If you need help studying for the CCRN Neonatal exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free CCRN Neonatal practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CCRN Neonatal exam, you’ll need to have a current RN or APRN license and a certification in clinical nursing.
You’ll also have to meet ONE of the two clinical practice hour requirements below:
- Two Years: You need at least 1,750 RN/APRN hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients within the last two years.
- Five Years: You need at least 2,000 RN/APRN hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients within the last five years.
If you meet the requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 150 multiple-choice questions total, but only 125 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 25 unscored questions on the CCRN Neonatal exam are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are unscored. Every question will appear like a scored question throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the two sections of the exam.
1. Clinical Judgment
80% of the exam
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Endocrine, Hematology, Gastrointestinal, Renal, and Integumentary
- Musculoskeletal, Neurological, and Psychosocial
- Multisystem
2. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice
20% of the exam
- Advocacy and Moral Agency
- Patient Care Practices
- Response to Diversity
- Facilitation of Learning
- Collaboration
- Systems Thinking
- Clinical Inquiry
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam!
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application via the AACN’s website. If you’re applying with a group, planning to take the paper-and-pencil version of the exam, or testing outside of the US, you’ll need to mail the following items to AACN:
AACN Certification Corporation
Attn: CCRN Certification
27071 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
- Completed application for the CCRN exam
- Completed honor statement
- Application fee
The application fee is $370, but if you’re an AACN member, you will only have to pay $255.
Neonatal CCRN Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a the Angoff method. Here’s how it works:
The Angoff method involves a group of subject-matter experts taking an educated guess at the percentage of candidates who would correctly answer each question on the test. These estimates are then averaged to set a cut-off score, which test-takers must meet or exceed to pass.
This method aims to ensure the pass threshold reflects the level of knowledge or skill that is deemed minimally acceptable for a particular profession or field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test up to four times per year.
In other good news, AACN offers a 30% discount for retakes!
FAQs
How many questions are on the CCRN Neonatal exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the CCRN Neonatal exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the CCRN Neonatal exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 83 to pass.
How much does the CCRN Neonatal exam cost?
The testing fee is $370.