MISSION

AACN Certification Corporation drives patient health and safety through comprehensive credentialing of acute and
critical care nurses, advancing practice consistent with standards of excellence.

VISION
All nurses caring for acutely and critically ill patients and their families are certified.

VALUES
As the Corporation advances its mission and vision to fulfill its purpose and inherent obligation of driving the health
and safety of patients experiencing acute and critical illness, we are guided by a set of deeply rooted values. These
values are the foundation upon which we build our relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Integrity – We demonstrate sound judgment, ethical behavior and accountability in all we do.
• Inclusion – We build an equitable culture, inviting the full contribution of all people.
• Transformation – We drive change and innovation to positively impact the healthcare system and improve the
lives of patients, families and nurses.
• Leadership – We advocate and influence to achieve optimal outcomes and healthy work environments.
• Relationships – We collaborate and advance partnerships, honoring each individual to strengthen the
collective.

ETHICS
AACN and AACN Certification Corporation consider the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses
foundational for nursing practice, providing a framework for making ethical decisions and fulfilling responsibilities
to the public, colleagues and the profession. AACN Certification Corporation’s mission of public protection supports
a standard of excellence where certified nurses have a responsibility to read about, understand and act in a manner
congruent with the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

The following AACN Certification Corporation programs have been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty
Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
CCRN® (Adult) CCRN® (Pediatric) CCRN® (Neonatal) PCCN® (Adult)
CMC® CSC® ACNPC-AG®

The following AACN Certification Corporation programs have been accredited by the National Commission for
Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

PCCN® (Adult) ACNPC-AG®

ACCNS-AG® ACCNS-P® ACCNS-N®

Our advanced practice certification programs, ACCNS-AG, ACCNS-P, ACCNS-N and ACNPC-AG, are in alignment with
the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation and other foundational national standards for APRN education,
accreditation and regulation.
 Certification Organization for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

PCCN EXAM HANDBOOK

Direct Care Eligibility Pathway
Progressive Care Nursing Certification - Adult
As healthcare becomes increasingly complex and challenging, certification has emerged as a mark of excellence showing
patients, employers and the public that a nurse possesses a defined body of knowledge and has met the rigorous
requirements to achieve specialty and/or subspecialty certification.
AACN Certification Corporation programs were created to protect healthcare consumers by validating the knowledge of
nurses who care for and/or influence the care delivered to the acutely and critically ill. We are pleased to provide you with
this handbook with information about our programs and how to apply for and take the PCCN certification exam - Direct Care
Eligibility Pathway.
Today, nurses hold more than 140,000 certifications from AACN Certification Corporation.
Specialty Certifications
CCRN® is for the nurse providing care to or influencing the care of acutely/critically ill adult, pediatric or neonatal patients.
Three eligibility pathways are available:
• Direct Care - for the nurse who provides direct care to acutely/critically ill adult, pediatric or neonatal patients.
• Knowledge Professional - for the nurse who influences the care delivered to acutely/critically ill adult, pediatric or
neonatal patients, but does not primarily or exclusively provide direct care.
• Tele-critical Care - for the nurse working in a tele-critical care setting monitoring/caring for acutely/critically ill
adult patients from a remote location.
PCCN® is for the progressive care nurse. Two pathways of eligibility are available:
• Direct Care - for the nurse providing direct care to acutely ill adult patients.
• Knowledge Professional - for the nurse who influences the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients, but does
not primarily or exclusively provide direct care.
Subspecialty Certifications
CMC® is for the certified nurse providing direct care to acutely/critically ill adult cardiac patients.
CSC® is for the certified nurse providing direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients during the first 48 hours after
cardiac surgery.
Advanced Practice Certifications
ACNPC-AG® is for the nurse educated at the graduate level as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP).
The ACCNS credentials are for nurses educated at the graduate level as clinical nurse specialists to provide care across the
continuum from wellness through acute care:
ACCNS-AG® is for the clinical nurse specialist educated to care for adult-gerontology patients.
ACCNS-P® is for the clinical nurse specialist educated to care for pediatric patients.
ACCNS-N® is for the clinical nurse specialist educated to care for neonatal patients.
With implementation of the Consensus Model in 2015, ACNPC and CCNS are available as renewal options only:
ACNPC® is for the acute care nurse practitioner educated to provide care to adult patients.
CCNS® is for the acute/critical care clinical care specialist educated to provide care to adult, pediatric or neonatal patients.
AACN Certification Corporation’s APRN certifications are recognized for licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

We continually seek to provide quality certification programs that meet the changing needs of nurses and patients. Please
visit www.aacn.org/certification, or call 800-899-2226 for more information about the above certifications.
Thank you for your commitment to patients and their families and to becoming certified.
PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 i
 Please direct inquiries to:
AACN Certification Corporation, 27071 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
800-899-2226 • Fax: 949-362-2020 • certification@aacn.org
Please include your AACN customer number with all correspondence to AACN Certification Corporation.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 ii

 Contents
Which PCCN Eligibility Pathway is Right for You?........................................................................ 1
Certification Program.............................................................................................................................2
Exam Eligibility........................................................................................................................................3
Application Fees......................................................................................................................................4
Application Process.................................................................................................................................5
Certification Renewal.......................................................................................................................... 6-7
AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care............................................................................................... 8-9
Test Plan........................................................................................................................................... 10-13
Sample Questions........................................................................................................................... 14-15
Exam Bibliography................................................................................................................................16
AACN Products for PCCN Exam Preparation........................................................................................17

Forms
PCCN Exam Application - Direct Care............................................................................................. 18-19
PCCN Exam Honor Statement - Direct Care.........................................................................................20

The following information can be found in the Certification Exam Policy Handbook online at www.aacn.org/certhandbooks:

• AACN Certification Programs • Duplicate Score Reports

• Name and Address Changes • Recognition of Certification
• Confidentiality of Exam Application Status • Use of Credentials
• Testing Options • Denial of Certification
• Exam Scheduling and Cancellation • Revocation of Certification
• Exam Day Experience • Review and Appeal of Certification Eligibility

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 iii

 Which PCCN Eligibility Pathway is Right for You?

