PCCN - Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)
About PCCN Certification
The Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) exam, offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), is a specialized certification for registered nurses who care for acutely ill adult patients at an elevated risk of clinical instability. This credential recognizes expertise in progressive care settings, such as telemetry, transitional care, observation, and step-down units.
Earning the PCCN certification highlights a nurse's dedication to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care while adhering to the highest professional standards in progressive care nursing.
Certification Pathways:
- Direct Care Pathway (PCCN): For nurses providing hands-on care to acutely ill adults, regardless of location.
- Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K): For nurses using their expertise to influence patient care without delivering direct care.
The study materials and question banks are the same for both pathways, as the exam blueprints are identical.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Description | The PCCN certification exam is for registered nurses caring for acutely ill adult patients in progressive care settings. There are two pathways to certification: (a) Direct Care Pathway (PCCN): For nurses who deliver hands-on care to acutely ill adults in any location. (b) Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K): For nurses who apply their expertise to influence patient care without providing direct care. Notably, the study materials and question banks are the same for both pathways, as the exam blueprints are identical. |
Credentials Earned | Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) |
Eligibility Requirements | Current U.S. RN or APRN license. Direct Care Pathway (PCCN): 1,750 hours in 2 years (875 in the last year) or 2,000 hours in 5 years (144 in the last year). Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K): 1,040 hours in 2 years (260 in the last year). |
Completion Time | 3 hours of allotted time |
Subjects Covered in the Exam | 2 main categories, including clinical judgment (cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, etc.) and professional caring and ethical practice. |
Number of Questions | 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored, 25 unscored trial questions) |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, computer-based test available through PSI Testing Centers, Live Remote Proctoring, or paper-and-pencil exams (for specific cases like testing outside the U.S.). |
Exam Proctoring | Exam can be taken via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) at home or secure location. |
Recertification Details | Required every 3 years; renewal options include Synergy CERPs (100 CERPs based on pathway), renewal by exam, or anactive/alumnus/retired status. |
Pass/Fail Rates | Pass rates vary annually but average between 67% and 74%. |
Difficulty Level | Hard |
BoardCerts PCCN Question Bank
BoardCerts offers a comprehensive and expertly crafted question bank tailored to help you excel on the Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) exam. Designed in alignment with the PCCN exam blueprint provided by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), our resource equips you with the tools needed for success. With BoardCerts high-quality practice questions and four predictor exams, our question bank reflects the rigor and scope of the actual PCCN exam. Questions are created and reviewed by clinical experts and PCCN-certified professionals to ensure they are accurate and relevant. Each question is paired with detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers, enabling you to build a deep understanding of the material.
PCCN Exam Content Outline
Both the PCCN Direct Care Pathway (PCCN) and the PCCN Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K) follow the same exam blueprint and are structured into two primary categories:
I. Clinical Judgment (80%)
This category evaluates a nurse’s ability to assess and manage patient conditions in progressive care settings. It includes:
- Cardiovascular (20%): Focuses on managing acute and chronic cardiac conditions, including heart failure, dysrhythmias, and post-surgical care.
- Respiratory (14%): Covers the care of patients with respiratory failure, pulmonary conditions, and thoracic surgeries.
- Endocrine (6%): Addresses the management of diabetes-related emergencies and hormonal imbalances.
- Hematology/Immunology/Oncology (3%): Involves managing blood disorders, immune conditions, and cancer-related care.
- Neurology (7%): Focuses on recognizing and treating neurological conditions like strokes and altered mental status.
- Gastrointestinal (7%): Addresses care for GI bleeds, infections, and hepatic disorders.
- Renal (4%): Involves managing acute and chronic kidney conditions and fluid-electrolyte imbalances.
- Musculoskeletal (2%): Covers care for mobility-related issues and acute musculoskeletal injuries.
- Multisystem (15%): Focuses on managing complex conditions like sepsis, pain, and end-of-life care.
- Behavioral/Psychosocial (3%): Addresses mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and disruptive behaviors.
II. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice (20%)
This category evaluates the ethical and professional principles in nursing care. It includes:
- Advocacy/Caring Practices/Response to Diversity/Facilitation of Learning (11%): Emphasizes supporting patient autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and compassionate care.
