200+ Free ACHPN Practice Questions
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Key Facts: ACHPN Exam
175
Total Items
HPCC ACHPN Handbook
150 + 25
Scored + Unscored
HPCC ACHPN Exam
3.5h
Exam Time
HPCC ACHPN Handbook
75/99
Passing Score
HPCC scaled scoring
65.4%
First-Time Pass Rate
HPCC statistics
$355/$515
Member / Nonmember Fee
HPNA/HPCC 2026
4 years
Certification Valid
HPCC renewal policy
The ACHPN exam has a 65.4% national first-time pass rate. The exam contains 175 items (150 scored + 25 unscored pilot questions) administered over 3.5 hours. Content covers advanced assessment, complex symptom management, communication at end of life, and professional issues. Eligibility requires current APRN licensure, graduate degree with advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology courses, plus 500 supervised clinical hours.
About the ACHPN Exam
The ACHPN certification is for advanced practice registered nurses (Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists) specializing in hospice and palliative care. The exam covers 4 domains: Assessment and Data Collection (44 items, 29%), Intervention and Management (32 items, 21%), Education and Communication (36 items, 24%), and Professionalism and Practice (38 items, 25%).
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
3.5 hours
Passing Score
Scaled 75 (0-99) or 500 (200-800)
Exam Fee
$515 ($355 HPNA members) (HPCC (Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center) / PSI)
ACHPN Exam Content Outline
Assessment and Data Collection
Medical history, physical examination, functional assessment, psychosocial/spiritual assessment, disease progression, prognostication, signs of imminent death, advance care planning, goals of care, and population-specific needs
Intervention and Management
Diagnostics and procedures, pharmacologic therapies, non-pharmacologic interventions, complementary/alternative therapies, palliative care emergencies, palliative sedation, and life support devices
Education and Communication
Teaching methods, communication theory and principles, communication strategies, cultural and spiritual competence, and the grief process
Professionalism and Practice
Biomedical ethics, professional boundaries, scope of practice, opioid stewardship, hospice criteria, standards and guidelines, self-care, clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and professional development
How to Pass the ACHPN Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled 75 (0-99) or 500 (200-800)
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: 3.5 hours
- Exam fee: $515 ($355 HPNA members)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ACHPN Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACHPN exam?
The ACHPN (Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse) is a certification for advanced practice registered nurses (NPs and CNSs) who specialize in hospice and palliative care. It is offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).
How many questions are on the ACHPN exam?
The ACHPN exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored items and 25 unscored pilot items. You have 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
What is the ACHPN passing score?
The ACHPN passing score is a scaled score of 75 on a scale of 0-99, which is equivalent to 500 on a scale of 200-800. This equates to approximately 111-112 correct answers out of 150 scored items.
What are the ACHPN eligibility requirements?
To sit for the ACHPN exam, you must have: 1) Current unrestricted APRN license/certification, 2) Graduate/postgraduate/doctoral degree from an accredited NP or CNS program, 3) Official transcript showing advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology courses plus at least 500 supervised clinical hours, 4) 500 practice hours in the past 12 months or 1,000 hours in the past 24 months functioning as an NP or CNS in hospice/palliative care.
What is the ACHPN pass rate?
HPCC reports approximately 65.4% first-time pass rate for the ACHPN exam. Pass rates may vary by candidate preparation and experience level.
How much does ACHPN certification cost?
The ACHPN exam fee is $515 for non-members or $355 for HPNA members. This is for initial certification. Renewal fees are separate.
How long is ACHPN certification valid?
ACHPN certification is valid for 4 years. Renewal can be achieved through continuing education (contact hours in hospice/palliative care) or by re-taking and passing the examination.
What is the difference between CHPN and ACHPN?
CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse) is for registered nurses (RNs) at the bedside. ACHPN (Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse) is for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) including Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists who have graduate education and broader scope of practice including prescribing and advanced assessment.