Direct Care Knowledge Professional

Pathway Pathway
You provide direct care to acutely You apply knowledge that influences
ill adult patients, regardless of their the care delivered to acutely ill adult
geographic location. patients, but do not primarily or
exclusively provide direct care.
ELIGIBILITY
• A current, unencumbered U.S. ELIGIBILITY
RN or APRN license is required. • A current, unencumbered U.S.
• Candidates must complete one of RN or APRN license is required.
the following clinical practice hour • Candidates must meet the following
requirement options: practice requirement.
Two-Year Option: Practice as an RN Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,040
or APRN for 1,750 hours hours during the previous two years,
in direct care of acutely/critically with 260 of those hours accrued
ill patients during the previous in the most recent year preceding
two years, with 875 of those hours application.
accrued in the most recent year
Eligible practice hours include those
preceding application.
in which the nurse applies knowledge
OR in a way that influences patients,
Five-Year Option: Practice as an nurses and/or organizations to have a
RN or APRN during the previous five positive impact on the care delivered
years with a minimum of 2,000 hours to acutely ill patients and families.
in direct care of acutely ill patients,
with 144 of those hours accrued For more details, refer to the PCCN Exam
in the most recent year preceding Handbook - Knowledge Professional
application. Eligibility Pathway at www.aacn.org/
certhandbooks.
For more details, explore this PCCN
Exam Handbook - Direct Care Eligibility
Pathway.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 1

 PCCN Certification Program

PCCN® Registered Service Mark PCCN Exam Content

PCCN is a registered service mark and denotes The PCCN exam is a 3-hour test consisting of 150
certification in progressive care nursing as granted by multiple-choice items. Of the 150 items, 125 are scored
AACN Certification Corporation. Registered nurses who and 25 are used to gather statistical data on item
have not achieved PCCN certification, whose PCCN performance for future exams. Please refer to the PCCN
certification has lapsed or who have chosen Inactive Test Plan for detailed content information. The PCCN
status are not authorized to use the PCCN credential. exam focuses on adult patient populations only.

Misuse of the credential is viewed by AACN Certification PCCN Test Plans

Corporation as misleading to the public and may result in
denial or revocation of certification. The content of the PCCN exam is described in the test
plan included in this handbook. Candidates are tested
on a variety of patient care problems that are organized
Purpose and Rationale under major categories. Please note the percentage of
Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) certification is the PCCN exam devoted to each category.
a specialty certification for nurses who provide care to
or influence the care of acutely ill adult patients who are Passing Point/Cut Score
moderately stable with an elevated risk of instability.
A criterion-referenced standard setting process,
The PCCN exam is based on a study of practice, also known as the modified Angoff, is used to establish the
known as a job analysis. The job analysis, conducted at passing point/cut score for the exam. Each candidate’s
least every five years, validates the knowledge, skills and performance on the exam is measured against a
experience required for safe and effective practice as an predetermined standard.
RN or APRN who provides care to or influences the care
delivered to acutely ill adult patients. The passing point/cut score for the exam is established
using a panel of subject matter experts, a Score
The test plan, which provides an outline of exam content, Evaluation Committee (SEC), who carefully reviews each
is developed by an expert PCCN panel based on the exam question to determine the basic level of knowledge
results of the study of practice. The organizing framework or skill that is expected. The passing point/cut score is
for all AACN Certification Corporation exams is the AACN based on the panel’s established difficulty ratings for
Synergy Model for Patient CareTM. each exam question.

Clinical practice requirements have been validated by Under the guidance of a psychometrician, the panel
subject matter experts. The required hours of clinical develops and recommends the passing point/cut score,
practice correspond to the third stage of competence in which is reviewed and approved by AACN Certification
Benner’s Stages of Clinical Competence. PCCN certification Corporation. The passing point/cut score for the exam
denotes to the public those practitioners who possess is established to identify individuals with an acceptable
a distinct and clearly defined body of knowledge in level of knowledge and skill. All individuals who pass the
progressive care nursing. exam, regardless of their score, have demonstrated an
acceptable level of knowledge.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 2

 PCCN Exam - Direct Care Eligibility Pathway

Licensure Clinical practice hours for the PCCN exam and renewal
eligibility must be completed in a U.S.-based1 or Canada-
Current, unencumbered U.S.1 RN or APRN licensure is
based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable
required.
to the U.S. standard of progressive care nursing practice
• An unencumbered license is not currently being as evidenced by Magnet® designation
subjected to formal discipline by the board of or Joint Commission International accreditation.
nursing in the state(s) in which you are practicing
and has no provisions or conditions that limit your Nurses serving as manager, educator (in-service or
nursing practice.2 academic), APRN or preceptor may apply hours spent
• Provisions or conditions may include, but are not supervising nursing students or nurses at the bedside.
limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug • Nurses in these roles must be actively involved
administration limitations and/or practice area in direct patient care; for example, performing
exclusions. a procedure or supervising a new employee or
• Documentation of all provisions and conditions student nurse performing a procedure.
from the board or its designee must be reviewed
prior to approval for testing. Practice Verification
• Candidates and PCCN-certified nurses must notify The name and contact information of a professional
AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days if any associate must be given for verification of eligibility
provisions or conditions are placed on their related to clinical practice hours. If you are selected for
RN or APRN license(s). audit, this associate will need to verify in writing that you
have met the clinical hour requirements.
Practice • A professional associate is defined as your clinical
supervisor or a colleague (RN or physician) with
Candidates must meet one of the following clinical whom you work.
practice requirement options:
• Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct AACN Certification Corporation may adopt additional
care of acutely ill adult patients during the previous eligibility requirements at its sole discretion. Any
2 years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most such requirements will be designed to establish, for
recent year preceding application. the purposes of PCCN certification, the adequacy of a
OR candidate’s knowledge in care of the acutely ill.

• Practice as an RN or APRN during the previous

5 years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct
care of acutely ill adult patients, with 144 of those
hours accrued in the most recent year preceding
application.

Orientation hours spent shadowing/working with

another nurse who is the one with the patient assignment
cannot be counted toward clinical hours for PCCN
eligibility; however, orientation hours during which you
are the assigned nurse providing direct care to acutely ill
adult patients may be counted.

