CCRN Practice Test 2026 — Free CCRN Exam Prep Questions
The Adult CCRN is the specialty credential for registered nurses who care for acutely and critically ill adults in ICUs, cardiac care units, trauma units and similar settings. Our practice set follows the AACN Adult CCRN test plan that took effect November 12, 2025, with ICU-level vignettes on hemodynamics, vasoactive titration, mechanical ventilation, CRRT, neuro monitoring and the Synergy-based Professional Caring and Ethical Practice domain.
A patient who is a Jehovah's Witness is admitted with an upper GI bleed. After endoscopic treatment, the hemoglobin is 6.4 g/dL. The patient is alert, has decision-making capacity, and declines a red blood cell transfusion. The patient's adult child, who is not a Witness, asks the team to transfuse anyway. What is the nurse's BEST action?
CCRN format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based through PSI at a testing center or by Live Remote Proctoring. Fixed form (not adaptive): you can move back and forth, bookmark items and change answers. No calculator is provided.
| Exam | 150 multiple-choice items (125 scored + 25 unscored pretest) in 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Current version | Adult CCRN test plan for exams taken on and after November 12, 2025 |
| Content split | 80% Clinical Judgment, 20% Professional Caring and Ethical Practice (AACN Synergy Model) |
| Passing score | 83 of 125 scored items |
| Item format | 4 options (A–D), one best answer; no guessing penalty |
| Calculator | None provided; calculators are not allowed |
| Fee | $260 AACN members / $375 nonmembers |
| Retakes | Up to 4 attempts in a rolling 12 months; retest $185 / $290 |
| Certification | Valid 3 years |
| Drug names | AACN is moving to generic drug names only |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-adult. Always confirm details with AACN before your exam.
When can you take the CCRN?
Offered throughout the year at PSI testing centers and by live remote proctoring. After your application is approved you schedule within your eligibility window (normally 90 days, currently 180 days).
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the CCRN covers
Every PrepBanq CCRN test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
CardiovascularACS, dysrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, cardiac surgery, tamponade, aortic disorders, hypertensive crisis, vascular interventions. | 13% | ~16 | 20 questions → |
RespiratoryARDS, acute respiratory failure, PE, pneumonia, COPD and asthma, ventilator complications, pleural space problems, thoracic trauma and surgery. | 12% | ~15 | 18 questions → |
Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, IntegumentaryDKA, HHS, DI, SIADH, coagulopathies, transfusion reactions, GI bleeding, pancreatitis, hepatic failure, AKI and CKD, pressure injury and wounds. | 21% | ~26 | 31 questions → |
Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/PsychosocialStroke, TBI, spinal cord injury, seizures, brain death, compartment syndrome, delirium, agitation, substance use and suicidal behavior. | 18% | ~23 | 27 questions → |
MultisystemSepsis, shock states, MODS, acid-base and electrolytes, burns, toxic exposures, thermoregulation, palliative and end-of-life care. | 16% | ~20 | 24 questions → |
Professional Caring & Ethical PracticeSynergy Model nurse characteristics: advocacy/moral agency, caring practices, clinical inquiry, collaboration, facilitation of learning, response to diversity, systems thinking. | 20% | ~25 | 30 questions → |
How to register for the CCRN
Eligibility
A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, plus either 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients in the previous 2 years (875 in the most recent year) or at least 2,000 hours in the previous 5 years (144 in the most recent year). Most hours must focus on critically ill patients.
Retake policy
You can take the same exam up to 4 times in a rolling 12-month period, at the discounted retest fee.
Score release
Pass/fail appears on screen when you finish, and a detailed score report showing the number correct in each content area is emailed within 24–48 hours.
Credential renewal
Certification lasts 3 years. Renew with 432 practice hours (144 in the last 12 months) plus either 100 Synergy CERPs or by retaking the exam.
Your path to passing the CCRN
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CCRN FAQ
How many questions are on the CCRN?
The CCRN has 150 questions (125 of them scored) and you have 3 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice only: every item has a clinical stem and 4 options (A–D) with one best answer. Most items are written at the application and analysis levels..
How long is the CCRN exam?
Testing time for the CCRN is 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the CCRN?
CCRN passing standard: 83 of the 125 scored items (raw cut score, effective November 12, 2025). Score range: 0–125 scored items.
How much does the CCRN cost?
The CCRN registration fee is $260 for AACN members, $375 for nonmembers. Retest $185 / $290. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the CCRN?
The CCRN covers Cardiovascular (about 13%), Respiratory (about 12%), Endocrine, Hematology/Immunology, GI, Renal/GU, Integumentary (about 21%), Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Behavioral/Psychosocial (about 18%), Multisystem (about 16%), Professional Caring & Ethical Practice (about 20%).
Who administers the CCRN?
The CCRN (Adult) Critical Care Nursing Certification Exam is administered by AACN. Delivery: Computer-based through PSI at a testing center or by Live Remote Proctoring. Fixed form (not adaptive): you can move back and forth, bookmark items and change answers. No calculator is provided.
Can you retake the CCRN?
You can take the same exam up to 4 times in a rolling 12-month period, at the discounted retest fee.
Is there a free CCRN practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free CCRN practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real CCRN formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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