CRRN® - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse

Updated on 2025-03-17
Credential earned: CRRN
Number of exam questions: 175
Exam pass rate: 68% - 75%

About CRRN Certification

The Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) exam is a specialized certification conducted by the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB), a component of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) for registered nurses who focus on assisting patients with disabilities and chronic illnesses to achieve optimal function and health. Earning the CRRN credential validates a nurse's expertise in rehabilitation nursing. It encompasses areas such as functional health patterns, the function of the rehabilitation team and transitions of care, nursing models and theories, and legislative, economic, ethical, and legal issues. This certification not only reflects a high standard of competency in rehabilitation nursing but also recognizes a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients through restorative care practices.

CategoryDetails

Exam Description

The CRRN exam is designed to validate the specialized knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the field of rehabilitation nursing.

Credentials Earned

Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the CRRN examination, candidates must have a current, unrestricted RN license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. They must also meet one of the following experience requirements within the five years prior to the exam: either complete at least two years of practice as a registered nurse in rehabilitation nursing or complete one year of practice as a registered nurse in rehabilitation nursing along with one year of advanced study in nursing beyond a baccalaureate degree.

Completion Time

3 hours to complete exam.

Subjects Covered in the Exam

Covers four major domains: nursing models and theories, functional health patterns, function of the rehabilitation team and transitions of care, and legislative, economic, ethical, and legal issues.

Number of Questions

175 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 25 pretest questions.

Exam Format

Multiple-choice, computer-based test.

Exam Proctoring

In-person or via Live Remote Proctoring.

Recertification Details

Renewal can be done by either passing the CRRN exam within one year before expiration or earning 60 credit points and submitting a renewal application before the certification expires.

Pass/Fail Rates

Pass rates vary annually but average between 68% and 75%.

Difficulty Level

Hard.

Study Material

BoardCerts Question Bank provides practice questions that follow the exam blueprint.

BoardCerts CRRN Certification Question Bank

BoardCerts provides a comprehensive question bank designed to help you succeed on the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) exam. We provide BoardCerts practice questions and multiple predictor exams that are fully aligned with the CRRN exam blueprint. Each question is carefully reviewed by experienced rehabilitation nurses and educators, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Our question bank mirrors the rigor of the CRRN exam and includes detailed rationales and explanations to strengthen your understanding and boost your confidence for exam day.

CRRN Exam Content Outline

The Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) certification exam assesses a candidate's expertise in rehabilitation nursing through four primary content domains:

  • Nursing Models and Theories (8%): This section evaluates knowledge of foundational rehabilitation nursing concepts, including models of care, principles of functional independence, and theories guiding patient-centered rehabilitation interventions.
  • Functional Health Patterns (53%): The largest portion of the exam, this area focuses on managing the complex needs of individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Topics include mobility and self-care, neuro-cognitive function, bowel and bladder management, skin integrity, nutrition, sexuality, and psychosocial well-being.
  • The Rehabilitation Team and Community Reintegration (12%): This domain assesses the nurse’s role in interdisciplinary collaboration, discharge planning, patient education, and facilitating the transition to community-based care, including vocational and recreational rehabilitation.
  • Legislative, Economic, Ethical, and Legal Issues (27%): This section covers critical regulations, healthcare policies, reimbursement systems, patient advocacy, ethical decision-making, and legal considerations in rehabilitation nursing practice.

For a more detailed breakdown, please refer to the official CRRN exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources.

Exam Categories: Percentage Distribution

CRRN Exam Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) exam, a registered nurse must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: Hold a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

Experience: Applicants must fulfill one of the following requirements within the five years preceding the examination: either a minimum of two years of professional practice as a registered nurse in rehabilitation nursing or one year of rehabilitation nursing experience complemented by one year of advanced nursing education beyond the baccalaureate level.

These requirements ensure that candidates possess substantial hands-on experience and specialized knowledge in rehabilitation nursing before pursuing certification.

CRRN Application Process

1.

Online Application:

Access the application portal through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) website.
2.

Application Submission:

Complete the application by providing your personal details, RN license information, and verification of rehabilitation nursing experience. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
3.

Verification Information:

Applicants must provide contact information for two professional colleagues who can verify their eligibility at the time of application. One must be their immediate supervisor or a CRRN, while the other may be a licensed healthcare professional such as a physician, therapist, social worker, or another nurse. If selected for audit, these individuals will confirm the applicant’s experience. Those in independent practice should contact the certifying organization for alternative verification options.
4.