1
Includes District of Columbia and U.S. territories of Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands
2
If a restriction (temporary or permanent) is placed on an RN or APRN license for an incident that occurred prior to obtaining the license,
AACN Certification Corporation will evaluate such an occurrence on a case-by-case basis to determine if exam eligibility requirements are met.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 3

 Application Fees

PCCN Fees Member Nonmember

Computer-Based Exam $255 $370

Retest $180 $285

Renewal by Exam $180 $285

Payable in U.S. funds. Fees are subject to change without notice. A $15 fee will be charged for a returned check.

Computer-based testing discounts are available for groups of 10 or more candidates submitting their AACN
certification exam applications in the same envelope. Employers may pre-purchase exam vouchers at a further
discounted rate.

For details about the Group Discount and Organization Discount Programs, visit www.aacn.org/certdiscounts,
email certification@aacn.org or call 800-899-2226.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 4

 AACN Certification Corporation recommends that you be ready to test before applying for the PCCN exam.

Online Application Process Paper Application Process

4Register online for computer-based testing at 4Paper applications are required for those applying
www.aacn.org/certification > Get Certified with a group, for paper-and-pencil exams and for
4Before you get started, have available the following: testing outside the U.S.
• RN or APRN license number and expiration date 4Complete the application on pages 18 and 19 and
• Name, address, phone and email address of your honor statement on page 20
clinical supervisor or a professional colleague • Fill in all requested information, including that
(RN or physician) who can verify your practice for your RN or APRN license
eligibility 4Include application fee
• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or • Credit card, check or money order
American Express)
4Allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing
4Same day processing

Use your legal name on the application.

This name must match photo identification used for exam entry
and will be the name printed on your certificate.

▼
1. Receive confirmation email
• After you successfully apply for the exam, you will receive a confirmation email from AACN with information
about how to schedule your exam appointment. The email will include the eligibility period during which
you must take the exam — normally a 90-day window, but currently a 180-day window.
• If you do not receive your confirmation email after applying for an exam, please contact AACN Customer
Care at 800-899-2226 or certcorp@aacn.org.
2. Schedule your exam
• In your confirmation email from AACN, you will find a link to schedule your exam appointment. In your
AACN customer dashboard, you will also find a “Schedule Exam” link. Both links will take you to the AACN
Scheduling page.
• Before selecting an exam date, you will need to choose your preferred computer-based testing option — at a
PSI Testing Center or via Live Remote Proctoring from your computer in a quiet, private location. For details,
refer to the Certification Exam Policy Handbook online at www.aacn.org/certhandbooks.
• If you are taking a paper-and-pencil exam or testing outside the U.S., AACN and PSI will coordinate with you
to schedule your exam appointment.
3. Sit for the exam
• Upon completion of computer-based exams, results will show on-screen and a detailed score report will be
emailed to you within 24 hours.
• Results of paper-and-pencil exams are received by mail 6 to 8 weeks following testing.
• Successful candidates will receive their wall certificate approximately 3 to 4 weeks after exam results are
received.

Please ensure that AACN has your current contact information on record.
Updates may be made online at www.aacn.org/myaccount or emailed to info@aacn.org.
For name changes, please call AACN Customer Care at 800-899-2226.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 5

 PCCN Renewal - Direct Care Pathway

Purpose and Limitations of Renewal Renewal Eligibility Pathways

Options Two renewal eligibility pathways are available to PCCN
The purpose of certification renewal is to promote certificants.
continued competence. The renewal process helps
to maintain an up-to-date knowledge base through PCCN - Direct Care Pathway
continuing education and practice hours, or practice If you primarily or exclusively provide direct care
hours and passing the certification exam. to acutely ill adult patients specialty areas such as
intermediate care, direct observation, stepdown,
Following are the limitations to the components of the telemetry and transitional care units, PCCN renewal via
renewal options: the Direct Care Eligibility Pathway may be an option.
• CE/CERP limitations include content quality and
relevance to practice as well as an individual’s For more details, refer to the PCCN Renewal Handbook -
ability to self-select CE/CERPs most pertinent to the Direct Care Eligibility Pathway online at www.aacn.org/
individual’s practice and educational needs. certhandbooks.
• Limitations of practice hours include the quality
of the practice environment and limitations on PCCN - Knowledge Professional Pathway
learning opportunities. If you apply knowledge in a way that influences patients,
• One limitation of the exam is not assessing new nurses and/or organizations to have a positive impact on
competencies, as exam competencies were the care delivered to acutely ill adult patients, but do not
validated through initial certification. primarily or exclusively provide direct care, PCCN renewal
via the Knowledge Professional Eligibility Pathway may
Requiring two components for renewal rather than be an option.
one decreases the limitations and furthers the goal of
continued competence. For more details, refer to the PCCN Renewal Handbook
- Knowledge Professional Eligibility Pathway online at
www.aacn.org/certhandbooks.
Renewal Period
PCCN certification is granted for a period of 3 years. Your
continued
certification period begins the first day of the month in
which the PCCN certification exam is passed and ends
3 years later; for example, February 1, 2023 through
January 31, 2026.

Renewal notifications will be emailed to you starting

4 months before your scheduled PCCN renewal date.
You are responsible for renewing your certification
even if you do not receive renewal notification. Refer
to www.aacn.org/certification > Renew Certification for
current information.

1
Includes District of Columbia and U.S. territories of Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 6

 PCCN Renewal - Direct Care Pathway (continued)

Renewal Eligibility Options

You may seek PCCN certification renewal via Renewal
by Synergy CERPs or Renewal by Exam, or you may
choose Inactive, Retired or Alumnus status. Online
Renewal is available to all active certificants as early
as 4 months prior to their scheduled renewal date. Visit
www.aacn.org/certification > Renew Certification.

Option 1 - Renewal by Synergy CERPs

• Meet eligibility requirements for PCCN renewal and
complete the Continuing Education Recognition
Point (CERP) Program, which requires 100 CERPs in
various categories (A, B & C).
• You must retain evidence of your achievement of
the required CERPs. Up to 3 years following your
scheduled renewal date, you may be selected for
audit.
Option 2 - Renewal by Exam
• Meet the eligibility requirements for renewal and
successfully apply for and schedule your exam.
• The PCCN exam must be completed before your
scheduled renewal date. You may not take the exam
early, then attempt to renew by CERPs if you do not
pass.

