam Launches Feb. 6, 2024

Renewal Eligibility Requirements & Fees

PCCN Adult – Knowledge Professional Eligibility Pathway
  • Renewal by Synergy CERPs

  • Renewal by Exam

The Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) program encompasses a wide spectrum of learning topics and activities such as research activities, preceptorship, committee involvement, leadership responsibilities and volunteer activities. CERP learning topics and activities are listed in the PCCN Renewal Handbook – Knowledge Professional Pathway.

Eligibility Requirements
  • An unencumbered license has not been subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse practiced during the most recent renewal period and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse's practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.
  • Completion of 100 CERPs is required, with 80 CERPs in Category A and 10 each in Categories B and C.
  • Practice hours are required. Practice as an RN or APRN for 432 hours positively influencing the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients during the three-year certification renewal period, with 144 of those hours accrued in the 12-month period prior to the scheduled renewal date is required.
    • Eligible hours are those in which the nurse applies knowledge in a way that influences patients, nurses and/or organizations to have a positive impact on acutely ill adult patients and their families.
    • Hours may be a combination of role practice/non-direct care and direct care. Nurses who exclusively or primarily provide direct care are not eligible for renewal via the Knowledge Professional Pathway, but could be eligible via the Direct Care Pathway.
  • For complete eligibility requirements, refer to the PCCN Renewal Handbook – Knowledge Professional Pathway.

AACN Members

$150

Nonmembers

$230

For renewal by exam, you must meet eligibility requirements for renewal and successfully apply for, take and pass the exam before your scheduled renewal date. Refer to the PCCN Exam Handbook – Knowledge Professional Pathway for the current test plan and to the Certification Exam Policy Handbook for exam scheduling and testing information.
Eligibility Requirements
  • An unencumbered license has not been subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse practiced during the most recent renewal period and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse's practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.
  • Take and pass the PCCN Adult exam before your scheduled renewal date.
  • Practice hours are required. Practice as an RN or APRN for 432 hours positively influencing the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients during the three-year certification renewal period, with 144 of those hours accrued in the 12-month period prior to the scheduled renewal date is required.
    • Eligible hours are those in which the nurse applies knowledge in a way that influences patients, nurses and/or organizations to have a positive impact on acutely ill adult patients and their families.
    • Hours may be a combination of role practice/non-direct care and direct care. Nurses who exclusively or primarily provide direct care are not eligible for renewal via the Knowledge Professional Pathway, but could be eligible via the Direct Care Pathway.
  • For complete eligibility requirements, refer to the PCCN Renewal Handbook – Knowledge Professional Pathway

AACN Members

$180

Nonmembers

$285

Synergy CERPs Overview

Following is a summary of how CERPs are categorized in the Renewal by Synergy CERPs program. The three categories (A, B and C) cover a range of topics organized by the Synergy Model. A total of 100 CERPs, with a minimum number in each category, is required. Click on a category below to access available continuing education activities.

Active Renewal Options

At renewal time, eligible PCCN certificants may seek an active certification renewal option. Those certificants who no longer meet eligibility requirements may select an alternate option. Only one option may be selected.

Alternate Options

Status change options for certificants who no longer meet renewal eligibility requirements for active certification. Only one option may be selected.

Renew

A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, minimum number of practice hours influencing the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients, and CERPs or exam are required.