CPAN® - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse
About CPAN Certification
The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exam is administered by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC). This certification is designed for registered nurses who specialize in the care of patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. Achieving CPAN certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in perianesthesia care, including pain management, airway maintenance, and monitoring vital signs during post-anesthesia recovery. Certification reflects a nurse’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based care for patients in various stages of recovery ranging from immediate post-anesthesia to ongoing support in achieving stable physiological function.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Description | A comprehensive certification exam for registered nurses specializing in postanesthesia care. |
Credentials Earned | Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®). |
Eligibility Requirements | Active RN license and a minimum of 1,200 hours in Postanesthesia Phase 1 care within the last two years. |
Completion Time | 3 hours to complete exam. |
Subjects Covered in the Exam | Five main categories, including anesthesia (24%), physiology (18%), perianesthesia monitoring and intervention (35%), perianesthesia care considerations (14%), and professional nursing practice and guidelines (9%). |
Number of Questions | 185 multiple-choice questions (140 scored, 45 unscored pretest). |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, computer-based test. |
Exam Proctoring | Exam can be taken at PSI test centers or via live remote proctoring (LRP). |
Recertification Details | Required every 3 years; includes proof of 900 practice hours and 70 contact hours of continuing education, or recertification by examination. |
Pass/Fail Rates | Pass rates vary annually but historically the average is 64%. |
Difficulty Level | Hard. |
Study Material | BoardCerts CPAN Question Bank. |
BoardCerts CPAN Question Bank
BoardCerts offers a comprehensive question bank tailored to help you succeed on the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exam. Our content aligns seamlessly with the CPAN exam blueprint. Every question is meticulously curated and reviewed by experienced physicians and CPAN-certified nurses, to ensure precision and relevance. The BoardCerts question bank replicates the complexity of the exam, featuring comprehensive rationales and explanations to deepen your knowledge and readiness.
CPAN Exam Content Outline
The CPAN exam content is organized into five primary domains.
- Anesthesia (24%) covers knowledge of anesthesia techniques, agents, and considerations for diverse patient populations.
- Physiology (18%) focuses on understanding body systems, physical assessment, and managing complications.
- Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention (35%) is the largest section, emphasizing diagnostic evaluation, airway and pain management, and response to emergencies.
- Perianesthesia Care Considerations (14%) addresses individualized care, psychosocial factors, and education for patients and caregivers.
- Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines (9%) highlights evidence-based practice, collaboration, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
For a more detailed blueprint outline, please review the CPAN exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources - CPAN.
Exam Categories: Percentage Distribution
CPAN Exam Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the CPAN exam, a registered nurse must hold a current, unrestricted RN license. Additionally, candidates must have at least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience in Postanesthesia Phase 1 care within the two years preceding their application. This requirement ensures that candidates possess sufficient hands-on experience in providing specialized care to patients recovering from anesthesia.
CPAN Application Process
To apply for the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exam, follow these steps:
Online Application::
Application Submission: :
Scheduling the Exam::
Preparation: :
CPAN Exam Dates and Costs
The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exam is administered biannually, with testing windows are in March-May and September-November. Application periods open 2.5 months prior to the start of each testing window.
The latest information on CPAN exam dates, application deadlines, and exam costs can be found in the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) website.
CPAN Exam Format
Number of Questions: The CAPA exam comprises 185 multiple-choice questions, of which 140 are scored, and 45 are unscored pretest questions.
Exam Response Options: Each question offers four multiple choice response options.
Testing Options: Available at PSI testing centers or via Live Remote Proctoring.
Time Allotted: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Passing Score for CPAN
Difficulty Level: The CPAN exam is widely regarded as a challenging test, with an annual pass rate averaging 64%. It encompasses a broad spectrum of complex topics, reflecting the rigorous standards of perianesthesia nursing.
Passing Score: A scaled score of 450 on a scale of 200 to 800 is required to pass the CPAN exam. Scaled scores are used to standardize results, allowing for fair comparisons between different versions of the exam. Rather than reporting the raw number of correct answers, the score is adjusted using a statistical process called equating, which accounts for slight variations in difficulty across exam forms. The passing score of 450 reflects the minimum standard of competency established by panels of CPAN content experts through a rigorous criterion-referenced methodology.
Exam Statistics: Detailed pass rate statistics for the CPAN exam are available on the ABPANC website. The annual pass rate average is 64%.
Score Reporting: Upon completing the exam, you will receive an official score report indicating whether you passed or failed. Passing candidates will receive instructions to download their certificate and wallet ID card, while non-passing candidates will receive detailed feedback on their performance.
CPAN Exam Proctoring
The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exam is administered by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) in partnership with PSI Services. Exams can be taken either online through Live Remote Proctoring or at one of PSI's extensive network of test centers across the United States.
- Live Remote Proctoring: Candidates have the flexibility to take the CPAN exam via Live Remote Proctoring. This option allows you to complete the exam from a secure location of your choice, such as your home or office, while being monitored in real-time by a professional proctor using your computer's webcam and microphone.
CPAN Preparation and Resources
At BoardCerts, we meticulously follow the CPAN exam blueprint to ensure our practice questions are relevant and aligned with the content you will encounter on the actual test. Questions are developed based on the references used to validate the official exam questions, ensuring our question bank is built on the same trusted resources. This alignment provides a comprehensive and effective preparation experience for candidates.
- Topics on Exam: Familiarize yourself with the topics outlined in the CPAN exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources - CPAN
- Study Resources: ABPANC offers a variety of preparation materials, including practice exams and a "Question of the Week" feature, to aid in your study efforts.
- Question Bank: Leverage a reliable resource like the BoardCerts CPAN Question Bank, which is fully aligned with the exam blueprint. The question bank is reviewed by CPAN certified RNs and offers four predictor exams to assess your readiness and boost your confidence before test day.
CPAN Certification Renewal
The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification is valid for three years. To retain your certification, you must complete the renewal process, which includes the following requirements:
Option 1: Practice Hours and CE
- Practice Hours: Complete at least 900 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice over the course of the three-year certification cycle.
- Continuing Education: Accumulate 70 contact hours of perianesthesia-related continuing education within the same three-year period.
Option 2: Retake Exam
- You may opt to renew your certification by retaking and passing the CPAN exam.
For complete details about the renewal process, consult the Recertification Handbook. This guide provides all the necessary information to help you fulfill the requirements and maintain your certification seamlessly.
CPAN Practice Questions
- BoardCerts CPAN Question Bank: Working through sample questions is an essential step in preparing for the CPAN exam. It helps you understand the exam format, question types, and the key concepts tested. The BoardCerts CPAN Question Bank provides high-quality, exam-focused practice questions that are carefully aligned with the CPAN exam blueprint, giving you the confidence to excel on test day.
- Access Sample Questions: BoardCerts offers sample questions that can be reviewed prior to purchasing the question bank. These questions are designed to mirror the level of complexity and application found on the CPAN exam, ensuring thorough preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