Option 3 - Inactive Status

• Inactive status is available to PCCN-certified
nurses who do not meet the renewal eligibility
requirements but do not wish to lose their
certification status. Inactive status provides
additional time, up to 3 years from the scheduled
renewal date, to meet the renewal eligibility
requirements.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 7

 AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care

Synergy is an evolving phenomenon that occurs when individuals work together in mutually enhancing ways toward
a common goal. AACN Certification Corporation is committed to ensuring that certified nursing practice is based on
the needs of patients. Integration of the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care into AACN Certification Corporation’s
certification programs puts emphasis on the patient and says to the world that patients come first.

The Synergy Model creates a comprehensive look at the patient. It puts the patient in the center of nursing practice.
The model identifies nursing’s unique contributions to patient care and uses language to describe the professional
nurse’s role. It provides nursing with a venue that clearly states what we do for patients and allows us to start linking
ourselves to, and defining ourselves within, the context of the patient and patient outcomes.

Patient Characteristics
The Synergy Model encourages nurses to view patients in a holistic manner rather than the “body systems” medical
model. Each patient and family is unique, with a varying capacity for health and vulnerability to illness. Each patient,
regardless of the clinical setting, brings a set of unique characteristics to the care situation. Depending on where they
are on the healthcare continuum, patients may display varying levels of the following characteristics:

Capacity to return to a restorative level of functioning using compensatory/coping mechanisms; the ability to
Resiliency
bounce back quickly after an insult

Vulnerability Susceptibility to actual or potential stressors that may adversely affect patient outcomes

Stability Ability to maintain a steady-state equilibrium

Complexity Intricate entanglement of two or more systems (e.g., body, family, therapies)

Extent of resources (e.g., technical, fiscal, personal, psychological and social) the patient/family/community
Resource Availability
bring to the situation

Participation in Care Extent to which patient/family engages in aspects of care

Participation in
Extent to which patient/family engages in decision-making
Decision-Making

Predictability A characteristic that allows one to expect a certain course of events or course of illness

FOR EXAMPLE:
A healthy, uninsured, 40-year-old woman undergoing a pre-employment physical could be described as an individual
who is (a) stable (b) not complex (c) very predictable (d) resilient (e) not vulnerable (f) able to participate in decision-
making and care, but (g) has inadequate resource availability.
On the other hand: a critically ill, insured infant with multisystem organ failure can be described as an individual who
is (a) unstable (b) highly complex (c) unpredictable (d) highly resilient (e) vulnerable (f) unable to become involved in
decision-making and care, but (g) has adequate resource availability.

continued

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 8

 AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care (continued)

Nurse Characteristics
Nursing care reflects an integration of knowledge, skills and experience necessary to meet the needs of patients and
families. Thus, nurse characteristics are derived from patient needs and include:

Clinical reasoning, which includes clinical decision-making, critical thinking and a global grasp of the situation,
Clinical Judgment coupled with nursing skills acquired through a process of integrating education, experiential knowledge and
evidence-based guidelines.

Working on another’s behalf and representing the concerns of the patient/family and nursing staff; serving as
Advocacy/
a moral agent in identifying and helping to resolve ethical and clinical concerns within and outside the clinical
Moral Agency
setting.

Nursing activities that create a compassionate, supportive and therapeutic environment for patients and staff,
with the aim of promoting comfort and healing and preventing unnecessary suffering. These caring behaviors
Caring Practices
include but are not limited to vigilance, engagement and responsiveness of caregivers. Caregivers include
family and healthcare personnel.

Working with others (e.g., patients, families, healthcare providers) in a way that promotes/encourages each
Collaboration person’s contributions toward achieving optimal/realistic patient/family goals. Collaboration involves intra- and
inter-disciplinary work with colleagues and community.

Body of knowledge and tools that allow the nurse to manage whatever environmental and system resources
Systems Thinking
that exist for the patient/family and staff, within or across healthcare systems and non-healthcare systems.

The sensitivity to recognize, appreciate and incorporate differences into the provision of care. Differences may
Response to Diversity include, but are not limited to, individuality, cultural, spiritual, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic,
age and values.

Facilitation of The ability to facilitate learning for patients/families, nursing staff, other members of the healthcare team and
Learning community. Includes both formal and informal facilitation of learning.

The ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice and providing informed practice. Creating changes
Clinical Inquiry
through evidence-based practice, research utilization and experiential knowledge.

Nurses become competent within each continuum at a level that best meets the fluctuating needs of their population
of patients. More compromised patients have more severe or complex needs, requiring nurses to have advanced
knowledge and skills in an associated continuum.

FOR EXAMPLE:
If the patient was stable but unpredictable, minimally resilient and vulnerable, primary competencies of the nurse would
be centered on clinical judgment and caring practices (which includes vigilance). If the patient was vulnerable, unable
to participate in decision-making and care, and had inadequate resource availability, the primary competencies of the
nurse would focus on advocacy and moral agency, collaboration and systems thinking.

Although all eight competencies are essential for contemporary nursing practice, each assumes more or less
importance depending on a patient’s characteristics. Synergy results when a patient’s needs and characteristics are
matched with the nurse’s competencies.

Based on the most recent AACN Certification Corporation study of nursing practice, the test plans for our certification
exams reflect the Synergy Model as well as findings related to nursing care of the adult patient population.

For more information about the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care visit www.aacn.org.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 9

 PCCN Test Plan
Applies to exams taken on and after February 6, 2024.

