CCRN Adult Critical Care Nursing

Exam at a glance

Questions

150

Duration

180 minutes

Pass mark

not published

Sections

Clinical judgment (80%) · Professional caring & ethical practice (20%)

Exam type

Written

Language

English

Authority

AACN Certification Corporation

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 10 modules · 322 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Cardiovascular60 questions · 18.6 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: anatomy of the heart
   • Foundations: conduction system and cardiac cycle
   • Foundations: circulation and blood vessels

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Which finding is the most reliable sign of a successful reperfusion after fibrinolytic therapy for STEMI?

   AA new left bundle branch blockBRising heart rateCWorsening chest painDST segment resolution of 50% or more

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Caring practices, advocacy and learning10 questions · 3.1 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A patient is being taught to self-administer enoxaparin before discharge. Which method best confirms understanding?

   AProvide a written leafletBAsk the patient to demonstrate and explain the stepsCAsk whether the patient has questionsDHave the patient and family sign the teaching record after the session

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Endocrine8 questions · 2.5 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: endocrine glands and feedback control
   • Foundations: the thyroid in the neck and endocrine emergencies

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   What glucose target is recommended for most critically ill adults on insulin infusions?

   A140 to 180 mg/dL (7.8 to 10 mmol/L)B80 to 110 mg/dL (4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L)C200 to 250 mg/dL (11.1 to 13.9 mmol/L)DBelow 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Collaboration, systems thinking and ethics10 questions · 3.1 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A nurse calls a physician about a patient with a falling blood pressure. Which communication tool is best?

   ASBARBA long narrative historyCSending an emailDA text with only the BP value

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Gastrointestinal8 questions · 2.5 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the digestive tract, digestion and absorption
   • Foundations: peptic ulcer disease and upper GI bleeding

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A ventilated patient is hemodynamically stable on day 1. When should enteral nutrition begin?

   AAfter extubationBAfter 7 daysCOnly after bowel sounds returnDWithin 24 to 48 hours

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Hematology, immunology, integumentary and musculoskeletal8 questions · 2.5 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: blood cells, haematopoiesis and haemostasis
   • Foundations: skin structure, primary lesions and burn depth
7. 07Multisystem57 questions · 17.7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: ABCDE approach and airway basics
   • Foundations: life-threatening chest emergencies
   • Foundations: shock, burns and sepsis
8. 08Neurology and behavioral55 questions · 17.1 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: spinal cord tracts and the cranial nerves
   • Foundations: the circle of Willis and intracranial haemorrhage
9. 09Renal and genitourinary48 questions · 14.9 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: structure and function of the kidney
   • Foundations: fluids and electrolytes
10. 10Respiratory58 questions · 18 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: anatomy of the respiratory tract
    • Foundations: alveoli and gas exchange
    • Foundations: mechanics and control of breathing

What you get

• Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
• Timed mock exams in the real exam format, with score report by topic
• Personal study plan up to your exam date and review of weak topics
• AI tutor that explains any question in plain words
• One account for the app (iPhone, iPad) and the browser

From registration to licence

The usual steps with AACN Certification Corporation. Details can change; check the current rules with AACN Certification Corporation before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with AACN Certification Corporation and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

Frequently asked questions