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Key Facts: CAPA Exam
65-75%
Pass Rate
ABPANC 2024
185
Total Questions
140 scored
3 hrs
Exam Time
ABPANC
30%
Monitoring Domain
Largest section
$360
Exam Fee
ABPANC 2026
3 years
Certification Valid
Recertification cycle
The CAPA exam has a 65-75% pass rate for experienced nurses. It contains 185 questions (140 scored) over 3 hours with scaled scoring (200-800, 450 passing). Ambulatory perianesthesia nursing offers excellent career prospects with strong demand in outpatient surgery centers and same-day surgery units. CAPA certification demonstrates expertise in preoperative assessment and ambulatory recovery care, enhancing career opportunities in outpatient settings.
About the CAPA Exam
The CAPA certification validates competency in ambulatory perianesthesia nursing care. The exam covers five domains: Anesthesia (20%), Physiology (16%), Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention (30%), Perianesthesia Care Considerations (25%), and Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines (9%). The exam consists of 185 questions (140 scored) administered over 3 hours.
Questions
185 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
450/800 (scaled)
Exam Fee
$360 (ABPANC (American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification))
CAPA Exam Content Outline
Anesthesia
General anesthesia, regional anesthesia, moderate sedation techniques, anesthesia pharmacology, anesthetic agents, special populations, and preoperative anesthesia considerations for ambulatory patients
Physiology
Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, endocrine systems, fluid and electrolyte balance, thermoregulation, pain mechanisms, and pathophysiology affecting ambulatory perianesthesia care
Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention
Vital signs and hemodynamic monitoring, oxygenation and ventilation management, fluid and electrolyte management, infection prevention, airway management, positioning, and emergency interventions in ambulatory settings
Perianesthesia Care Considerations
Individualized patient care across the lifespan, patient and family education, discharge planning, same-day surgery preparation, Phase II recovery, and care coordination for ambulatory patients
Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines
Regulatory requirements, legal and ethical standards, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety initiatives, and professional standards of ambulatory perianesthesia nursing practice
How to Pass the CAPA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 450/800 (scaled)
- Exam length: 185 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $360
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CAPA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAPA exam pass rate?
The CAPA pass rate typically ranges from 65-75% depending on preparation, experience level, and clinical background. Nurses with substantial ambulatory surgery experience generally have higher pass rates. The exam uses scaled scoring from 200-800, with 450 required to pass.
How many questions are on the CAPA exam?
The CAPA exam contains 185 multiple-choice questions total, with 140 scored questions and 45 unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours to complete the exam. The exam is administered via computer-based testing at PSI testing centers.
What are the CAPA eligibility requirements?
To sit for the CAPA exam, you must have: (1) Current unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or Canada, (2) Minimum 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience in ambulatory perianesthesia nursing within the past 2 years, or (3) Minimum 1,800 hours within the past 3 years. Experience must include both preoperative and Phase II/III recovery care in ambulatory settings.
What content areas are covered on the CAPA exam?
The CAPA exam covers five domains: Anesthesia (20%), Physiology (16%), Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention (30%), Perianesthesia Care Considerations (25%), and Professional Nursing Practice (9%). The Care Considerations domain is larger than on CPAN, reflecting the importance of discharge planning and patient education in ambulatory settings.
How long is CAPA certification valid?
CAPA certification is valid for 3 years. Recertification can be achieved through continuing education (contact hours) or by retaking the exam. ABPANC requires a minimum of 90 contact hours of perianesthesia-related continuing education over the 3-year certification cycle.
What is the difference between CAPA and CPAN?
CAPA (Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse) focuses on preoperative assessment and Phase II/III ambulatory recovery care. CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse) focuses on Phase I PACU care and immediate post-anesthesia recovery. Many nurses hold both certifications. The exams have similar formats but different content weightings reflecting their practice settings.
How should I prepare for the CAPA exam?
Study systematically across all five domains. Focus on the largest domains: Monitoring and Intervention (30%) and Care Considerations (25%). Use ABPANC study resources, CAPA review courses, and practice questions. Review preoperative assessment criteria, discharge planning, anesthesia pharmacology, and ambulatory-specific protocols. Plan for 2-3 months of dedicated study time.