I. CLINICAL JUDGMENT (80%) 6. Pleural space complications

1A. Cardiovascular (20%) (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural
effusion, empyema, chylothorax)
1. Acute coronary syndromes
7. Pulmonary embolism
a. Non-ST segment elevation myocardial
infarction 8. Pulmonary fibrosis
b. ST segment elevation myocardial infarction 9. Pulmonary hypertension
c. Unstable angina 10. Connective tissue disorders (e.g., sarcoidosis)
2. Acute inflammatory disease (e.g., myocarditis, 11. Respiratory depression (e.g., medication-
endocarditis, pericarditis) induced, decreased-LOC induced)
3. Aneurysms (dissecting or ruptured) 12. Respiratory failure
4. Cardiac surgery (e.g., post ICU care) a. Acute
5. Cardiac tamponade b. Chronic
6. Cardiac/vascular catheterization c. Failure to wean
a. Diagnostic 13. Respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia)
b. Interventional 14. Thoracic surgery (e.g., pneumonectomy,
lobectomy)
7. Cardiogenic shock
8. Cardiomyopathies Endocrine/Hematology/Immunology/Oncology/
a. Dilated (e.g., ischemic/non-ischemic) Neurology/Gastrointestinal/Renal
b. Hypertrophic 3A. Endocrine (6%)
c. Restrictive 1. Diabetes mellitus
d. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy 2. Diabetic ketoacidosis
9. Dysrhythmias 3. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
10. Heart failure 4. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic
hormone diabetic secretion (SIADH)
a. Acute exacerbations (e.g., pulmonary
edema) 5. Diabetes insipidus
b. Chronic 6. Hyperglycemia
11. Hypertension (uncontrolled) 7. Hypoglycemia
12. Hypertensive crisis 8. Thyroid disorders
13. Structural heart procedures (e.g., TAVR, 3B. Hematology/Immunology/Oncology (3%)
mitral clip) 1. Anemia
14. Valvular heart disease 2. Coagulopathies: medication induced (e.g.,
15. Vascular disease Coumadin, platelet inhibitors, heparin [HIT])
2A. Respiratory (14%) 3. Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, Guillain-
Barre syndrome, ALS, multiple sclerosis)
1. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
3C. Neurology (7%)
2. Asthma (severe)
1. Encephalopathy (e.g., hypoxic ischemic,
3. COPD exacerbation
metabolic, infectious, hepatic)
4. Minimally-invasive thoracic surgery (e.g., VATS)
2. Seizure disorders
5. Sleep apnea
3. Stroke
a. Obstructive
4. Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
b. Central

continued
PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 10
 PCCN Test Plan (continued)

5. Space-occupying lesions (e.g., brain tumors, 3. Infectious diseases

subdural hematomas, abscesses) a. Influenza
6. Altered mental status b. Multi-drug resistant organisms (e.g., MRSA,
7. Delirium VRE, CRE, ESBL)
8. Dementia 4. Pain (acute and chronic)
3D. Gastrointestinal (7%) 5. Palliative care
1. GI motility disorders (e.g., obstruction, ileus, 6. Pandemic management
diabetic gastroparesis) 7. Pressure injuries
2. GI bleed 8. Rhabdomyolysis
a. Lower 9. Sepsis
b. Upper 10. Shock states
3. GI infections (e.g., C. difficile) a. Anaphylactic
4. GI surgeries (e.g., resections, b. Hypovolemic
esophagogastrostomy)
11. Toxic ingestion/inhalation/drug overdose
5. Bariatric surgery
12. Wounds (e.g., infectious, surgical, trauma)
6. Hepatic disorders (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis,
13. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
portal hypertension)
14. Substance withdrawal
7. Ischemic bowel
4C. Behavioral / Psychosocial (3%)
8. Malnutrition (e.g., failure to thrive,
malabsorption disorders) 1. Disruptive behaviors, aggression, violence
9. Pancreatitis 2. Psychological disorders
3E. Renal (4%) a. Anxiety
1. Acute kidney injury (AKI) b. Depression
2. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3. Substance use disorder
3. Electrolyte imbalances
II. PROFESSIONAL CARING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE (20%)
4. End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Advocacy/Caring Practices/Response to Diversity/
Musculoskeletal/Multisystem/Psychosocial Facilitation of Learning (11%)
4A. Musculoskeletal (2%) 5A. Advocacy / Moral Agency
1. Functional issues (e.g., immobility, falls, gait 5B. Caring Practices
disorders) 5C. Response to Diversity
2. Compartment syndrome 5D. Facilitation of Learning
4B. Multisystem (15%)
1. End-of-life Collaboration/Systems Thinking/Clinical Inquiry (9%)
2. Healthcare-acquired infections 6A. Collaboration
a. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections 6B. Systems Thinking
(CAUTI) 6C. Clinical Inquiry
b. Central-line-associated bloodstream
infection (CLABSI) The sum of these percentages is not 100 due to rounding.
c. Surgical site infection (SSI)
Order of content does not necessarily reflect importance.
d. Hospital-acquired pneumonia

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 11

 PCCN Test Plan
Testable Nursing Actions

Cardiovascular • Manage patients requiring respiratory monitoring

• Identify, interpret and monitor: devices:
◦ dysrhythmias ◦ continuous SpO2
◦ QTc intervals ◦ end-tidal CO2 (capnography)
◦ ST segments • Manage patients requiring tracheostomy tubes
• Manage • Manage patients with chest tubes (including pleural
drains)
◦ arterial lines
• Manage patients with pulmonary artery
◦ CVP
hypertension
◦ non-Invasive hemodynamic monitoring
• Monitor patients pre- and post-:
• Manage patients requiring:
◦ bronchoscopy
◦ ablation
◦ chest tube insertion
◦ arterial closure devices
◦ thoracentesis
◦ arterial/venous sheaths
• Recognize respiratory complications and initiate
◦ cardiac catheterization interventions
◦ cardioversion
◦ defibrillation Endocrine
◦ pacemakers (single chamber, dual-chamber, • Manage and titrate insulin infusions
biventricular pacemakers)
Hematology/Immunology/Oncology
◦ pericardial drain
• Administer blood products and monitor patient
◦ percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) response
◦ transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) • Manage patients requiring plasmapheresis
◦ ventricular assist devices • Manage patients who would refuse blood products
• Monitor hemodynamic status and recognize signs • Manage patients with oncological emergencies
and symptoms of hemodynamic instability
• Select leads for cardiac monitoring for the indicated Gastrointestinal
disease process • Manage and recognize implications of patients who
have had bariatric surgery
Respiratory
• Manage patients pre- and post-procedure (e.g., EGD,
• Interpret blood gases (ABG, VBG) colonoscopy)
• Maintain airway • Manage patients who have fecal containment
• Manage patients in the prone position devices
• Manage patients requiring mechanical ventilation • Manage patients who have tubes and drains
(i.e. stable vents, home vents, chronic vents) • Recognize indications for and complications of
• Manage patients requiring non-invasive O2 or enteral and parenteral nutrition
ventilation delivery systems:
◦ BiPAP Renal
◦ CPAP • Identify medications that can be removed during
dialysis
◦ face masks
• Identify medications that may cause nephrotoxicity
◦ high-flow therapy
• Initiate renal protective measures for nephrotoxic
◦ nasal cannula
procedures
◦ non-breather mask
• Manage patients pre- and post-hemodialysis
continued
◦ venti-masks
• Manage patients with peritoneal dialysis

