If you need help studying for the Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free PCCN practice test!
What’s on the PCCN Exam?
How to Register
PCCN Exam Scores
Retaking the Exam
Online PCCN Prep Course
FAQs
PCCN Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the PCCN exam, you’ll need to have a current RN or APRN license.
You’ll also have to meet ONE of the two clinical practice hour requirements below:
- Two Years: You need at least 1,750 RN/APRN hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients within the last two years.
- Five Years: You need at least 2,000 RN/APRN hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients within the last five years.
If you meet the requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the PCCN Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 150 multiple-choice questions total, but only 125 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 25 unscored questions on the PCCN exam are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are unscored. Every question will appear like a scored question throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the exam.
1. CLINICAL JUDGMENT
80% of the exam
- Cardiovascular (20%)
- Respiratory (14%)
- Neurology (7%)
- Gastrointestinal (7%)
- Musculoskeletal (2%)
- Endocrine (6%)
- Hematology/Immunology/Oncology (3%)
- Renal (4%)
- Multisystem (15%)
- Behavioral/Psychosocial (3%)
2. PROFESSIONAL CARING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE
20% of the exam
- Advocacy/moral agency
- Caring practices
- Response to diversity
- Facilitation of learning
- Collaboration
- Systems thinking
- clinical inquiry
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam!
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application via the AACN’s website. If you’re applying with a group, planning to take the paper-and-pencil version of the exam, or testing outside of the US, you’ll need to mail the following items to AACN:
AACN Certification Corporation
Attn: PCCN Certification
27071 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
- Completed application for the PCCN exam
- Completed honor statement
- Application fee
The application fee is $365, but if you’re an AACN member, you will only have to pay $250.
PCCN Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
PCCN Exam Scores
The test is scored using the Angoff method. Here’s how it works:
The Angoff method involves a group of subject-matter experts taking an educated guess at the percentage of candidates who would correctly answer each question on the test. These estimates are then averaged to set a cut-off score, which test-takers must meet or exceed to pass.
This method aims to ensure the pass threshold reflects the level of knowledge or skill that is deemed minimally acceptable for a particular profession or field.
The cut score for the PCCN exam is 82.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test up to four times per year.
In other good news, AACN offers a 30% discount for retakes, so you only pay $110 for each attempt ($75 for AACN members).
Online PCCN Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online PCCN prep course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The PCCN course includes:
- Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- 750+ PCCN Practice Questions
- More than 900 Digital Flashcards
- Over 90 Instructional Videos
- Money-back Guarantee
- Free Mobile Access
- and More!
The PCCN prep course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their PCCN exam. Click below to check it out!
FAQs
How hard is the PCCN exam?
The PCCN exam is considered to be a moderately difficult exam. The current pass rate is 70%.
How many questions are on the PCCN exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the PCCN exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the PCCN exam?
You’ll need to get a final cut score of at least 82.
How much does the PCCN exam cost?
The exam fee is $365 ($250 for AACN members).
