PCCN Certification: Overview and FAQ
Every year, about 5.7 million patients are admitted to intensive care units. Many of these patients are then transferred to intermediary care settings, requiring continued close monitoring and specialized care. The Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) credential is tailored for nurses who care for acutely ill patients in settings like progressive care, step-down, telemetry, or intermediate care units, highlighting their advanced expertise in this crucial area.
Ready to take the next step in your career? This article walks you through everything you need to know to get certified, including the steps, costs, and study resources.
PCCN Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You need an active RN or APRN license and to complete either 1,750 direct clinical hours in adult acute care settings within the past 2 years or 2,000 hours within the past 5 years.
- Preparation: Review the exam handbook, take practice tests, read the exam policy handbook, and consider investing in the review course.
- Application process: Fill out the online application form, provide proof of your licensure and experience, and pay the fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 150 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $370.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew every 3 years.
PCCN Meaning
What is PCCN certification? It’s a specialized credential given to registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed advanced education, gained clinical experience, and passed an exam, proving their expertise in progressive care settings. This certification is issued by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of nursing in acute and critical care environments.
Wondering what you’ll need to study to pass the exam? The outline consists of two knowledge areas:
- Clinical judgment includes topics like cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Professional caring and ethical practice includes topics like administering medications, monitoring diagnostic test results, and performing comprehensive assessments.
Passing this exam opens up opportunities in multiple adult acute care settings. In addition to progressive care units, here are some other options:
- Intermediate care
- Step-down units
- Telemetry units
- Transitional care
- Emergency departments
PCCN Nursing Certification Steps
Earning this credential requires following a series of steps. Let’s break down the key milestones on your certification journey.
1. Become an RN or APRN
Not a nurse yet? The first step is to graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the national certification exam — the NCLEX-RN. Then, apply for licensure with your state board of nursing.
Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), must complete graduate-level education, typically a master’s or doctorate degree, and pass a national certification exam in their specialty.
2. Meet Certification Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the certificationexam, you must hold an active, unencumbered RN or APRN license. Additionally, you must fulfill the following requirements:
| Direct care pathway | Knowledge professional pathway |
|---|---|
| This pathway is for nurses who have hands-on experience in adult acute care.
Two-year option: 1,750 hours of direct acute care experience within the past 2 years, with at least 875 of those hours completed in the most recent year. Five-year option: 2,000 hours of direct acute care experience within the past 5 years, with at least 144 of those hours completed in the most recent year. |
This pathway is for nurses whose roles focus on influencing patient care and organizational practices, rather than providing hands-on care.
To qualify, acquire 1,040 hours of practice hours as an RN or APRN in the past 2 years, with at least 260 hours in the most recent year. |
3. Prepare for the Exam
Now that you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s time to start preparing for the exam. Here are some study resources suggested by the AACN to help you succeed.
- Read the exam handbook.
- Study the topics listed in the content outline.
- Answer sample questions.
- Explore the exam bibliography list.
- Take review courses.
- Use PCCN practice questions.
- Read study books, such as AACN Essentials of Progressive Care Nursing.
4. Apply for the Exam
To apply, simply create an online account, fill out the required details, and upload proof of your nursing license and education. You’ll also need to submit documentation of your experience. Once your information has been reviewed, you’ll receive a confirmation email from AACN with instructions on how to schedule your exam appointment.
5. Pay the Exam Fee
Before you can submit your application, you’ll need to pay the exam fee of $370, or $255 if you’re an AACN member.
6. Pass the PCCN Test
Wondering what the exam will be like? Here’s a preview of what you can expect:
- You’ll need to answer 150 questions (125 scored and 25 unscored).
- You’ll have 3 hours to answer the test questions.
7. Maintain the Certification
Your credential is valid for three years. To keep it active, just be sure to renew before it expires. You’ll have three renewal options:
- Option 1: Complete the Synergy Continuing Education Recognition Point (CERP) program, which requires earning 100 CERPs in designated categories.
- Option 2: Renew by retaking the exam.
- Option 3: Move your certification to inactive status for up to three years if you’re not meeting renewal requirements but want to keep it on hold.
Renewal costs $230 for non-members and $150 for AACN members.
Frequently Asked Questions: PCCN Certification
What does PCCN stand for?
PCCN stands for Progressive Care Certified Nurse. This certification validates a nurse’s advanced expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care in progressive care settings.
How hard is the PCCN exam?
The exam is considered moderately challenging, reflecting the specialized knowledge required to care for acutely ill patients in progressive care settings. With about 70% of test takers passing on their first attempt, it’s clear that success is achievable with focused preparation.
What is PCCN-K?
The Progressive Care Certified Nurse – Knowledge Professional (PCCN-K) credential is designed for nurses working in roles as educators, researchers, and managers who shape patient care through their knowledge, rather than through direct bedside interaction.
What is the typical PCCN salary?
The typical progressive care nurse salary in the U.S. is around $87,000 a year. This number can differ greatly on factors such as your education, years of experience, and specific work setting.
Geographic location is a big factor in determining your salary. Here are five states with high pay for RNs:
PCCN vs. CCRN: What’s the difference?
The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, offered by AACN, is designed for nurses working in critical care units with patients facing life-threatening conditions that require intensive monitoring and immediate intervention. In contrast, the PCCN certification is for nurses who care for patients in progressive care settings — those who need more care than regular hospital patients but aren’t in critical condition.
What are my options if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass the exam, you can apply for a retest through AACN. You can retake the same certification exam up to four times in 12 months.
Related Certifications
If you’re looking to expand your expertise, there are several certifications that can complement your skills. Here’s a list of related certifications that might be of interest:
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Cardiovascular Registered Nurse (CVRN)
- Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
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