The CCRN certification program provides three eligibility pathways:
- Direct Care - for nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill patients regardless of their physical location
- Knowledge Professional - for nurses who influence the care delivered to acutely/critically ill patients, but do not primarily or exclusively provide direct care
- Tele-critical Care - for nurses who primarily or exclusively provide care to acutely/critically ill patients from a centralized or remotely based tele-critical care setting
Updated Study of Practice (SOP)
AACN Certification Corporation regularly conducts national studies of practice, also known as practice analyses, to update and refresh certification test plans. These studies ensure that our exams are based on evidence and the content of each exam is tied directly to relevant practice.
The most recent acute/critical care study of practice was conducted in 2024, resulting in changes to the test plans and exams.
New Resources
Following are links to the updated test plans that go into effect for CCRN exams taken on and after Nov. 12, 2025, along with additional resources being revised based on the 2024 study of practice.
Test Plans
These detailed outlines show the content and associated percentage weights that make up the structure of the CCRN exams. The test plans are based on the study of practice and go through a 100% consensus process involving a national panel of experts (Practice Analysis Task Force). The test plans are analyzed by our psychometrician at PSI and ultimately approved by the AACN Certification Corporation Board of Directors.
Exam Bibliographies
This list comprises the references/resources the item writers and exam developers used to validate the correct answer to each exam question.
Study of Practice (SOP) Executive Summary
This brief report states the purpose, process, response rate, outcomes and analysis of the survey.
Additional Resources
Practice Exam and Questions
AACN’s subscription-based, digital CCRN Practice Exam and Questions products align with the new certification test plans, providing hundreds of questions and a realistic test-day experience; Adult and Pediatric options.
Online Review Courses
AACN’s existing acute/critical care certification review courses, presented by national experts, are being updated to align with the new test plans.
- Adult CCRN Online Review Course – November 2025
- Pediatric CCRN Online Review Course – TBD
- Neonatal CCRN Online Review Course – TBD
Note: Current CCRN exam study materials are relevant and useful for those testing on and after Nov. 12, 2025.