Eligibility Review:

After submission, your application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility based on licensure and experience criteria.
5.

Scheduling the Exam:

Upon approval, you'll receive instructions to schedule your exam within the designated testing window. Testing is available at Meazure Learning centers or via live remote proctoring, offering flexibility in how you take the test.
6.

Preparation:

Utilize the BoardCerts CRRN Question Bank to prepare effectively. Our question bank aligns closely with the exam blueprint and mirrors the difficulty level of the actual test, providing a comprehensive resource to enhance your readiness.

CRRN Exam Dates and Costs

The CRRN exam is offered twice a year, from June 1–30 and December 1–30. Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted at least 45 days before the chosen testing window. A 15-day late application period follows each deadline with an additional fee for late submissions.

For the most current information on exam fees and scheduling options, please refer to the official website of the ARN.

CRRN Exam Format

Number of Questions: The CRRN examination is a computer-based assessment comprising 150 scored multiple-choice questions and 25 unscored pretest questions, for a total of 175 questions.

Exam Response Options: Questions are in multiple-choice format.

Time Allotted: Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.

Testing Options: The exam is available at designated test centers and can also be taken via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP), providing flexibility for candidates.

For the most up-to-date information about the CRRN exam format and related details, visit the official ARN website.

Passing Score for CRRN

Difficulty Level: The CRRN exam is considered challenging with annual pass rates varying between 68% and 75% over recent years.

Passing Score: The passing score is based on a scaled score system. Candidates must achieve a minimum scaled score of 500. This ensures consistency across different test versions by accounting for variations in difficulty.

Exam Statistics: Detailed statistics, including annual pass rates and the number of candidates tested, are available on the ARN's Exam Statistics webpage.

Score Reporting: Test takers receive their pass/fail result immediately after completing the exam.

CRRN Exam Proctoring

The CRRN exam is administered by the ARN in partnership with Meazure Learning. Candidates have the flexibility to choose between two proctoring options:

  • Live Remote Proctoring: Candidates have the option to take the CRRN exam via Live Remote Proctoring. This method allows you to complete the exam from a location of your choice, such as your home or office, while being monitored in real-time by a professional proctor through your computer's webcam and microphone.
  • In-Person Testing Centers: Alternatively, you can opt to take the exam at designated testing centers, which are available across various locations. This traditional method involves attending a physical location to complete the exam under supervised conditions.

Both options ensure the exam's security and integrity while offering flexibility to suit your preferences and circumstances.

CRRN Preparation and Resources

At BoardCerts, we ensure our practice tests are fully aligned with the CRRN exam blueprint. Our question bank is developed to match the structure, content, and focus areas outlined in the official exam, providing you with the most effective preparation. Each question is carefully crafted based on the same authoritative references used to validate the CRRN exam questions, guaranteeing relevance and rigor.

Topics on Exam: Familiarize yourself with the topics outlined in the RNC-OB exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources

Review Course: Consider enrolling in a CRRN review course, such as those offered by the ARN to strengthen your knowledge base and confidence.

Question Bank: The BoardCerts CRRN Question Bank is designed with practice questions that closely follow the exam blueprint. The question bank provides extensive practice essential for success and includes predictor exams to help gauge your exam readiness.

CRRN Certification Renewal

The CRRN certification is valid for five years. To renew your certification, you must meet the renewal requirements outlined by the ARN, which include:

RN License: Candidates must have a current, unrestricted RN license.

Practice Hours: Candidates must complete at least 1,000 hours of rehabilitation nursing practice within the five-year certification period.

Points of Credit: Candidates must earn at least 60 credit points by meeting the established criteria. These points can be accumulated through continuing education (CE), presentation of rehabilitation nursing content, academic coursework, publishing original rehabilitation nursing-related manuscript, or participating in community service.

For the most up-to-date information on CRRN renewal requirements and processes, visit the official ARN website.

CRRN Practice Questions

  • Practicing sample questions is an essential part of CRRN exam preparation, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. The BoardCerts CRRN Question Bank provides high-quality, exam-focused sample questions aligned with the CRRN exam blueprint, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident on test day.
  • Access Sample Questions: Explore sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are designed to reflect the application level and difficulty of the CRRN exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

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