AACN American Association of
Critical-Care Nurses Frequently
Asked Questions: CCRN Certification
(Direct Care Pathway)
Q: What is CCRN certification?
A: CCRN certification is a credential granted by AACN Certification Corporation. More than 100,000 acute and critical care nurses worldwide are presently CCRN-certified in adult, pediatric or neonatal nursing. CCRN certification validates and demonstrates your specialty
knowledge of nursing care of acutely/critically ill patients to hospital administrators, peers, patients and, most importantly, to yourself. Certification as a CCRN promotes continuing excellence in the critical care nursing field .
Q: Why would I want to obtain CCRN certification?
A: CCRN certification helps you maintain up-to-date knowledge of acute and critical care nursing. In addition to providing you with a sense of professional pride and achievement, CCRN certification reinforces the special knowledge and experience required for acute and critical care nursing. Research studies link higher levels of clinical knowledge, skill and experience with CCRN certification.
Q: What are the eligibility pathway options for CCRN certification?
A: There are three possible eligibility pathways for earning a CCRN credential. Direct Care Pathway – You provide direct care to acutely/critically ill patients (adult, pediatric or neonatal), regardless of their geographic location.
Tele-critical Care Pathway – You monitor and care for acutely/critically ill adult patients by camera from a centralized or remote tele-critical care setting networked to the bedside.
Knowledge Professional Pathway – You apply knowledge that influences the care delivered to acutely/critically ill patients (adult, pediatric or neonatal) but do not primarily or exclusively provide direct care.
Q: Are the CCRN certification exams accredited?
A: The CCRN exams are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification ( ABSNC).
Q: What does “board certified” mean? Are AACN certifications considered board certifications?
A: “Board certified” is a term primarily used by physician organizations. Only three of the 34 national nursing certifying organizations that are members of the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) label their credentials/programs in this way. While an organization may use the term “board certified” when referring to their nursing certification programs, it does not reflect a different or higher level of certification.
“Board certified” in the nursing world simply refers to certification from a nationally accredited organization that is governed by a board of directors. As such, AACN certification programs are, indeed, “board certified.”
Q: When is the CCRN exam offered?
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