One option for taking your certification exam is going to a testing center. AACN Certification Corporation’s exam administrator and testing service partner, PSI, offers in-person computer-based testing at more than 300 locations nationwide.
To locate the nearest testing center, please explore PSI’s Testing Center Map.
Note: PSI testing centers adhere to all COVID-19 state and local ordinances ― including mask wearing and social distancing ― to help ensure the safety of certification candidates during the exam.
What to Expect
Your Exam Day Experience
This short video from PSI provides an overview of a typical testing center exam experience.
Check-in Process
- Please arrive at the testing center 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment.
- Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a proctor who will guide you through the check-in process. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled exam time, you will not be admitted.
- At check-in, you will be asked to present a government-issued ID that includes your photograph and signature. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, state/province ID, U.S. visa or international travel passport. Your ID must match the name in your AACN customer record.
Taking the Exam
- No reference material or personal items may be taken into the testing center ― please leave these at home or in your vehicle. If you require a disability exemption from this policy, please refer to our ADA Accommodations information.
- Once seated at a computer, be prepared to have your photograph taken.
- After you have taken the optional practice test, your exam will begin.
- A digital notepad within the testing platform is available for your use.
- Breaks are permitted, but they are considered part of your exam time.
After the Exam
- Upon completing the exam, your results will appear on-screen. A detailed score report will be emailed to you within 24 hours of exam completion.
- The day after you take your exam, your certification will appear in AACN’s online Certification Verification system. This is where you can request to have a letter verifying your certification emailed to anyone, including yourself, your employer and/or your state board(s) of nursing.
For additional details about this testing option and the most current certification exam policies and procedures, please refer to the Certification Exam Policy Handbook.