AACN Certification Corporation
CCRN
Adult Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification
The specialty certification for nurses providing direct care to acutely and critically ill adult patients (ICU, CCU, trauma). Widely recognized by hospitals for clinical-ladder advancement and ICU hiring.
What's on the exam
Adult CCRN Test Plan (effective November 12, 2025)
Clinical Judgment: Cardiovascular
13%Acute coronary syndromes · Heart failure and cardiogenic shock · Dysrhythmias · Cardiac surgery and interventions · Hypertensive crisis · Structural heart and vascular disorders
Clinical Judgment: Respiratory
12%Acute respiratory failure · ARDS · Mechanical ventilation complications · Pulmonary embolism · Pneumonia and aspiration · Pleural space abnormalities
Clinical Judgment: Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, Integumentary
21%DKA and HHS · GI bleeding and liver failure · Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy · Coagulopathies (DIC, HIT) · Wounds and pressure injuries
Clinical Judgment: Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/Psychosocial
18%Acute stroke · Traumatic brain injury and increased ICP · Seizure disorders · Delirium and agitation · Substance withdrawal · Compartment syndrome and fractures
Clinical Judgment: Multisystem
16%Sepsis and septic shock · Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome · Toxic ingestions and exposures · Post-cardiac-arrest care · Pain, sedation, and end-of-life care
Professional Caring and Ethical Practice
20%Advocacy and moral agency · Caring practices · Collaboration and systems thinking · Response to diversity · Clinical inquiry · Facilitation of learning
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CCRN cost?
The CCRN costs $375. $260 for AACN members / $375 for nonmembers (retest: $185 / $290).
How long is the CCRN and how many questions does it have?
150 items (125 scored, 25 unscored) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the CCRN?
Scaled cut score set by AACN (pass/fail).
Can you retake the CCRN?
Up to 4 attempts in a rolling 12-month period; retest fee applies.
What is the best way to study for the CCRN?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Clinical Judgment: Cardiovascular 13%, Clinical Judgment: Respiratory 12%, Clinical Judgment: Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, Integumentary 21%, Clinical Judgment: Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/Psychosocial 18%, Clinical Judgment: Multisystem 16%, Professional Caring and Ethical Practice 20%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Program in development
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