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 12

 PCCN Test Plan
Testable Nursing Actions (continued)

Neurology General
• Manage neuro tubes and drains • Administer medications and monitor for expected
• Manage patients undergoing EEG monitoring and adverse patient response
• Manage pre- and post-surgical procedures • Anticipate therapeutic regimens
• Perform bedside screening for dysphagia • Incorporate safe and/or evidence-based
complementary medicine techniques and
• Use the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
nonpharmacologic interventions
Musculoskeletal • Monitor diagnostic test results
• Initiate and monitor early mobility measures • Perform an assessment pertinent to the system
• Provide health promotion interventions for patients,
Multisystem populations and diseases
• Administer medications for procedural sedations • Provide patient and family education unique to the
and monitor patient response clinical situation
• Differentiate types of wounds, pressure injuries • Recognize procedural and surgical complications
• Manage patients with complex wounds (e.g., fistulas, • Recognize urgent situations and initiate
drains and vacuum-assisted closure devices) interventions
• Manage patients with hypertonic solution
• Manage patients with infections
• Screen for SIRS, sepsis, severe sepsis

Behavioral/Psychosocial
• Assess and manage patients with suicidal ideation
• Screen patients using a delirium assessment tool
(e.g., CAM)
• Use withdrawal assessment tools (e.g., CIWA, COWS)

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 13

 PCCN Sample Questions

The purpose of the sample questions is to familiarize candidates with the style and format of the certification exam items.

1. Two days post admission for rapid atrial 4. Which of the following may predispose an
fibrillation, a patient has been weaned from individual to ventricular fibrillation?
IV diltiazem to PO administration. The patient A. hypernatremia and hypomagnesemia
develops new onset of hallucinations, agitation
and disorientation. The most appropriate INITIAL B. hypophosphatemia and hyperchloremia
nursing action is to C. hypermagnesemia and hyponatremia
A. obtain an order for lorazepam every six hours. D. hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia
B. evaluate the patient’s SpO2 and neurological
status. 5. Chest auscultation of a patient with severe
C. request an order for haloperidol and monitor QT acute asthma will commonly reveal which of the
intervals. following?
D. consult with the pharmacist regarding a possible A. expiratory wheezes
drug interaction. B. inspiratory crackles
C. diminished bilateral breath sounds
2. A patient with CAD has parasthesia to the foot.
D. a pleural friction rub
The nurse notes the right foot is cooler than the
other extremity, and pedal pulses are difficult to
palpate. Which additional assessment findings 6. A patient who is 1 week post MI suddenly becomes
in the right leg would lead the nurse to suspect agitated, restless and diaphoretic. Pulse pressure
peripheral arterial disease? drops to 20 mm Hg. Assessment also reveals faint
radial and apical pulses that weaken significantly
A. pallor when elevating the extremity
on inspiration. This patient is MOST LIKELY
B. redness of the ankle and foot experiencing
C. dependent edema A. mitral valve rupture.
D. engorged varicose veins B. pulmonary embolus.
C. pulmonary edema.
3. A patient with a history of severe substance
D. cardiac tamponade.
use disorder that includes alcohol, tobacco,
methamphetamine and IV heroin is suspected to
have valvular endocarditis. Which of the following 7. After PCI for a STEMI, the patient has shortness of
best reflects the cause for the diagnosis? breath. Crackles are auscultated throughout all
lung fields. VS: BP 72/50, HR 124, RR 32, SpO2 88%
A. ingestion of alcohol causes myocardial depression
on 2L nasal cannula. Which of the following would
B. inhalation of stimulants causes instability to the be the IMMEDIATE goal for treatment strategies?
electrical system of the heart
A. volume to enhance venous return
C. contaminated needles can introduce bacteria into
B. diuresis to reduce myocardial workload
the bloodstream
C. antiarrhythmics to restore electrical stability
D. repeated exposure to nicotine is related to
stenosis of the leaflets D. thrombolytics to eliminate the pulmonary
embolus

continued

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 14

 PCCN Sample Questions (continued)

8. A patient’s family wishes to spend the night,

which is contrary to the visiting policy. The
nurse’s BEST action would be to
A. adhere to the visiting policy.
B. allow the family to stay in the room.
C. obtain a motel room near the hospital where the
family may spend the night.
D. allow one or two family members to stay, then
evaluate the patient’s response.

9. Members of the nursing staff are developing

written patient education materials for a group of
patients with diverse reading abilities. It would be
MOST EFFECTIVE for the staff to
A. design individual handouts for each patient.
B. develop a computer-based education series.
C. write the materials at a fourth-grade reading level.
D. limit text and provide color pictures.

Answers
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. D
7. B
8. D
9. C

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 15

 PCCN Exam Bibliography
References Used for Item Validation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. 2016. AACN Ignatavicius DD, Workman ML, Rebar CR, Heimgartner NM.
Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional
Environments: A Journey to Excellence. 2nd ed. Available Collaborative Care. 10th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2020.
at: https://www.aacn.org/~/media/aacn-website/nursing-
excellence/standards/hwestandards.pdf. Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ.
Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed.
American Heart Association. 2020 Guidelines Update St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2021.
for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency
Cardiovascular Care. https://www.ahajournals.org/toc/ Johnstone M. Bioethics: A Nursing Perspective. 7th ed.
circ/142/16_suppl_2. Published October 21, 2020. Australia: Elsevier; 2019.

Baird MS. Manual of Critical Care Nursing: Interprofessional Kizior RJ, Hodgson KJ. Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook
Collaborative Management. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; 2022.
2022. Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, et al. Braunwald's Heart
Brant JM, ed. Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing. Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed.
6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021.

