How Many Questions is the CCRN?
The Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is a highly respected credential in the nursing profession. It signifies a nurse’s expertise in providing advanced care to critically ill patients. One of the most common questions among aspiring CCRNs is, “How many questions are on the CCRN exam?” Understanding the exam format and question count can help candidates prepare effectively for this challenging assessment.
The CCRN exam is administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It consists of a total of 150 multiple-choice questions. These questions are divided into two sections: the core section and the specialty section.
The core section covers essential knowledge and skills that all critical care nurses should possess. It includes topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. Candidates can expect to encounter questions related to pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing interventions in this section. The core section contains 100 questions, accounting for two-thirds of the total exam.
The specialty section focuses on the specific knowledge and skills required for a particular critical care specialty. Candidates must choose one of the following specialties to take the corresponding section of the exam: medical-surgical, cardiovascular, neonatal, pediatric, or adult. The specialty section contains 50 questions, which is one-third of the total exam.
It’s important to note that the CCRN exam is a computer-based test, and candidates have a total of three hours to complete the entire exam. The time limit for each section is as follows:
– Core section: 1 hour and 45 minutes
– Specialty section: 45 minutes
The question format in the CCRN exam is similar to other AACN exams. Candidates will encounter a mix of single-best-answer and multiple-response questions. Single-best-answer questions require candidates to select the one correct answer from a list of options. Multiple-response questions require candidates to select all correct answers from a list of options.
To prepare for the CCRN exam, candidates should review the exam content outline provided by the AACN. This outline outlines the specific topics and knowledge areas covered in the exam. Candidates should also consider taking practice exams and studying recommended textbooks and resources to enhance their understanding of critical care nursing concepts.
In conclusion, the CCRN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, divided into a core section and a specialty section. Understanding the exam format and question count can help candidates prepare effectively for this challenging assessment. By dedicating time and effort to study and practice, aspiring CCRNs can increase their chances of passing the exam and achieving this prestigious certification.
