Adult CCRN® Certification Requirements

How to Become an Adult CCRN®

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Becoming an Adult CCRN® (Critical Care Registered Nurse) is a great way to expand your expertise and advance professionally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you meet the CCRN® certification requirements and prepare for success.

Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify

Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. You’ll need a current U.S. RN or APRN license, plus one of the following:

Option 1: At least 1,750 hours of direct bedside care of acutely/critically ill patients within the past two years, with 875 of those hours in the year prior to your exam application.
Option 2: A minimum of 2,000 hours of direct bedside care of acutely/critically ill patients over the past five years, with 144 of those hours in the year prior to your exam application.*

*If you said “yes” to the above, you’re off to a great start!

Step 2: Apply for the Exam

You can apply in one of two ways:

Online Application

Register for the computer-based Adult CCRN® exam through the AACN Certification site.
Have the following ready:
- Your RN or APRN license number and expiration date
- Contact details for your clinical supervisor or colleague (RN or supervisor) who can verify your eligibility
- Credit card for payment ($235 for AACN members, $340 for non-members)

✅ Applications submitted online are processed the same day.

Paper Application

A paper application is required if you:

Plan to take a paper-and-pencil exam
Apply as part of a group
Will be testing outside the U.S.

Download and complete the forms, including the honor statement, in the CCRN® Exam Handbook. Payment may be made by credit card, check, or money order.

⏳ Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

Once your application is approved, the AACN will send you a confirmation email and postcard. You’ll then have a 90-day window to take the exam.

Schedule your test at one of the 300+ PSI/AMP testing centers available nationwide. You can book your spot at goamp.com.

Step 4: Prepare for Success

Certification requires more than just meeting eligibility — preparation is key. To get started:

Explore CCRN® prep resources, such as practice tests, study guides, and Q&A banks.
Try 14 days of FREE access to the Adult CCRN® Certification Review for interactive practice.

Footnote

Nurse educators and managers may apply hours they spent supervising nurses and nursing students toward eligibility.

Resources

AACN Certification Corporation. (n.d.). CCRN Exam Handbook (Adult • Pediatric • Neonatal): Acute/Critical Care Nursing Certification. Download here
American Association of Critical Care Nurses. (n.d.). CCRN (Adult). Learn more
Menzies Kent, K. (2014). Adult CCRN Certification Review. New York: Springer Publishing.
PSI/AMP Testing Centers. Visit site