CCRN Exam Overview and Preparation
Guide 2026
Introduction to CCRN®
• The-CCRN®-certification-is-a-credential-for-critical-care-nurses,-demonstrating-
advanced-knowledge-and-skills-in-the-field.
• Nicole-Kupchik,-a-Clinical-Nurse-Specialist-with-over-25-years-of-critical-care-
experience,-has-been-teaching-review-courses-for-over-15-years.
• The-certification-is-offered-by-the-American-Association-of-Critical-Care-Nurses-
(AACN),-which-provides-resources-and-guidelines-for-candidates.
,Contact-and-Resources
• Nicole-Kupchik-Consulting-offers-online-review-courses-and-resources-for-CCRN®-
exam-preparation.
• The-official-AACN-website-(www.aacn.org/certification)-provides-essential-
information-about-the-exam,-including-the-test-plan-and-application-process.
• Candidates-are-encouraged-to-download-the-exam-handbook-for-detailed-
guidelines.
, CCRN® Exam Structure
- -
Exam-Details
• The-CCRN®-exam-consists-of-150-questions,-with-25-questions-being-unscored-
and-used-for-statistical-purposes.
• The-exam-duration-is-3-hours,-and-candidates-must-achieve-a-passing-score-of-83-
out-of-125.
• The-application-process-includes-a-3-page-form-and-can-be-completed-online-for-
faster-processing.
Test-Plan-and-Blueprint
• The-exam-blueprint-was-updated-in-March-2020,-focusing-on-clinical-judgment-
(80%)-and-professional-caring-&-ethical-practice-(20%).
• Key-content-areas-include-cardiovascular,-respiratory,-endocrine,-hematology,-
renal,-and-neurological-systems,-among-others.
• Candidates-must-have-a-current-unencumbered-nursing-license-and-meet-specific-
practice-hour-requirements.
Guide 2026
Introduction to CCRN®
• The-CCRN®-certification-is-a-credential-for-critical-care-nurses,-demonstrating-
advanced-knowledge-and-skills-in-the-field.
• Nicole-Kupchik,-a-Clinical-Nurse-Specialist-with-over-25-years-of-critical-care-
experience,-has-been-teaching-review-courses-for-over-15-years.
• The-certification-is-offered-by-the-American-Association-of-Critical-Care-Nurses-
(AACN),-which-provides-resources-and-guidelines-for-candidates.
,Contact-and-Resources
• Nicole-Kupchik-Consulting-offers-online-review-courses-and-resources-for-CCRN®-
exam-preparation.
• The-official-AACN-website-(www.aacn.org/certification)-provides-essential-
information-about-the-exam,-including-the-test-plan-and-application-process.
• Candidates-are-encouraged-to-download-the-exam-handbook-for-detailed-
guidelines.
, CCRN® Exam Structure
- -
Exam-Details
• The-CCRN®-exam-consists-of-150-questions,-with-25-questions-being-unscored-
and-used-for-statistical-purposes.
• The-exam-duration-is-3-hours,-and-candidates-must-achieve-a-passing-score-of-83-
out-of-125.
• The-application-process-includes-a-3-page-form-and-can-be-completed-online-for-
faster-processing.
Test-Plan-and-Blueprint
• The-exam-blueprint-was-updated-in-March-2020,-focusing-on-clinical-judgment-
(80%)-and-professional-caring-&-ethical-practice-(20%).
• Key-content-areas-include-cardiovascular,-respiratory,-endocrine,-hematology,-
renal,-and-neurological-systems,-among-others.
• Candidates-must-have-a-current-unencumbered-nursing-license-and-meet-specific-
practice-hour-requirements.
