CCRN-K Study Plan: 8-Week Schedule
Week-by-Week Study Guide for the AACN CCRN-K Exam
This 8-week study plan is designed for Knowledge Professionals preparing for the AACN CCRN-K certification exam. The exam tests the same clinical content as the CCRN — you need strong knowledge of acute/critical care physiology, pharmacology, and patient management.
Exam Overview
- •Questions: 150 (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- •Time: 3 hours
- •Cost: $255 AACN member / $370 non-member
- •Domains: Cardiovascular (17%), Respiratory (15%), Neurology (13%), Multisystem (11%), Hematology/Immunology (7%), GI (6%), Renal (6%), Endocrine (5%), Musculoskeletal/Dermatology/Neurology (4%), Professional Caring & Ethical Practice (20%)
Week 1-2: Cardiovascular and Respiratory (32% of exam)
Daily Study (1.5-2 hours):
- •Review cardiac physiology, hemodynamics, and ECG interpretation
- •Study shock types, vasopressors, and mechanical ventilation
- •Take 25-30 practice questions daily
Key Topics:
- •Acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, cardiogenic shock
- •Hemodynamic monitoring (CVP, PA pressures, cardiac output)
- •Ventilator modes, ABG interpretation, ARDS management
- •Pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, respiratory failure
Week 3-4: Neurology and Multisystem (24% of exam)
Key Topics:
- •Stroke, TBI, increased ICP, sedation management
- •Sepsis, MODS, trauma assessment
- •Burns and wound management
- •End-of-life care and organ donation
Week 5-6: Hematology, GI, Renal, Endocrine (24% of exam)
Key Topics:
- •DIC, blood product transfusion, coagulopathy
- •GI bleeding, acute liver failure, pancreatitis
- •AKI, CRRT, fluid and electrolyte management
- •DKA, HHS, thyroid emergencies, adrenal crisis
Week 7: Professional Caring & Ethical Practice (20% of exam)
Key Topics:
- •Synergy Model (AACN’s patient care framework)
- •Ethical decision-making and moral distress
- •Patient advocacy and informed consent
- •Palliative care and end-of-life support
- •Evidence-based practice and research utilization
Week 8: Practice Exams and Final Review
- •Days 1-2: Full-length 150-question practice exam (3 hours)
- •Days 3-4: Review weak domains with targeted questions
- •Days 5-6: Second practice exam
- •Day 7: Rest and light review
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CCRN-K exam?
The CCRN-K exam has 150 multiple-choice questions: 125 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours to complete it.
How long should I study for the CCRN-K?
Most candidates benefit from 6-8 weeks of study. If you’ve been away from bedside for a while, allow 10-12 weeks to refresh clinical knowledge.
What is the pass rate for the CCRN-K?
AACN publishes combined CCRN/CCRN-K pass rates. Recent data shows first-time pass rates around 75-80% for adult CCRN candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCRN-K exam?
The CCRN-K is a standardized exam. For a comprehensive study guide with practice questions and full-length exams, see our CCRN-K Study Guide.
How should I prepare for the CCRN-K?
Start with a structured study plan, use official exam blueprints, and practice with realistic exam questions. Our CCRN-K Study Guide covers the complete exam content with detailed rationales.
Where can I find CCRN-K practice questions?
Our CCRN-K Study Guide includes full-length practice exams with detailed answer rationales covering every content area on the actual exam.
Related Resources
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our CCRN-K Study Guide covers every content area with practice questions and detailed answer rationales.