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CPAN Certification: Overview and FAQ

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

A nurse with CPAN certification assists a patient after an anesthesia procedure.

The Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification is a professional credential for nurses specializing in helping patients recover from anesthesia after surgery or medical procedures. This credential is tailored for nurses working in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs), recovery rooms, and other immediate post-operative care settings.

With around 40 million anesthetics administered annually in the U.S., this certification can be a valuable asset. In this guide, we’ll explain what this certification is, walk you through the steps to get it, and highlight the pros of having it.

CPAN Certification: Snapshot

Eligibility: You’ll need a current RN license and 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience within the past 2 years.
Preparation: Read the certification handbook, use practice exams and flashcards, review the list of references, and answer weekly practice questions.
Application process: Create an account on the NCC website, complete the required fields, submit your documents, and wait for the step-by-step instructions on how to schedule your exam.
Exam: The test will have 185 multiple-choice questions (140 scored and 45 unscored), and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
Cost: The exam fee is $424.
Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 3 years.

What Is CPAN Certification?

Awarded by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC), CPAN is a specialized credential that’s granted to registered nurses (RNs) who care for patients after anesthesia, sedation, and analgesia. It applies to nurses working in phase I post-anesthesia care, where airway monitoring, hemodynamic stability, fluid management, and pain control are key.

The certification curriculum covers five key areas, all centered around the unique needs of post-anesthesia patients.

Knowledge topic:	Examples of testable tasks:
Anesthesia	Set up emergency and monitoring equipment. Administer medications. Protect patients from injuries caused by positioning and thermal sources.
Physiology	Conduct physical assessment. Manage the patient’s cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal systems function, etc.
Perianesthesia monitoring and intervention	Manage patient pain. Evaluate patient sedation level. Maintain patient airway and respiratory status.
Perianesthesia care considerations	Prepare the patient for safe transport. Ensure patient safety through the use of protective devices. Connect patients with necessary resources (e.g., pharmaceutical care, nutritional education, case management, and language services).
Professional nursing practice and guidelines	Document the care provided. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team. Protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

Wondering which nursing specialties can benefit from CPAN credentials? You can work in PACUs in acute care facilities, or in specialty surgical units:

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CPAN Certification Requirements

Considering becoming a CPAN-certified professional? Learn the key steps you need to take to earn this prestigious credential.

1. Become a Nurse

Your first step is to earn a nursing degree by enrolling in an accredited program. Once you graduate, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN and submit your documents to your state’s board of nursing to become a licensed RN.

2. Meet CPAN Eligibility Requirements

Next, you’ll need to fulfill the eligibility criteria for the exam. Here’s what you need to accomplish before applying:

A current, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or its territories, or the international equivalent
At least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience that involves bedside care within the past 2 years

3. Prepare for the CPAN Exam

ABPANC offers a 12-week study plan that breaks down the test blueprints into a structured schedule, requiring around four hours of study time each week. You can also design your own study plan that fits your specific schedule and needs.

Here are some additional resources to help you prepare for your exam:

4. Apply for the CAPA Exam

Your next step is to visit the CPAN certification login page, create an account, and submit all the required documents. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with detailed instructions on scheduling. You can take your test for CPAN certification online from your own device or at a testing center.

Each year, there are two registration windows with corresponding eight-week testing windows:

Exam window:	Registration dates:	Exam dates:
Spring	January 1–April 30	March 15–May 15
Fall	July 1–October 30	September 15–November 15

4. Pay the Exam Fee

During the application process, you’ll need to pay the exam fee. It’s a necessary part of securing your spot for the test. Here’s the fee breakdown:

American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) members: $350
Nonmembers: $424

5. Pass the CPAN Exam

Interested in getting a feel for the exam experience? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when it’s time to take your CPAN certification test:

Your exam will last 3 hours.
You’ll need to answer 185 questions (140 scored and 45 unscored pretest questions).
You’ll need a minimum score of 450 to pass, and the scores range from 200 to 800.

