CAPA Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification is a specialized credential awarded to nurses who take care of patients before, during, and after procedures requiring anesthesia, sedation, and analgesia. It is particularly useful in ambulatory or outpatient nursing jobs. Given the staggering number of surgeries in the U.S. — around 64 million annually — you’ll likely find great use for this certification.
Ready to take your nursing career to new heights with a CAPA certificate? You’re in the right place. We’ll break down what it is, walk you through the steps to get it, and shine a light on why it’s worth having.
What Is CAPA Certification?
CAPA nursing certification is a specialized credential that’s awarded to perianesthesia nurses who undergo advanced training and successfully pass the examination set by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC). It’s a mark of excellence that highlights a nurse’s specialized skills and experience in caring for patients throughout the anesthesia journey.
The certification program curriculum covers topics across five domains based on perianesthesia patient needs:
- Anesthesia: 20%
- Physiology: 16%
- Perianesthesia monitoring and intervention: 30%
- Perianesthesia care considerations: 25%
- Professional nursing practice and guidelines: 9%
CAPA certification can come in handy for nurses working in a variety of settings, including:
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Preoperative units
- Post-anesthesia care units (PACUs)
- Outpatient clinics
CAPA Certification Requirements
Considering becoming a CAPA-certified professional? Discover the essential steps required to get this prestigious credential.
1. Become a Nurse
Start by earning a nursing degree by enrolling in an accredited program. After you graduate, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
2. Meet CAPA Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the exam, you need to hold a valid, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or territories where the NCLEX exam is required for licensure. Also, you need to show proof of at least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience in preanesthesia, day of surgery/procedure, post-anesthesia phase II, and/or extended care settings in the two years before applying for initial certification.
3. Prepare for the CAPA Exam
ABPANC has put together plenty of tools to assist you in getting ready for the exam, using feedback from candidates who’ve already gone through it. Check out these study resources and consider the following prep options:
- Read the certification handbook.
- Use practice exams.
- Review study references.
- Practice answering questions of the week.
- Connect with an ABPANC certification coach.
- Use CAPA flashcards.
4. Apply for the CAPA Exam
Next, you’ll need to fill out an online application and submit any required documents. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an email with step-by-step instructions on how to schedule your exam. You’ll have the option to take the exam at a test center or on your own device with online remote proctoring.
There are two registration windows during the year, each corresponding to an eight-week testing window:
- Spring exam window: Register for the exam between Jan. 1–April 30 to take it between March 15–May 15.
- Fall exam window: Register for the exam between July 1–Oct. 30 to take it between Sept. 15–Nov. 15.
As part of the application process, you’ll need to pay the CAPA certification exam fee: $350 for ASPAN members or $424 for nonmembers.
5. Pass the CAPA Exam
The exam lasts three hours and is computer-based. It consists of 185 questions, including 140 scored multiple-choice and 45 unscored pretest questions. Once you finish, you’ll get your official score report that shows if you passed. Scores range from 200 to 800, and you need at least 450 to pass.
7. Maintain the Certification
After you get certified, your credential is valid for three years. Your CAPA renewal requirements are as follows:
- Keep an active RN license.
- Complete at least 900 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice during your certification period.
- Retake the CAPA exam or earn 70 specialty-specific contact hours.
Practice hour requirements can be completed in the following fields:
- Care coordination
- Direct patient care
- Education
- Informatics
- Leadership
- Navigation
- Patient/family liaison
- Quality improvement
- Research
Keep in mind that you must renew your certification within a specific time frame before it expires:
- If you were initially certified in the spring, your recertification window is from April 1 through midnight April 30.
- If you were initially certified in the fall, your recertification window is from Oct. 1 through midnight Oct. 31.
Your renewal fees are as follows:
- Re-examination route: $350 for ASPAN members or $424 for non-members
- Continuing education route: $200 for ASPAN members or $315 for non-members
Frequently Asked Questions: CAPA Certification
What do I do if I fail the CAPA exam?
If you worry about passing 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 fee with your exam application.
How hard is the CAPA exam?