Bryant RA, Nix DF. Acute and Chronic Wounds: Current Meiner SE, Yeager JJ. Gerontologic Nursing. 6th ed. St.
Management Concepts. 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; Louis, MO: Mosby/Elsevier; 2018.
2015. Micozzi MS. Fundamentals of Complementary, Alternative,
Burns SM, Delgado SA. AACN Essentials of Progressive Care and Integrative Medicine. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/
Nursing. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2023. Elsevier; 2018.

Elisha S, Heiner JS, Nagelhout JJ. Nurse Anesthesia. Morton PG, Thurman P. Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic
7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022. Approach. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 2023.
Ferrell BR, Paice JA, eds. Oxford Textbook of Palliative
Nursing. 5th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic
2019. and Laboratory Test Reference. 16th ed. St. Louis, MO:
Mosby/Elsevier; 2022.
Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Philadelphia, PA:
Elsevier; 2022. Purnell L. Guide to Culturally Competent Health Care.
3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis; 2014.
Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine.
27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023. Sole ML, Klein DG, Moseley MJ. Introduction to Critical Care
Nursing. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020.
Good VS, Kirkwood PL, eds. Advanced Critical Care
Nursing. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017. Sweet V, ed. Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum. 7th ed.
St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017.
Hardin SR, Kaplow R. Cardiac Surgery Essentials for
Critical Care Nursing. 3rd ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Urden LD, Stacy KM, Lough ME. Critical Care Nursing:
Bartlett; 2019. Diagnosis and Management. 9th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier;
2021.
Hardin SR. Kaplow R. Synergy for Clinical Excellence:
The AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. 2nd ed. Boston, Wiegand DL, ed. AACN Procedure Manual for Progressive,
MA: Jones & Bartlett; 2017. and Critical Care. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier;
2023.
Hartjes TM, ed. Core Curriculum for Progressive and Critical
Care Nursing. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.
Haugen N, Galura SJ. Ulrich & Canale's Nursing Care Many references are available through AACN; visit
Planning Guides. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; www.aacn.org > Store.
2021.
More current versions may be available.
Helming MA, Shields, DA, Avino KM, Rosa WE (eds). Dossey
& Keegan's Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice.
8th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett; 2020.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 16

 AACN Products for PCCN Exam Preparation

AACN Certification Corporation does not approve, endorse, or require

for eligibility use of any specific exam preparation products.

Product Title/Description Item #

Online PCCN Certification Review Course. 2018. Individual Purchase. PCCNOD13

Online PCCN Certification Practice Exam & Questions - Mobile-friendly. Subscription options: Purchase online at
www.aacn.org/store
Free Trial (7-day access to 30 items), Basic (30-day access to 150 items), Premium (180-day access to
PCCN-T1
550+ items). Includes correct answer rationales and score report. Gauge your knowledge and identify PCCN-T2
strengths and areas for further study. 2020. PCCN-T3

AACN Essentials of Progressive Care Nursing. 5th ed. 2023. Burns SM. Delgado SA. 592 pages. 128765

AACN Procedure Manual for Progressive and Critical Care. 8th ed. 2023. Wiegand DL, ed. 128150
1264 pages.

Advanced Critical Care Nursing. 2nd ed. 2018, Good VS, Kirkwood PL. 912 pages. 128250

Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing. 3rd ed. 2019. Hardin SR, Kaplow R. 602 pages. 100257

AACN Core Curriculum for Progressive and Critical Care Nursing. 8th ed. 2022. Hartjes TM, ed.
128700
950 pages.

Manual of Critical Care Nursing: Nursing Interventions and Collaborative Management. 8th ed. 2022.
128225
Baird MS. 1060 pages.

Synergy for Clinical Excellence: The AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. 2nd ed. 2017. Hardin S,
100149
Kaplow R. 324 pages.

For more details and to place an order, visit our website at www.aacn.org > Store, or call
AACN Customer Care at 800-899-2226, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 17

 Submit an ONLINE application at www.aacn.org/certification > Get Certified.

STAPLE CHECK HERE

PCCN Exam Application - Direct Care Pathway

1. REGISTRATION INFORMATION PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. PROCESSING WILL BE DELAYED IF INCOMPLETE OR NOT LEGIBLE.
LEGAL NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID CARD IS REQUIRED FOR EXAM.

AACN CUSTOMER: RN/APRN LICENSE:

Number Exp. Date Number State Exp. Date
LEGAL NAME:
Last First MI Maiden
HOME ADDRESS:
City State Zip
EMAIL: HOME PHONE:

EMPLOYER NAME: BUSINESS PHONE:

EMPLOYER ADDRESS:
City State Zip

2. AACN MEMBERSHIP
I would also like to join/renew/extend my AACN membership at this time and select member pricing for my exam fees:
(check one box only)
 1-year AACN membership…………………………………….......................$78
 2-year AACN membership…………………………………….......................$148
 3-year AACN membership………………………….…………......................$200
AACN membership includes nonrefundable $12 and $15 one-year subscriptions to Critical Care Nurse® and the American Journal of Critical Care®,
respectively. AACN dues are not deductible as charitable contributions for tax purposes, but may be deducted as a business expense in keeping
with Internal Revenue Service regulations.

Member exam fee ($255) + 1-year Membership ($78) = Savings of $37 over Nonmember fee Membership Fee

$__________
+
3. EXAM FEES
Exam Fee:
Initial Exam Fee Retest Fee
PCCN Adult $__________
AACN Member Nonmember AACN Member Nonmember =
Check one box only  $255  $370  $180  $285 Total Payment:

$__________
 Check this box if you’ve attached a request and supporting documentation for special testing accommodations.

3. PAYMENT INFORMATION - application must be accompanied by payment

 Check or money order attached – payable to AACN Certification Corporation. U.S. funds only.
Bill my credit card:  Visa  MasterCard  American Express  Discover Card
Credit Card # Exp. Date (mm/yy) /

Name on Card _________________________________________ Signature ____________________________________________

Amount Billed $_____________ Address of Payor (if different than applicant) _____________________________________________

 Please do not include my name on lists sold to other organizations.

Please complete pages 2 & 3 of application.

This application form may be photocopied and is also available online at www.aacn.org/certification.

00APCCHW PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 18

 Submit an ONLINE application at www.aacn.org/certification > Get Certified.