7. Maintain the Certification

Once you’re certified, your credential will be valid for three years. You’ll need to apply for renewal within the specified deadline and provide proof of the following:

Have an active RN license or a verified international equivalent.
Complete at least 900 hours of specialty practice during the past 3 years.
Retake the CPAN exam or earn 70 contact hours within your specialty.

When it comes to earning your practice hours, they can be accumulated in any role that supports or advances the field:

Direct patient care
Education
Informatics
Leadership
Navigation
Research
Care coordination
Quality improvement
Patient or family liaison

Frequently Asked Questions: CPAN Certification

What do I do if I fail the CPAN exam?

If you’re worried about failing the exam, you can enroll in the Test Assured program. It allows you to take the exam twice within a 12-month period if your first attempt is unsuccessful. You’ll have the option to sign up for it for an additional $50 when you apply.

If you don’t sign up for the program, you can still retake the exam. There’s no limit on attempts, but the fees and application process will stay the same.

How hard is the CPAN exam?

The CPAN exam can be challenging, with a pass rate of around 64%. It covers a wide range of topics like anesthesia and post-operative care, and many questions are scenario-based, requiring you to think critically. Thorough preparation can tip the scales in your favor.

How do I verify my CPAN credential?

You can find CPAN certification verification by accessing the online credential search. Simply enter your full name, state, and credential type in the required fields, then click “Search.” The tool will display your CPAN credential status.

CAPA vs. CPAN Certification: What’s the difference?

Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification is designed for nurses caring for patients before and during anesthesia, as well as in post-anesthesia phase II and extended care settings. In contrast, CPAN is tailored for nurses working with patients in the postanesthesia phase I, immediately after anesthesia.

Here’s the breakdown of the phases of anesthesia care:

Phase I: This phase centers on meeting the basic life-sustaining needs of the patient, such as airway management, hemodynamic stability, pain control, and fluid management.
Phase II: This phase focuses on getting patients ready for discharge, whether to their home or another facility. They may still be in the same location as in phase I but are stable enough to engage in daily activities, such as walking and talking.
Extended care: This phase is for patients who have met the criteria to leave phase I care, but are unable to move to a different location, often due to a lack of available beds. In this case, patients stay in the same unit but require different levels of monitoring and care.

What other study resources can help me prepare for the exam?

While ABPANC offers plenty of resources to help you get ready for the exam, you may also want to explore additional materials to ensure you’re fully prepared. Here’s a list of additional resources you might want to check out:

CPAN certification questions on Quizlet
ABPANC YouTube channel
Recent reference guides, such as Certification Review for PeriAnesthesia Nursing
Review courses, such as PACU Nursing Minutes
Virtual study groups, such as Study Together
Digital note-taking apps, such as Evernote

Can I hold certifications in both CAPA and CPAN?

Absolutely! You can have CAPA and CPAN credentials. You’ll need to meet the clinical experience requirements for both, submit separate applications, and schedule two different exams. You can take both on the same day.

What are the benefits of a CPAN credential for nurses?

Certification is the formal validation of perianesthesia nurses’ knowledge and skills demonstrated by meeting the established standards of their specialized field, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Additional benefits include:

Higher salary: It can help you make more money, as certification is often a factor in salary negotiations.
Career advancement: It can help you step into leadership and management positions.
Better job opportunities: It can upgrade your PACU nurse resume and cover letter, making you a standout candidate in the job market.
Boost confidence: It can help you stay updated on the newest developments in your specialty, helping you provide safe and quality care.
Professional credibility: It raises your credibility among colleagues, employers, and patients for your exceptional skills and knowledge.

What Is a typical salary for a CPAN-certified professional?

A typical PACU nurse’s salary in the U.S. is about $97,000 per year, but it varies depending on your education, experience, and geographic location. Check out these five states that offer some of the highest nursing salaries:

Related Certifications

Want to explore more certifications? Here are some additional options that perianesthesia nurses can pursue:

Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA)
Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS)

Looking for a Nursing Career Upgrade?

Whether you hold CPAN certification or not, there are plenty of opportunities to upgrade your career. IntelyCare can connect you with the best-fitting nursing jobs tailored to your preferred specialty, location, and facility type. Sign up today to explore your next career upgrade.