The difficulty of the CAPA examination varies depending on individual preparation and familiarity with the content. The exam has a pass rate of 58%, so putting in the work to prepare properly can make a big difference.
What other study resources can help me prepare for the exam?
ABPANC recommends creating a study plan with weekly tasks to prepare for the exam. You can follow their 12-week plan or make your own. Generally, you’ll study for about three months, spending around four hours a week. You might want to take more time on topics that are heavily covered in the exam. Set weekly and monthly SMART goals and stick to them. Check out our five-week study plan example below:
| Week | Learning Domain | Time Allocated | Topics to Cover |
| 1 | Anesthesia: 20% | 4 hours | Anesthesia techniques (general, regional, and local), stages of anesthesia, etc. |
| 2 | Physiology: 16% | 4 hours | Pathophysiology of body systems, physical assessment, etc. |
| 3 | Perianesthesia monitoring and intervention: 30% | 5 hours | Injury prevention, thermoregulation, airway management, etc. |
| 4 | Perianesthesia care considerations: 25% | 5 hours | Continuum and transfer of care, individualized patient care, etc. |
| 5 | Professional nursing practice and guidelines: 9% | 4 hours | ASPAN standards, ACLS guidelines, etc. |
Additionally, consider incorporating these study tips to maximize your efforts:
- Join a virtual study group on platforms like Study Together for discussions and support.
- Create practice tests using tools like Quizlet to reinforce key concepts.
- Use digital note-taking apps like Evernote to keep your study materials organized and accessible.
- Try the Pomodoro technique — study in 25-minute bursts with short breaks to stay focused.
- Prioritize sleep to ensure your brain functions at its best.
- Incorporate stress-relief strategies to improve concentration and memory.
CAPA vs. CPAN certification: What’s the difference?
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certifications are designed for nurses who primarily work with patients in the postanesthesia phase I, just after anesthesia. In contrast, CAPA is geared towards nurses looking after patients in the preanesthesia phase, day of surgery/procedure, postanesthesia phase II, and/or extended care. If you’re unsure which certification suits you best, ABPANC provides an interactive walkthrough to help you decide.
Can I hold certifications in both CAPA and CPAN?
Yes, you can hold dual certifications in both CAPA and CPAN. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the direct clinical experience requirement for each. Additionally, you’ll have to submit separate applications and schedule two separate exam appointments. However, if you prefer, you can take both exams on the same day.
What are the benefits of CAPA certification 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 earning potential: It can help you make more money as a nurse.
- Career advancement: It can open up new opportunities for career advancement, such as stepping into leadership and management positions.
- Professional recognition: It can enhance your professional credibility among coworkers, employers, and patients for your exceptional skills and expertise.
- Increased job opportunities: It can significantly upgrade your PACU nurse resume and cover letter, making you a top candidate in the job market.
- Improved patient care: It can help you provide exceptional patient care, ensuring safety and adherence to the latest advancements in the field.
What Is a typical salary for a CAPA-certified professional?
A typical salary for a registered nurse in the U.S. is $94,480 per year, or $45.42 per hour. Your earnings can vary significantly depending on factors like your education, years of experience, and your specific role in the anesthesia care team. Here are some examples:
- PACU nurse salary: $96,600 per year
- OR nurse salary: $86,670 per year
- Post-op nurse salary: $96,541 per year
Additionally, where you work can have a huge impact on how much you earn. Here are five states that offer registered nurses some of the highest salaries:
Is the CAPA certification recognized nationally or internationally?
CAPA credentials are nationally recognized, giving you flexibility when moving anywhere in the U.S. If you’re considering travel nursing, know that your certification will be valid in every state you visit.
What is the job outlook like for CAPA-certified professionals?
With nearly 40 million anesthetics administered annually in the U.S., the demand for skilled anesthesia professionals is escalating. Additionally, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 6% in the next decade — faster than the average growth rate across all occupations.
What are the related certifications?
Consider supplementing your CAPA certification with other credentials and courses, such as:
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Are You a Nurse Looking for a New Job?
Ready to put your CAPA certification to work? IntelyCare can match you with exciting nursing job opportunities that fit your preferences and skills.