- Collaboration/Systems Thinking/Clinical Inquiry (9%): Focuses on interdisciplinary teamwork, clinical problem-solving, and evidence-based care strategies.
Exam Categories: Percentage Distribution
PCCN Exam Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the PCCN exam, candidates must hold a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license and qualify through one of the following pathways:
Direct Care Pathway (PCCN):
- Two-Year Option: 1,750 hours of direct care practice in the past two years, with 875 hours in the most recent year.
- Five-Year Option: 2,000 hours of direct care in the past five years, with 144 hours in the most recent year.
Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K):
- 1,040 hours of practice in the past two years, with 260 hours in the most recent year.
- Practice hours must involve the nurse influencing the care provided to acutely ill patients and their families, contributing to improved patient outcomes or positively impacting healthcare organizations.
PCCN Application Process
- Online Application: Visit the AACN Certification Corporation website to begin your application at AACN Certification. Ensure you have your RN or APRN license number, expiration date, and contact details of a professional colleague or supervisor who can verify your eligibility.
- Application Submission: Complete the online application by providing the required personal, professional, and payment information. Applications are processed the same day for online submissions. For paper applications, allow 2-4 weeks for processing.
- Scheduling the Exam: After your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from AACN with details about scheduling your exam. The email will include your eligibility period. You can also find the scheduling link in your AACN customer dashboard.
Choose your preferred testing method:
- Testing at a PSI Testing Center
- Live Remote Proctoring
PCCN Preparation
The BoardCerts PCCN Question Bank is designed to streamline your preparation for the PCCN exam by closely aligning with the exam blueprint and reflecting the same level of difficulty as the actual test. While additional resources and references are outlined in the candidate handbook, our comprehensive question bank consolidates essential materials, covering all topics on the exam.
Additionally, our question bank is regularly reviewed and updated with every exam blueprint revision to ensure it remains current with the latest standards and requirements in progressive care nursing.
PCCN Exam Dates and Costs
Application Window: The Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) exam is available year-round, allowing candidates to schedule their exam at any time within their eligibility period. Application periods are continuous, and candidates have the flexibility to choose their preferred exam date.
The latest information on PCCN exam scheduling, application processes, and fees can be found on the AACN website.
PCCN Exam Format
- Number of Questions: The PCCN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored, and 25 are unscored "trial" questions. These unscored questions are included to gather data for future test development and do not count toward the final score.
- Exam Response Options: All questions are multiple-choice, with four response options.
- Testing Options: The PCCN exam can be taken at PSI Testing Centers or through Live Remote Proctoring. In cases of paper-and-pencil exams or testing outside the U.S., AACN and PSI coordinate scheduling.
- Time Allotted: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Passing Score for PCCN
- Difficulty Level: The PCCN exam is considered a challenging certification exam with an annual pass rate ranging from 67% to 74% in recent years. It assesses a broad range of topics, including clinical judgment and professional practice. The BoardCerts PCCN Question Bank is specifically designed to align with the exam blueprint, featuring questions reviewed by PCCN-certified nurses and experts to help you confidently prepare for this demanding test.
- Passing Score: The passing point for the exam is determined by a panel of subject matter experts who review each question to assess the basic level of knowledge or skill required. Guided by a psychometrician, the panel sets the cut score, which is approved by AACN Certification Corporation to ensure that individuals who pass demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge and skill.
- Exam Statistics: Detailed statistics for the PCCN exam are available on the AACN Exam Statistics and Cut Scores site. Pass rates vary from year to year but are generally in the range of 67% to 74%.
- Score Reporting: Candidates taking the PCCN exam via computer-based testing will receive an on-screen pass/fail result immediately after completing the exam. A detailed score report will be emailed within 24 hours. For paper-and-pencil exams, results are mailed within 6 to 8 weeks.
PCCN Exam Proctoring
The PCCN exam is administered by the AACN Certification Corporation in partnership with PSI Services. Candidates can take the exam via live remote proctoring or at one of PSI’s many test centers across the United States. Alternatively, paper-and-pencil testing is available for candidates who are testing outside the U.S. or under specific circumstances coordinated by AACN and PSI.
