CCRN (Adult) · verified October 2026
CCRN (Adult) Exam Prep
Critical care review mapped to the Adult CCRN test plan (exams on or after Nov. 12, 2025). RNs and APRNs providing direct care to acutely or critically ill adult patients who want the AACN CCRN (Adult) credential.
Disclaimer: Independent product, not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN, BCEN, AACN, or the Florida Board of Nursing. CCRN (Adult) and related names are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Original practice content for educational use only.
Exam at a glance
| Credentialing body | AACN Certification Corporation |
|---|---|
| Length | 150 multiple-choice items: 125 scored + 25 unscored |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Test plan | Revised Adult CCRN test plan for exams taken on or after November 12, 2025. Framework: AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care |
| Eligibility | Current, unencumbered U.S. RN/APRN license plus clinical practice hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adults (two- and five-year hour options; see the CCRN Exam Handbook) |
| Fees (verify) | As of this writing, AACN lists $260 for members and $375 for nonmembers. Check aacn.org. |
Fees and policies change. Confirm with the official sources below.
Blueprint coverage
Questions mapped to the official test plan
| Blueprint area | Official weight | Review Qs | Practice-test Qs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | 13% | 7 | 10 |
| Respiratory | 12% | 6 | 9 |
| Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, Integumentary | 21% | 11 | 17 |
| Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/Psychosocial | 18% | 9 | 13 |
| Multisystem | 16% | 8 | 12 |
| Professional Caring and Ethical Practice | 20% | 10 | 15 |
Clinical Judgment makes up 80% of the exam (the first five categories). Professional Caring and Ethical Practice makes up 20% and covers Advocacy/Moral Agency, Caring Practices, Response to Diversity, Facilitation of Learning, Collaboration, Systems Thinking, and Clinical Inquiry.
Preview
A taste of the key points
Two sample points per area. The full package has several more for each area.
Cardiovascular
- Hemodynamic profiles: hypovolemic (low PAOP/CVP, high SVR), cardiogenic (high PAOP, CI below 2.2, high SVR), distributive (low SVR, often high CO early).
- Inferior/RV MI: preload dependent. Give fluids and avoid nitrates and diuretics.
Respiratory
- ARDS (Berlin): P/F ≤300 mild, ≤200 moderate, ≤100 severe (PEEP ≥5). Treat with 4–8 mL/kg PBW, plateau ≤30, and prone positioning ≥12–16 h for moderate-severe.
- Peak minus plateau gap = airway resistance. High plateau = low compliance.
Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, Integumentary
- DKA vs. HHS: HHS has glucose often above 600, osmolality above 320, and minimal ketones. Fluids come first in both.
- SIADH (concentrated urine, hyponatremia, euvolemia → restrict fluids) vs. DI (dilute polyuria, hypernatremia → desmopressin) vs. cerebral salt wasting (hypovolemic → replace sodium).
Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/Psychosocial
- CPP = MAP − ICP (target about 60–70). Keep ICP below about 22 mm Hg. HOB 30°, neutral neck, avoid hypotension and hypoxia.
- SAH: vasospasm peaks around days 4–14. Give nimodipine and maintain euvolemia.
Multisystem
- Sepsis Hour-1: lactate, cultures, antibiotics, 30 mL/kg for hypotension or lactate ≥4, norepinephrine, then vasopressin and hydrocortisone if refractory.
- Anion gap = Na − (Cl + HCO3). Winter's formula: expected PaCO2 = 1.5(HCO3) + 8 ± 2.
Professional Caring and Ethical Practice
- Synergy Model: match nurse competencies to patient characteristics (resiliency, vulnerability, stability, complexity, resource availability, participation in care/decision-making, predictability).
- Eight nurse competencies: clinical judgment, advocacy/moral agency, caring practices, collaboration, systems thinking, response to diversity, facilitation of learning, clinical inquiry.
Questions
What format is the package?
One PDF (letter size) with the overview, key points, 51 review questions, and a 76-question practice test. Answers and rationales for the practice test are in a separate answer key at the end, so you can test yourself first.
How should I use the practice test?
Take it in one sitting with a timer (about 1–1.2 minutes per question), then review every rationale, including the ones you got right.
Is this enough to pass on its own?
It is a focused review and self-assessment tool. Use it alongside your coursework or a comprehensive review, and the official resources linked above. We cannot guarantee a passing result.
Who wrote the questions?
All items are original and written against the official blueprint and current clinical guidelines. See the About page for our review process.
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