AACN Exam & AACN Certification Info
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, or AACN, is a professional nursing organization dedicated to providing and inspiring leadership, research, education, and clinical excellence. AACN offers certification exams that validate and recognize the expertise and contributions of acute and critical care nurses. These certifications are designed to promote high standards of patient care and professional practice.
Step 1: Eligibility and Application
To become eligible for AACN certification, nurses should have a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, and meet the clinical practice requirement. Specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the certification. Once eligible, applicants can complete the online application on AACN's website.
Step 2: Scheduling the Exam
Once the application is approved, AACN will send an email confirmation with an Authorization to Test (ATT). Applicants can then schedule their exam through Pearson VUE, AACN's testing partner. Exams can be scheduled at any Pearson VUE test center in the United States.
Step 3: Taking the Exam
On the day of the exam, candidates must bring proper identification to the test center. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates will receive their results immediately after completing the exam.
The AACN's headquarters is located in Aliso Viejo, California. For more detailed information regarding the certifications, eligibility requirements, and application process, visit the official website at www.aacn.org.
What is AACN Advanced Practice Certifications?
AACN Advanced Practice Certifications Exams
The AACN Adult Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification test is a rigorous examination designed for advanced practice nurses specializing in adult acute care. Administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, this certification validates the holder's expertise in managing critically ill adult patients. The exam covers a broad range of topics including pathology, pharmacology, clinical assessment, and evidence-based practice strategies. It requires a deep understanding of critical care principles, patient management techniques, and healthcare systems. Successful certification signifies a nurse's commitment to providing high-quality, specialized care for acutely ill adults.
The AACN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) certification test is a rigorous examination designed to validate the skills and knowledge of registered nurses who specialize in caring for adult and elderly patients. The test covers areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, diagnosis, and management of health conditions. Passing the exam demonstrates the nurse's expertise in this specific field and shows their commitment to providing the highest standard of care. The certification is recognized nationally, enhancing the credibility and career prospects of the certified nurse. The test is developed and administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
Cardiovascular - 13%
Pulmonary - 11%
Endocrine - 3%
Musculoskeletal - 2%
Hematology/immunology/Oncology - 3%
Neurology - 7%
Gastrointestinal - 5%
Renal/Genitourinary - 5%
Integumentary - 2%
Multisystem - 7%
Psychosocial/Behavioral/Cognitive Health - 3%
Professional Caring And Ethical Practice - 39%
Advocacy/moral agency - 5%
Caring Practices - 7%
Collaboration - 5%
Systems thinking - 7%
Response to diversity - 3%
Clinical inquiry - 7%
Facilitation of learning - 6%
The AACN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist certification test is a rigorous exam designed to evaluate the skills, knowledge, and expertise of registered nurses specializing in pediatric care. It covers various areas, including health promotion, disease prevention, and management of health conditions among infants, children, and adolescents. Successful completion of this test demonstrates a nurse's advanced proficiency in pediatric nursing, qualifying them as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. The certification by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is recognized nationally, enhancing the credibility and professional standing of the certified nurse.
Cardiovascular - 9%
Pulmonary - 10%
Endocrine - 3%
Musculoskeletal - 3%
Hematology/immunology/Oncology - 5%
Neurology - 7%
Gastrointestinal - 6%
Renal/Genitourinary - 3%
Integumentary - 2%
Multisystem - 8%
Psychosocial/Behavioral/Cognitive Health - 5%
Professional Caring And Ethical Practice - 39%
Advocacy/moral agency - 5%
Caring Practices - 7%
Collaboration - 5%
Systems thinking - 7%
Response to diversity - 3%
Clinical inquiry - 7%
Facilitation of learning - 6%
What is AACN Nurse Practitioner ?
AACN Nurse Practitioner Exams
The AACN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNP) certification test is a rigorous and comprehensive examination intended for registered nurses seeking to demonstrate their expertise in acute and critical care for adult-gerontology patients. The test evaluates knowledge in areas such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of acute and chronic illnesses. A successful candidate is granted the AGACNP-BC credential, a nationally recognized certification that validates their proficiency in providing high-quality care to acutely ill adult-geriatric patients. The certification enhances career opportunities and contributes to improved patient outcomes.
