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.