2 of 3

PCCN Exam Application - Direct Care Pathway

NAME: AACN CUSTOMER #:

Last First MI

5. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Check one box in each category. Information used for statistical purposes and may be used in eligibility determination.
Primary Area Employed  Subacute Care (28)  Technician (21)  Home Health (13)
 Acute Hemodialysis Unit (21)  Surgical ICU (07)  Unit Coordinator (22)  Long-Term Acute Care Hosp. (16)
 Burn Unit (13)  TeleICU (37)  Other - specify below  Military/Government Hospital (04)
 Cardiac Rehabilitation (26)  Telemetry (20)  Non-Academic Teaching Hosp. (14)
 Cardiac Surgery/OR (36)  Trauma Unit (11) _____________________________ (99)  Registry (10)
 Cardiovascular/Surgical ICU (09)  Other – specify below  Self-Employed (09)
 Catheterization Lab (22) Highest Nursing Degree  State Hospital (06)
 Combined Adult/Ped. ICU (23) _____________________________ (99)  Associate’s Degree  Travel Nurse (15)
 Combined ICU/CCU (01)  Bachelor’s Degree  University Med. Ctr. (03)
 Coronary Care Unit (03) Primary Position Held  Diploma  Other – specify below
 Corporate Industry (24)  Academic Faculty (07)  Doctorate
 Crit. Care Transport/Flight (17)  Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (09)  Master’s Degree _____________________________ (99)
 Direct Observation Unit (39)  Bedside/Staff Nurse (01)
 Emergency Dept. (12)  Case Manager (39) Ethnicity
 General Med./Surg. Floor (18)  Charge Nurse (45)  African American (02) Number of Beds in Institution:
 Home Care (25)  Clinic Nurse (40)  Asian (05)
 Intensive Care Unit (02)  Clinical Coordinator (44)  Hispanic (03) _______________________________
 Interventional Cardiology (31)  Clinical Director (04)  Native American (04)
 Long-Term Acute Care (27)  Clinical Nurse Specialist (08)  Pacific Islander (06) Years of Experience in Nursing:
 Medical Cardiology (34)  Corporate/Industry (11)  White/Non-Hispanic (01)
 Medical ICU (04)  Hospital Administrator (38)  Other – specify below _______________________________
 Medical Surgical ICU (35)  Internist (37)
 Neonatal ICU (06)  Legal Nurse Consultant (47) _____________________________ (99) Years of Experience in Acute/Critical
 Neuro./Neurosurgical ICU (10)  Manager (03) Care Nursing:
 Oncology Unit (19)  Nurse Anesthetist (02) Primary Type of Facility in Which
 Operating Room (15)  Nurse Educator (46) Employed _______________________________
 Outpatient Clinic (29)  Nurse Midwife (13)  College/University (08)
 Pediatric ICU (05)  Nurse Practitioner (05)  Community Hospital (Nonprofit) (01) Date of Birth: (mm/dd/yy):
 Private Practice (32)  Outcomes Manager (42)  Community Hospital (Profit) (02)
 Progressive Care Unit (16)  Physician (16)  Corporate/Industry (11) _______________________________
 Recovery Room/PACU (14)  Physician Assistant (17)  County Hospital (07)
 Respiratory ICU (08)  Researcher (18)  Federal Hospital (05) Gender:
 Stepdown Unit (30)  Respiratory Therapist (19)  HMO/Managed Care (12)  Male  Female  Non-binary

6. HONOR STATEMENT
Complete the Honor Statement on page 20.

7. SUBMIT APPLICATION
Attach Honor Statement to this application and submit with payment to:
AACN Certification Corporation
27071 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-3399
or fax to: 949-362-2020
DO NOT mail AND fax your application - please choose only ONE method.

NOTE: Allow 2 to 4 weeks from the date received by AACN Certification Corporation for application processing.
Questions? Please visit www.aacn.org/certification, email certification@aacn.org or call us at 800-899-2226.

Please complete page 3 of application (honor statement).

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 19

 Online exam registration is available at www.aacn.org/certification > Get Certified.

3 of 3

PCCN Exam Honor Statement - Direct Care Pathway

PROCESSING WILL BE DELAYED IF INCOMPLETE OR NOT LEGIBLE.

NAME: AACN CUSTOMER #:

Last First MI

I hereby apply for the PCCN certification exam. Submission of this application indicates I have read and understand the
exam policies and eligibility requirements as documented in the PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care Eligibility Pathway
and the Certification Exam Policy Handbook.

LICENSURE: I possess a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license. My _____________________________ (state)

nursing license _______________________________ (number) is due to expire ____________________________ (date).
An unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in
which I am practicing and has no provisions or conditions that limit my nursing practice in any way. I understand that I
must notify AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days if any provisions or conditions are placed against my RN or
APRN license(s) in the future.

PRACTICE: I have fulfilled one of the following clinical practice requirement options:
• Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely ill adult patients during the past 2 years, with
875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
OR
• Practice as an RN or APRN during the previous 5 years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely ill
adult patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.

Hours were completed in a U.S.-based or Canada-based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S.
standard of progressive care nursing practice as evidenced by Magnet® designation or Joint Commission International
accreditation.

PRACTICE VERIFICATION: Following is the contact information for my clinical supervisor or a professional colleague
(RN or physician) who can verify that I have met the clinical hour eligibility requirements:

Verifier’s Name: Facility Name:

Last First

Verifier’s Phone Number: Verifier’s Email Address:

You may not list yourself or a relative as your verifier.

AUDIT: I understand that my certification eligibility is subject to audit, and failure to respond to or pass an audit will
result in revocation of certification.

ETHICS: I understand the importance of ethical standards and agree to act in a manner congruent with the ANA Code of
Ethics for Nurses.

NONDISCLOSURE OF EXAM CONTENT: Submission of this application indicates my agreement to keep the contents
of the exam confidential and not disclose or discuss specific exam content with anyone except AACN Certification
Corporation. Per AACN Certification Corporation policy, sharing of exam content is cause for revocation of certification.

To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this application is accurate and submitted in good faith. My
signature below indicates I have read this honor statement and meet the eligibility requirements as outlined.

Applicant’s Signature: Date:

This application form may be photocopied and is also available online at www.aacn.org/certification.

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 20

PCCN Exam Handbook - Direct Care | July 2024 21