CCRN Certification Guide for Nurses

Critical care nurses handle some of the most complex and high-acuity patient care in healthcare. Whether you’re working in an ICU, ED, neuro unit, or trauma bay, your clinical decisions make a difference in the lives of others every day.

CCRN certification proves your expertise in this high-stakes environment. For travel nurses, CCRN is one of the most valuable credentials you can add — opening the door to more contracts, better pay, and preferred placements.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: eligibility, exam format, cost, preparation strategies, and how Nomad Health supports CCRN nurses on the move.

Why CCRN Certification Matters

CCRN stands for “Critical Care Registered Nurse”. A credential awarded by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

It’s more than a Certification — it’s a signal to employers that you:

• Meet national standards for critical care nursing excellence

• Have verified bedside experience in high-acuity settings

• Are committed to ongoing education and clinical growth

• Are qualified to take on complex travel assignments

Hospitals, especially Magnet, Level I trauma centers, and cardiac/stroke facilities, often prioritize or require CCRN certification for contract RNs.

What is CCRN Certification?

CCRN certification is a nationally recognized credential that verifies a nurse’s expertise in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult, pediatric, or neonatal patients.

It is offered and maintained by the AACN Certification Corporation, and is specific to bedside roles. It does not apply to management, education, or non-direct care roles.

CCRN Certification Requirements

To be eligible for the CCRN (Adult) certification, you must:

Hold a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license

Additionally, you must choose one one of the following clinical experience paths:

Option 1: 2-Year Path

• 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients

• Within the last 2 years

• 875 of those hours must be in the most recent year

Option 2: 5-Year Path

• 2,000 hours within the past 5 years

• 144 of those hours must be in the most recent year

Note: Experience must be in ICU, CCU, ED, trauma, neuro ICU, cardiac ICU, or similar settings.

CCRN Exam Details: Format, Content & Cost

The CCRN exam tests clinical judgment and evidence-based practice across major organ systems and critical care scenarios.

Exam Format

• 150 multiple-choice questions

• 3-hour time limit

• 125 scored, 25 unscored

• Taken at a PSI testing center or online via live proctor

Exam Content Breakdown

Exam Cost

How to Prepare for the CCRN Exam

CCRN is passable with the right strategy. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Recommended Study Resources

• AACN’s CCRN Review Course (online or in-person)

• AACN Practice Exams and Test Plans

Study Tips

• Study in 4–6 week blocks if working full-time

• Use exam blueprints to focus your review

• Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions

• Focus heavily on cardiac, respiratory, and ethics

• Join CCRN Facebook groups or study cohorts

Benefits of CCRN Certification

Cost of CCRN Certification

CCRN Certification Worth It?

Yes, especially for travel nurses and staff ICU/ED clinicians.

Why it’s worth it:

• Pays for itself quickly

• Increases contract options and speed of placement

• Shows initiative and clinical credibility

• Supports Magnet designation and hospital compliance

• Provides additional skills and training in critical care nursing to offer the best care to your patients.

CCRN Recertification & CEUs

Valid for 3 years

To renew, you must:

• Hold a current RN license

• Complete 100 CERPs (Continuing Education Recognition Points)

  • Category A (clinical): 60 CERPs

  • Category B (ethics/professionalism): 10 CERPs

  • Category C (leadership/research): 10 CERPs

  • Remaining 20 CERPs: any category

• OR retake and pass the CCRN exam again

CEUs must be from an approved provider and relate to critical care.