Live Remote Proctoring: Candidates have the option to take the PCCN exam via Live Remote Proctoring. This method allows you to complete the exam from a private location, such as your home or office, while being monitored in real-time by a professional proctor using your computer’s webcam and microphone. This ensures exam security while offering flexibility and convenience
PCCN Preparation and Resources
At BoardCerts, we closely follow the PCCN exam blueprint to ensure our practice questions are relevant and aligned with the content you’ll encounter on the test. Our questions are developed in coordination with this blueprint, using the same references that validate the official exam questions. This approach ensures that our question bank is grounded in authoritative resources, providing you with an effective and comprehensive preparation experience tailored to the PCCN exam.
- Topics on Exam: Familiarize yourself with the topics outlined in the PCCN exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources.
- Review Course: Enroll in a review course, such as those offered by the AACN, to strengthen your understanding of key content areas and build a solid foundation for the exam.
- Question Bank: Utilize a comprehensive resource like the BoardCerts PCCN Question Bank, which is fully aligned with the PCCN exam blueprint. Reviewed and edited by PCCN certified nurses, it provides extensive question practice and includes four predictor exams to assess your readiness. This resource is invaluable for mastering the content and improving your confidence before test day.
PCCN Certification Renewal
The PCCN certification is valid for three years. At renewal, candidates can choose one of the following pathways to maintain their certification:
Renewal Pathways: To renew the PCCN certification, candidates must complete a minimum of 432 practice hours during the three-year certification period, with at least 144 hours completed in the final year. This requirement applies to both pathways:
- Direct Care Pathway (PCCN): For nurses providing direct care to acutely ill adult patients.
- Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K): For nurses influencing the care of acutely ill adult patients without primarily or exclusively providing direct bedside care.
Renewal Options:
Renewal by Synergy CERPs: Candidates renewing via the Continuing Education Recognition Point (CERP) pathway must complete 100 CERPs during the three-year certification period. The distribution of CERPs differs based on the renewal pathway:
Direct Care Pathway (PCCN):
- 60 CERPs in Category A: Clinical Knowledge and Skills.
- 10 CERPs in Category B: Professional Growth and Development.
- 10 CERPs in Category C: Organizational Systems Leadership.
- 20 additional in any category.
CERPs may include activities like publishing, presenting, leadership roles, quality assurance initiatives, and professional development.
Knowledge Professional Pathway (PCCN-K):
- 80 CERPs in Category A: Clinical Knowledge and Skills.
- 10 CERPs in Category B: Professional Growth and Development.
- 10 CERPs in Category C: Organizational Systems Leadership.
CERPs may include activities that focus on influencing care delivery, such as educational sessions, research, and quality improvement projects.
- Renewal by Exam: Retake and pass the PCCN certification exam before the renewal date. This option demonstrates current competency without the need to accumulate CERPs.
- Inactive Status: For candidates unable to meet renewal requirements immediately, inactive status provides up to three additional years to fulfill eligibility. While inactive, the PCCN credential cannot be used. Certification is reinstated upon completing renewal requirements and submitting an application.
Alternate Options: For nurses no longer eligible for active PCCN certification, two alternate options are available:
- Alumnus Status: It is for nurses who no longer meet practice hour requirements but remain active in the nursing profession. This status allows them to maintain a connection with the PCCN credential but does not permit the use of the credential after their name. Alumnus nurses must retake the exam as initial applicants to regain certification.
- Retired Status: It is for nurses who have fully retired from the nursing profession and do not plan to return to practice. This designation honors their years of service and professional commitment but also does not permit the use of the credential after their name.
For the most up-to-date information on PCCN renewal, including Direct Care and Knowledge Professional pathways, visit AACN Certification. To access the renewal handbooks, go to Certification > Preparation Tools and Handbooks.
PCCN Practice Questions
Practicing sample questions is a crucial part of PCCN exam preparation, helping you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. The BoardCerts PCCN Question Bank offers high-quality, exam-focused sample questions that align with the PCCN exam blueprint, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident on test day.
Access Sample Questions: Find sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are designed to match the level of application and difficulty found on the PCCN exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
