Eligibility

The ARDS Micro-Credential supports the clinical practice of healthcare professionals providing direct care to patients with or at risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome. ARDS can occur among patients in a variety of locations throughout hospitals and acute care facilities, so clinicians pursuing this micro-credential are not limited to any particular role, unit or setting. The skills, competencies and topics in this micro-credential are based on U.S. practice standards.

Taking the Exam

The process of applying for and taking the ARDS Micro-Credential exam is streamlined to make it as easy as possible to pursue this professional achievement.

  • 1No application is necessary; purchase the exam from this webpage.

  • 2Detailed instructions are sent via email after completing your purchase.

  • 3Take the exam online at your convenience, and receive your results immediately after completing the exam.

  • 4Print your certificate of achievement from your AACN customer dashboard.

  • 5Send a verification letter to your employer through our online verification system to confirm that you’ve earned the ARDS Micro-Credential.

AACN Members

$40

Nonmembers

$55

Earning Your ARDS Micro-Credential

Applicants earn their ARDS Micro-Credential by successfully completing an exam that validates their knowledge of caring for patients with ARDS. The exam:

  • Includes items developed using validated, evidence-based sources on current ARDS practice (see bibliography in the ARDS Micro-Credential Exam Test Plan)
  • Has a 90-minute time limit to answer 50 questions
  • Requires 35 correct answers for a passing score
  • Offers 2 CERPs (Category A) upon passing

We encourage you to refer to the ARDS Micro-Credential Exam Test Plan for a comprehensive content overview and the references used to develop the exam.

Exam Preparation Resources

To help you prepare for your ARDS Micro-Credential exam, AACN offers several useful resources.

ARDS Exam Test Plan
This comprehensive outline details content covered in the exam and the references used for validation.
Pulmonary Care Online Courses
Our specialty focused modular courses develop or refresh your skill set in pulmonary, ARDS and ventilator care and management.
Pulmonary Clinical Resources
This collection of AACN resources offers easy access to pulmonary-focused educational content.
Customer Support
Have questions or need help? Get in touch with AACN Customer Care.

Purchase Micro-Credential Exam

Validate your specialty knowledge in caring for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.