Cardiovascular - 21%
Pulmonary - 12%
Endocrine - 3%
Musculoskeletal - 3%
Hematology/immunology/Oncology - 4%
Neurology - 7%
Gastrointestinal - 5%
Renal/Genitourinary - 4%
Integumentary - 2%
Multisystem - 9%
Psychosocial/Behavioral/Cognitive Health - 3%
Professional Caring And Ethical Practice - 27%
Advocacy/moral agency - 3%
Caring Practices - 6%
Collaboration - 5%
Systems thinking - 3%
Response to diversity - 2%
Clinical inquiry - 4%
Facilitation of learning - 3%
What is AACN Specialty Certifications?
AACN Specialty Certifications Exams
The AACN Adult Acute/Critical Care Nursing Certification exam is a rigorous examination designed to validate the skills, knowledge, and abilities of registered nurses working in acute and critical care settings. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including clinical judgment, disease management, life support interventions, and ethical considerations. The certification test is recognized nationally, demonstrating a nurse's commitment to providing the highest level of care. Successful completion signifies the nurse's expertise in critical care nursing and enhances professional credibility. This certification is often required or preferred by employers in critical care settings.
The AACN Adult Acute/Critical Care/Tele-ICU Nursing Certification test is a rigorous examination offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It validates the knowledge and skills of registered nurses in providing care to acutely and critically ill adult patients. The certification focuses on areas such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, and neurological systems. It also includes elements of Tele-ICU nursing, which involves remote monitoring and consultation in intensive care units. This certification is recognized nationwide and is a significant credential for nurses seeking to advance in their careers.
Cardiovascular - 20%
Pulmonary - 18%
Endocrine - 5%
Hematology/Immunology - 2%
Neurology - 12%
Gastrointestinal - 6%
Renal - 6%
Multisystem - 8%
Behavioral/Psychosocial - 4%
Professional Caring And Ethical Practice - 20%
Advocacy /Moral Agency - 3%
Caring Practices - 4%
Collaboration - 4%
Systems Thinking - 2%
Response to Diversity - 2%
Clinical Inquiry - 2%
Facilitation of Learning - 3%
The AACN Pediatric Acute/Critical Care Nursing Certification exam is a rigorous test designed for registered nurses specializing in the care of critically ill or acutely ill infants, children, and adolescents. Administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the test evaluates knowledge of patient problems, nursing interventions, and professional issues in acute/critical care units. The certification represents a high level of expertise and commitment to this nursing specialty. It requires a minimum of 1,750 hours of direct care experience with critically ill pediatric patients to be eligible for the exam.
The AACN Progressive Care Nursing Certification test is a professional examination that validates a nurse's knowledge and skills in progressive care. This certification, developed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), is designed for Registered Nurses providing direct care to acutely ill adult patients. Topics covered include clinical judgment, advocacy/moral agency, caring practices, collaboration, systems thinking, response to diversity, and clinical inquiry. Passing the test demonstrates understanding of progressive care and commitment to high standards in patient care. It is a significant credential for career advancement in nursing.
Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Multisystem, Behavioral/Psychosocial
Professional Caring And Ethical Practice - 20%
What is AACN Subspecialty Certifications?
AACN Subspecialty Certifications Exams
The AACN Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty Certification Adult (CMC-A) test is a specialized examination offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This advanced certification is designed for registered nurses working in areas that involve in-depth cardiac care, such as cardiology units or cardiovascular intensive care units. It tests knowledge and skills related to adult cardiac medicine, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Achieving this certification demonstrates advanced expertise in cardiac medicine and commitment to providing high-quality, specialized care to adult cardiac patients.
The AACN Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty Certification test is a professional examination designed for nurses who specialize in cardiac surgery. It validates their expertise and dedication to high-quality patient care. The test covers knowledge areas like cardiovascular anatomy, pathophysiology, perioperative care, and postoperative complications. The certification is endorsed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), a trusted authority in nursing education. Achieving this certification signifies advanced competency and commitment to excellence in the field of cardiac surgery nursing. It requires prior nursing experience and a current unencumbered RN or APRN license to apply.
The AACN Clinical Nurse Leader certification test is a rigorous examination designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals in this specialized field of nursing. It covers key areas such as healthcare delivery systems, interdisciplinary care coordination, clinical outcome management, and health promotion. Passing this exam demonstrates the candidate's ability to act as a point-of-care leader, design and implement evidence-based practices, and advocate for patients. This certification is globally recognized, enhancing the credibility and employability of the certified nurse.
Illness and Disease Management - 30%
Care Environment Management - 37%