Exam guide

AACN CCRN exam guide

Everything about the AACN CCRN exam, including cost, format and requirements.

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AACN CCRN at a glance

From aacn.org
Delivery Testing center and Live remote proctoring
Valid for 3 years

AACN CCRN exam cost

An additional score report costs $25 USD.

Candidates who do not pass can retest for a reduced fee.

Cancelling an exam application through AACN Customer Care returns the fee minus a $100 processing charge.

Source MISSION AACN Certification Corporation drives patient health and safety through…

AACN CCRN exam format

Here is how the AACN CCRN exam is set up.

  • Question types. The question type is multiple-choice.
  • Delivery. Delivery options are Testing center and Live remote proctoring.
  • Test provider. The exam is delivered by PSI.
  • Breaks. Candidates can ask for two short breaks of five minutes each, and no extra time is added to make up for them.

Eligibility, retakes and renewal

These are the rules on prerequisites, retakes, validity and renewal for the AACN CCRN exam.

Prerequisites

Anyone applying for AACN Certification Corporation exams or for renewal needs a valid U.S. nursing license, either RN or APRN, that has no restrictions.

Retake policy

A candidate may sit the same certification exam four times in a rolling 12 month period, and after 12 months a new honor statement must be signed.

Validity

3 years

The certification is valid for 3 years.

Renewal

Renewal needs a current unencumbered license, enough clinical practice hours, and either earned CERPs or a passed exam.

Renewal requires 100 continuing education units (CEUs).

Registration and scheduling

Here is how to register for and schedule the AACN CCRN exam.

  1. Candidates can register for the exam online through the Get Certified section of the AACN certification website.

  2. After applying, candidates book an appointment through the link in the confirmation email or through their AACN customer dashboard.

  3. Candidates must show a current government-issued ID that carries their photograph and signature.

AACN CCRN exam FAQ

How do you get your AACN CCRN exam results?

Candidates see their result on screen after the exam and are then emailed a score report.

What happens if you fail the AACN CCRN exam?

Candidates who do not pass can retest at a reduced fee.

When do you get your AACN CCRN exam results?

Results appear on screen at the end of a computer-based exam, and a score report is emailed within 24 hours. PSI Testing Center: At a PSI testing center, results show on screen right after the exam and a detailed score report is emailed within 24-48 hours.

Can you take the AACN CCRN exam online?

Yes, candidates can sit the exam from their own computer in a quiet private place with a live remote proctor.

Can you get testing accommodations for the AACN CCRN exam?

Yes, accommodations can be considered for candidates with a disability or impairment, provided they turn in a Request for Exam Accommodations form beforehand.

Who delivers the AACN CCRN exam?

The exam is administered by the testing company PSI, working with AACN Certification Corporation.

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Sources

Verified November 2026 against the sources above. How we source and check exam facts