This overview includes information to help you prepare for the PCCN® exam. You will find details about eligibility, the test format, registration, costs, test-day expectations, scoring, retakes, and study resources.
Questions150 total questions | Time Limit3 hours |
Clinical Judgment80% of the exam | Professional Practice20% of the exam |
Exam Background and Purpose
PCCN stands for Progressive Care Certified Nurse. The PCCN credential is offered by AACN Certification Corporation for nurses who care for, or influence the care of, acutely ill adult patients.
These patients are generally moderately stable but remain at an increased risk of becoming unstable. Nurses pursuing PCCN certification may work in progressive care, intermediate care, stepdown, telemetry, direct observation, transitional care, emergency, or similar settings.
Key point: PCCN is an adult progressive care certification. It is different from CCRN certification, which primarily focuses on the care of critically ill patients.
Test Overview
The PCCN exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. Of the 150 questions, 125 are scored and 25 are unscored questions used to collect statistical information for future exams.
The unscored questions are not identified. You should therefore treat every question as though it contributes to your final result.
The current PCCN test plan applies to exams taken on or after February 6, 2024. The individual Clinical Judgment percentages may total slightly more than 80% because AACN rounds the percentages.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must hold a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license. Candidates applying through the Direct Care pathway must also satisfy one of the following practice-hour options.
Two-Year OptionComplete at least 1,750 hours of direct care for acutely ill adult patients during the previous two years. At least 875 hours must have been completed during the most recent year. | Five-Year OptionComplete at least 2,000 hours of direct care for acutely ill adult patients during the previous five years. At least 144 hours must have been completed during the most recent year. |
Eligible practice hours must be verifiable by a clinical supervisor or professional colleague. AACN also offers a Knowledge Professional pathway for eligible nurses whose work influences progressive care but is not primarily direct bedside care.
Costs and Payment Options
The PCCN exam fee depends on whether the candidate is an AACN member. Group and employer-sponsored discounts may also be available.
Current PCCN Fee Basics
- AACN member initial exam fee: $260
- Nonmember initial exam fee: $375
- AACN member retest fee: $185
- Nonmember retest fee: $290
- Fees are subject to change
Registration, Times, and Locations
Candidates apply for PCCN certification through AACN. The application requires RN or APRN license information, payment, and contact information for a clinical supervisor or professional colleague who can verify the candidate’s practice eligibility.
Once the application is approved, the candidate receives instructions for scheduling the exam. Computer-based testing is available at PSI testing centers and through live remote proctoring from an approved private location.
Test Scores
The PCCN exam uses criterion-referenced scoring. This means a candidate’s performance is measured against an established standard rather than compared with the performance of other candidates.
Candidates who complete a computer-based exam receive their result and score report immediately after testing. A detailed score report is also emailed after the exam.
Retaking the PCCN Exam
Candidates who do not pass may apply to take the exam again by submitting a retest application and paying the applicable fee. Retesting policies and eligibility windows may change, so candidates should review the current AACN instructions before scheduling another attempt.
Before retesting, use the score report to identify the clinical and professional content areas that require additional review.
How Can I Prepare for the PCCN Exam?
Start by reviewing the current PCCN test plan. Clinical Judgment accounts for most of the exam, so your preparation should place extra emphasis on cardiovascular, multisystem, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine content.
The exam tests application, not simple memorization. Practice recognizing assessment findings, setting priorities, monitoring trends, choosing appropriate interventions, and identifying signs that a patient’s condition is deteriorating.
PCCN Study Checklist
- Review the current PCCN content outline before studying.
- Spend more time on the heavily weighted clinical areas.
- Practice interpreting cardiac rhythms, laboratory values, and patient trends.
- Review progressive care medications, procedures, and nursing interventions.
- Study Advocacy and Moral Agency and the other professional practice competencies.
- Complete practice questions under realistic time limits.
- Review the rationale for every missed question.
PCCN Study Resources
Top Study Guide:
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PCCN® is a registered service mark of AACN Certification Corporation. AACN Certification Corporation is not involved with or affiliated with Mometrix Media LLC or StudyGuideZone.com, nor does AACN Certification Corporation endorse or sponsor any products or services offered by Mometrix Media LLC or StudyGuideZone.com.
