AACN Certification Corporation
PCCN
Progressive Care Certified Nurse
AACN's specialty certification for nurses caring for acutely ill adult progressive- and intermediate-care patients. A recognized wage-premium credential built on the AACN Synergy Model.
What's on the exam
PCCN (Adult) Test Plan (effective February 6, 2024)
Clinical Judgment: Cardiovascular
20%Acute coronary syndromes · Heart failure and cardiomyopathies · Dysrhythmias · Hypertensive crisis · Hemodynamic monitoring
Clinical Judgment: Pulmonary
14%Acute respiratory failure · COPD and asthma exacerbation · Pneumonia · Pulmonary embolism · Oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation
Clinical Judgment: Multisystem
15%Sepsis and shock · Fluid and electrolyte imbalance · Acid-base disturbances · Trauma and pain management · Pandemic and emergency response
Clinical Judgment: Gastrointestinal and Renal
11%GI bleeding · Acute and chronic kidney injury · Hepatic disorders · Pancreatitis · Bowel obstruction
Clinical Judgment: Neurology and Endocrine
13%Stroke and seizures · Traumatic brain injury · Increased intracranial pressure · Diabetic emergencies (DKA/HHS) · Adrenal and thyroid disorders
Clinical Judgment: Hematology, Musculoskeletal, and Psychosocial
8%Anemia and coagulopathies · Immunocompromise · Compartment syndrome · Delirium and agitation · Substance withdrawal
Professional Caring: Advocacy, Caring Practices, Diversity, Facilitation of Learning
11%Patient and family advocacy · Caring and comfort practices · Response to diversity · Patient and family education
Professional Caring: Collaboration, Systems Thinking, Clinical Inquiry
9%Interprofessional collaboration · Systems thinking · Clinical inquiry and evidence-based practice · Quality and safety
Frequently asked questions
How much does the PCCN cost?
The PCCN costs $255. AACN member fee; $370 for non-members.
How long is the PCCN and how many questions does it have?
150 items (125 scored, 25 unscored) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the PCCN?
Scaled score above the AACN passing standard.
Can you retake the PCCN?
Up to four attempts within a 12-month period.
What is the best way to study for the PCCN?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Clinical Judgment: Cardiovascular 20%, Clinical Judgment: Pulmonary 14%, Clinical Judgment: Multisystem 15%, Clinical Judgment: Gastrointestinal and Renal 11%, Clinical Judgment: Neurology and Endocrine 13%, Clinical Judgment: Hematology, Musculoskeletal, and Psychosocial 8%, Professional Caring: Advocacy, Caring Practices, Diversity, Facilitation of Learning 11%, Professional Caring: Collaboration, Systems Thinking, Clinical Inquiry 9%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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