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Free PCCN (Adult) Exam Prep

AACN Adult Progressive Care Certified Nurse

Pass your PCCN (Adult) exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

PCCN AACN Nursing Certifications License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try

1

Master Cardiovascular ConceptsYou are here

Focus on hemodynamic monitoring, ACS protocols, HF management, and rhythm interpretation.

16
hours
2

Respiratory and Ventilator Management

Study mechanical ventilation modes, weaning protocols, ABG interpretation, and airway emergencies.

10
hours
3

Multisystem and Endocrine/Renal

Cover sepsis bundles, shock management, DKA/HHS, electrolyte disorders, and AKI.

20
hours
4

Practice Exams and Review

Take timed practice exams, review weak areas, and drill clinical judgment scenarios.

14
hours
Estimated total study time
60 hours
That's about 6 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the PCCN (Adult) Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
Education
Current unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license
Experience
Direct care of acutely ill adult patients under one of AACN's two published hour options
Additional Requirements
  • Option 1: 1,750 hours in the previous 2 years, including 875 hours in the most recent year
  • Option 2: 2,000 hours in the previous 5 years, including 144 hours in the most recent year

PCCN (Adult) Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

OpenExamPrep planning suggestion: about 6 weeks, adjusted to baseline performance and work schedule

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

PSI testing centers / online proctored

Remote Testing Available
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

AACN permits the same certification exam up to four times in a rolling 12-month period. Current PCCN materials do not publish a fixed number of days between ordinary attempts.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$260 (AACN member) / $375 (non-member)
Total Estimated Cost$260-375 (exam only; AACN membership additional if desired)
Why Choose Us

Free PCCN (Adult) Prep That Actually Works

The official pass rate is 70.10% first-time in AACN's 2025 statistics. Our students do better.

243+ Practice Questions

More free questions than most paid courses

AI Tutor Explains Mistakes

Understand why answers are wrong, not just which ones

Updated for 2026

Content reflects latest exam changes

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What You'll Study

8 chapters covering everything you need to pass

PCCN (Adult) Exam Details

AACN Adult Progressive Care Certified Nurse

Administered by AACN Certification Corporation

Official Source
82/125 scored items
Passing Score
150
Questions
3
Hours
$260 AACN members / $375 non-members
Exam Fee
Study time: OpenExamPrep planning estimate: about 60-75 focused hours; AACN does not prescribe a study duration
Prerequisites: Current unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license plus direct care of acutely ill adult patients: 1,750 hours in the previous 2 years with 875 in the most recent year, or 2,000 hours in the previous 5 years with 144 in the most recent year
Valid for: 3 years (renew with practice hours + CERPs or retest)

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official AACN Certification Corporation content outline

Cardiovascular20%

Hemodynamic monitoring, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, dysrhythmia management

Respiratory14%

Mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation, acute respiratory failure, airway management

Endocrine / Hematology / Immunology / Oncology / Neurology / GI / Renal27%

Metabolic derangements, hematologic and immune complications, neurologic changes, GI instability, and renal dysfunction

Musculoskeletal / Multisystem / Behavioral-Psychosocial20%

Mobility and injury risks, sepsis and multiorgan deterioration, and behavioral-psychosocial nursing judgment

Professional Caring / Ethical Practice20%

Advocacy, caring practices, diversity, facilitation of learning, collaboration, systems thinking, and clinical inquiry. AACN notes that its printed detailed weights total 101% because of rounding.

What's Included

8 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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What's Next After the PCCN (Adult)?

After passing the PCCN (Adult), you can pursue these career paths

PCCN (Adult) Exam FAQ

Official AACN Certification Corporation Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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