This 8-week study plan prepares progressive care nurses for the AACN PCCN certification exam. The plan covers all exam domains with emphasis on the clinical content that makes up 80% of the exam.

Exam Overview

• •Questions: 150 (125 scored + 25 pretest)
• •Time: 3 hours
• •Cost: $255 AACN member / $370 non-member
• •Domains: Cardiovascular (20%), Respiratory (14%), Neurology (11%), GI (6%), Renal (5%), Endocrine (5%), Hematology/Immunology (4%), Multisystem (8%), Musculoskeletal/Derm (2%), Professional Caring (25%)

Week 1-2: Cardiovascular (20% of exam)

Key Topics:

• •Telemetry interpretation and dysrhythmia management
• •Acute coronary syndromes and heart failure
• •Post-cardiac surgery management
• •Titrated drip management (amiodarone, dobutamine, milrinone)
• •Hemodynamic basics and cardiac output monitoring

Week 3-4: Respiratory and Neurology (25% of exam)

Key Topics:

• •Respiratory assessment and oxygen delivery devices
• •BiPAP/CPAP management and monitoring
• •Post-operative respiratory complications
• •Stroke recognition and NIHSS scoring
• •Seizure management and neuro monitoring
• •Altered mental status evaluation

Week 5-6: GI, Renal, Endocrine, Hematology (20% of exam)

Key Topics:

• •Post-surgical GI management
• •Acute kidney injury recognition and fluid management
• •Diabetes management in progressive care
• •Blood product administration and transfusion reactions
• •Electrolyte imbalance recognition

Week 7: Professional Caring & Ethical Practice (25% of exam)

Key Topics:

• •AACN Synergy Model
• •Patient advocacy and informed consent
• •Palliative care integration
• •Family-centered care
• •Evidence-based practice
• •Moral distress and ethical decision-making

Week 8: Practice Exams and Final Review

• •Days 1-2: Full 150-question practice exam
• •Days 3-4: Targeted review of weak domains
• •Days 5-6: Second practice exam
• •Day 7: Light review and rest

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the PCCN exam?

150 questions (125 scored + 25 pretest), 3 hours to complete.

How long should I study for the PCCN?

6-8 weeks for most candidates. Allow 10-12 weeks if you’re new to progressive care or haven’t taken a certification exam recently.

What is the PCCN passing score?

AACN uses a criterion-referenced standard set by subject matter experts. The specific passing score is not published but typically requires approximately 70% correct answers.