
How hard is the CCRN exam?
If you’re gearing up to take the Critical Care Nursing exam, then try these 5 free CCRN practice questions taken straight from our BoardVitals Critical Care Nursing question bank. Good luck! If you couldn’t tell by the sample questions, the CCRN exam is tough and should not be taken lightly.
What is a CCRN nurse?
CCRN® is a registered trademark that designates nurses who have obtained board certification in caring for critically ill patients in the acute care arena. Nurses who obtain their CCRN work in critical care units, emergency departments, and transport teams providing care to neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients.
What is on the CCRN test plan?
The items are based on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care, with 80% focusing on Clinical Judgment and 20% focusing on Professional Caring and Ethical Practice. The CCRN Test Plan, found in the CCRN Exam Handbook, provides a breakdown of content areas. Q: How soon after testing will I find out if I passed the CCRN exam?
How do I prepare for the CCRN exam?
A: Referring to your CCRN exam score report, identify the topic areas in which you have the most room for improvement. For additional information refer to the Prepare to Take Your Exam page. Candidates may sit for the CCRN exam up to four times in a 12-month period.

How long should you study for the CCRN?
Mentally plan on studying about 3-4 days/week for about 15-30 minutes for a total of 6-8 weeks.
Is CCRN harder than Nclex?
You will be able to eliminate several answer choices for many cardiac questions just knowing this. Hope this helps anyone else working on test prep now. I will be frank, it was harder than CEN, NCLEX, and Paramedic exams. You cannot wing it, but you can pass it with a well structured study plan.
Is it worth it to get your CCRN?
A: CCRN certification helps you maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of acute and critical care nursing. In addition to providing you with a sense of professional pride and achievement, CCRN certification reinforces the special knowledge and experiences required for acute and critical care nursing.
Whats harder CCRN or CEN?
Specializes in Emergency. Has 4 years experience. The CCRN was by far the hardest test.
What is the pass rate for CCRN?
about 79%If you couldn't tell by the sample questions, the CCRN exam is tough and should not be taken lightly. There are about 16,000 test-takers per year and the CCRN pass rate is only about 79%. The exam itself is 150 questions, with 25 of the questions not counted towards your test score.
What is the hardest nursing certification to get?
Emergency nursing is considered one of the most difficult fields of nursing, and certification in this specialty is highly desirable.
Is CCRN a big deal?
Hospitals and physicians have made it clear that the medical profession values the CCRN certification. Many hospitals offer an hourly pay differential for nurses who are certified and the average annual salary of a CCRN is approximately $10,000 more per year than critical care nurses who are not certified.
Do you need CCRN to work in ICU?
There are no specific CEU requirements for ICU unless they have obtained advanced certification such as the CCRN. Generally, in order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee.
How do I start studying for CCRN?
Test Plan. One of the most important study tools is the test plan, also known as an exam blueprint, which can be found in the Exam Handbook. ... Exam References. ... Practice Exam and Questions. ... Exam Review Course* ... Study Group. ... Certified Nurses & Other Colleagues. ... Score Report.
Which nursing specialty is the hardest?
What Are the Hardest Nursing Specialties?Oncology. There's no surprise that this one is near the top of the list. ... Hospice. ... Medical-Surgical. ... Geriatric Care. ... Emergency Room. ... Psychiatry. ... Correctional Nursing. ... Home Health.
What is the easiest nursing certification?
Of all the nursing certifications, LPN or LVN programs are the quickest and most convenient options. Because training can be completed at a hospital, vocational technical school, community college and even online, LPN/LVN programs are ideal for students who work or have other obligations.
What is the best way to study for the CCRN?
If you're still wondering how pass the CCRN exam, it's time to turn to the tried and true method of preparation. Prepare yourself beforehand – this is imperative! The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACC) recommends using an exam handbook, practice exams, and adult review courses to get ready.
What is the passing score for Crrn?
500In order to pass the CRRN exam, you will need to obtain a scaled score of 500.
What is the CCRN exam like?
CCRN Exam Content The CCRN exams are 3-hour tests consisting of 150 multiple-choice items. Of the 150 items, 125 are scored and 25 are used to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams. The CCRN exams focus on the adult, pediatric or neonatal patient population.
How do I pass the CCRN?
0:348:58CCRN: How to pass the exam - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i'm going to go into more depth today on how I passed my CCRN. And what tools I used when I firstMoreSo i'm going to go into more depth today on how I passed my CCRN. And what tools I used when I first started looking into taking my CCRN. I was kind of overwhelmed.
What percentage of the CCRN test covers clinical judgment?
80% of the test will cover your clinical judgment in areas such as Cardiovascular (17%), Respiratory (15%), Endocrine/Hematology/Gastrointestinal/Renal/Integumentary (20%), Musculoskeletal/Neurological/Psychosocial (14%), and Multisystem (14%) specialties. Many CCRN experts agree that since Cardiovascular systems make up the largest, single-specialty percentage of the test, that is one area high performers should focus their studying efforts on.
How much does a CCRN exam cost?
The test itself can cost between $170 and $360, depending on whether it is your first exam, retest, or CCRN renewal. Some employers or institutions will pay for or reimburse your exam fee. Look into this if you work for a major institution or ask your management staff if this is an option.
What is CCRN certification?
What is the CCRN certification? CCRN® is a registered trademark that designates nurses who have obtained board certification in caring for critically ill patients in the acute care arena. Nurses who obtain their CCRN work in critical care units, emergency departments, and transport teams providing care to neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients.
How much does AACN cost?
An AACN membership costs $78 annually. It is not required to sit for the CCRN exam, but it is worth joining because it saves you $95 on your exam and is an incredible professional resource.
Why do you need a certification in critical care nursing?
It shows your patients and employer that you are committed to your specialty nursing practice. Your colleagues will also know you are a person who can help them hone new skills and that you are a go-to person when they are in need.
What is CCRN certification?
A: CCRN certification is a credential granted by AACN Certification Corporation. More than 95,000 acute and critical care nurses are presently certified worldwide in adult, pediatric or neonatal nursing. CCRN certification validates your knowledge of nursing care of acutely/critically ill patients to hospital administrators, peers, patients and, ...
What counts toward CCRN hours?
A: Hours that count toward CCRN eligibility are those hours during which one is assigned as the primary nurse for a group of acutely/critically ill patients. If the nurse is following or shadowing another nurse who is the one with the patient assignment, those hours would not count.
How many CERPs are required for CCRN?
A: Renewing CCRN candidates must complete a minimum of 100 CERPs during the 3-year certification period, with at least 60 CERPs in Category A and 10 each in Categories B and C; the other 20 CERPs may be in any of the three categories (A, B or C). The following list of examples is not all-inclusive.
How long does CCRN certification last?
A: CCRN certification is recognized for a 3-year period, and may be renewed by retaking the CCRN exam or by meeting the requirements of the Renewal by Synergy CERPs (Continuing Education Recognition Points) program during the 3-year certification period.
How many times can I take the CCRN exam?
For additional information refer to the Prepare to Take Your Exam page. Candidates may sit for the CCRN exam up to four times in a 12-month period. Candidates who do not pass the exam are eligible for a discounted retest fee, which is available until the exam is passed.
What are eligible hours for CCRN?
Eligible hours are those spent caring for the patient population — adult, pediatric or neonatal — related to the exam for which you are applying. If you hold Adult CCRN certification only you may not represent yourself as a CCRN while caring for pediatric or neonatal patients.
How long does a critical care nurse stay in a critical care unit?
For example, staff orientation for a critical care unit may last anywhere from 1 to 12 months — depending on the needs of the nurse. While a nurse may still be categorized as an orientee, the staffing pattern may designate additional staff to mentor the new nurse while he or she functions as the primary caregiver.
How many questions are asked in the CCRN exam?
There are about 16,000 test-takers per year and the CCRN pass rate is only about 79%. The exam itself is 150 questions, with 25 of the questions not counted towards your test score.
Is CCRN certification mandatory?
Caring for patients who are more ill than ever before is the duty of a critical care nurse. Although CCRN certification is not mandatory, successful employment may hinge on the diligence demonstrated through the completion of the CCRN exam offered by the AACN.
How many hours do you need to sit for CCRN?
To sit for the CCRN, an applicant must have practiced as a critical care nurse for at least 1,750 hours in the past two years. In a world where nurses are able to go to grad school with zero bedside experience, the CCRN is special because it guarantees the nurse has worked in a high acuity area. Also, the CCRN exam is updated to reflect ...
Why is it important to become a certified nurse?
Helping nurses become certified increases job satisfaction and consequently, happier nurses make happier hospitals. Additionally, ongoing education for nurses reduces risk and prepares her or him to make better-informed decisions . Some malpractice insurance companies even offer discounted rates to certified nurses.
Should employers encourage nurses to obtain certifications?
Finally, employers who encourage nurses to obtain certifications might be more competitive in the healthcare market. These are all reasons you should present to your employer to obtain reimbursement for taking the exam, if that option is not offered to you. So there you have it.
Do Americans prefer certified nurses?
Finally, Americans prefer certified nurses. Three out of four individuals said they would prefer nurses be certified than not be certified. It’s true, certified nurses benefit hospitals in countless ways. Helping nurses become certified increases job satisfaction and consequently, happier nurses make happier hospitals.
What is a CCRN?
CCRN (Adult) CCRN ® (Adult) is a specialty certification for nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients regardless of their physical location.
Is an unencumbered license subject to formal discipline?
An unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state (s) in which the nurse is practicing and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse’s practice.
