Introduction

Once your CCRN application is approved, the next major step is scheduling your exam. Understanding how scheduling works — your 90-day window, available testing locations, online proctoring options, test center policies, and rescheduling rules — will help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays or fees.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including:

• How and when to schedule your CCRN exam
• Where you can take the exam (in-person or online)
• How to choose the best testing location
• How far in advance to schedule
• Rescheduling and cancellation fees
• How testing windows work
• What to expect when arriving at the testing center
• How to prepare strategically
• Tips for avoiding scheduling issues

By the end, you’ll understand the full scheduling process from approval to test day.

👉 Take a breath and move through this at your own pace. Dive into our Complete CCRN Study Guide — created to help you master every major domain of critical care nursing, from hemodynamics and advanced cardiac concepts to respiratory care, neuro, endocrine, renal, multisystem, and professional caring practices. Inside, you’ll find organized lessons, easy-to-understand explanations, test-style examples, and clear rationales that make even the toughest topics feel manageable. You’re putting in the work, you’re strengthening your clinical judgment, and every page you complete brings you closer to the CCRN nurse you’re becoming. Keep going. You’ve got this.

1. When Can You Schedule the CCRN Exam?

You can schedule your CCRN exam as soon as AACN approves your application.

Most candidates receive approval within:

✔ 5–15 business days

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• An email from AACN
• Instructions to schedule the exam
• Your 90-day authorization window

This 90-day window is extremely important — it determines when you must take the exam.

2. How Long Do You Have to Take the CCRN Exam?

You have 90 days to schedule and take your exam once AACN approves you.

During this 90-day window, you can:

• Schedule your exam
• Reschedule if needed
• Select any available testing date

If you miss the window, you must:

• Reapply
• Repay the exam fee
• Restart the process

So it’s crucial to plan your test date carefully.

3. How Do You Schedule the CCRN Exam? (Step-by-Step)

The CCRN exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a national testing company with centers across the United States and internationally.

Here’s the full scheduling process:

Step 1 — Receive your AACN approval email

This includes:

• Authorization to test
• Your 90-day window
• Scheduling instructions

Step 2 — Create or log into your Pearson VUE account

AACN provides a link to the correct portal.

Step 3 — Select “Schedule Exam”

Choose CCRN (Adult, Pediatric, or Neonatal).

Step 4 — Select your testing method

You can take the CCRN exam:

✔ In-Person at a Pearson VUE Testing Center

or

✔ Online via live remote proctoring (if available in your state)

Step 5 — Choose your test date and time

Pearson VUE displays:

• Available dates
• Morning and afternoon slots
• Closest testing locations

Step 6 — Confirm your appointment

You’ll receive:

• Email confirmation
• Appointment details
• Check-in instructions

Step 7 — Add reminder alerts

Put your exam date on:

• Your phone calendar
• Email calendar
• Planner

You’re officially scheduled.

4. Where Can You Take the CCRN Exam?

There are two ways to take the CCRN: in-person or online.

A. In-Person at a Pearson VUE Testing Center

This is the traditional and most common option.

Pearson VUE testing centers are located in:

• All major U.S. cities
• Many mid-sized cities
• Some rural areas
• Overseas locations for U.S. military & expat nurses

You can search for testing centers directly through Pearson VUE.

Advantages of In-Person Testing:

• Stable internet connection
• Professional testing environment
• On-site staff to resolve technical issues
• Noise-controlled room
• Predictable testing experience

This option is ideal for nurses who prefer structure.

B. Online Proctored CCRN Exam (If Available)

AACN offers remote testing for certain states.

Requirements include:

• Quiet testing space
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Stable high-speed internet
• Government-issued ID
• Room scanned for security

You will be monitored the entire time by a live proctor.

Advantages of Online Proctoring:

• No travel
• More time slots
• Flexible environment
• Test from home

Disadvantages:

• Technology issues can delay or halt the exam
• Stricter movement rules
• No bathroom breaks without stopping the timer

Many nurses still choose in-person testing for reliability.

5. How Early Should You Schedule the CCRN Exam?

Even though you have a 90-day window, you should schedule as early as possible because:

• Morning slots fill quickly
• Weekends are limited
• Popular locations fill up
• Holiday periods are crowded

✔ The best time to schedule is within the first 1–2 weeks of your approval window.

This allows you to choose a date aligned with your study plan.

6. Choosing the Best Test Date (Strategy & Planning)

Picking the right date is crucial for maximizing performance.

Here’s how to choose strategically:

✔ Give yourself enough time to study

Most nurses need:

• 4–8 weeks if studying consistently
• 8–12 weeks with a busy work schedule

✔ Avoid scheduling during high-stress weeks

Don’t pick a date near:

• Night shifts
• Major holidays
• Travel plans
• Family events
• Unit audits
• Required trainings

✔ Prefer morning sessions

Research shows higher exam performance early in the day due to:

• Better mental clarity
• Lower fatigue
• Fewer distractions

✔ Avoid back-to-back work shifts

The #1 scheduling mistake ICU nurses make is testing after a shift.

Testing after a 12-hour shift reduces:

• Memory
• Focus
• Reaction time
• Problem-solving

7. How to Reschedule the CCRN Exam

Pearson VUE allows you to reschedule as long as you follow the timeline.

Reschedule for FREE if you do it:

✔ At least 48 hours before your appointment

Fees apply if you:

❌ Reschedule late
❌ Cancel late
❌ Miss your exam

Always reschedule early to avoid charges.

8. What If No Testing Dates Are Available?

If your location has limited availability:

✔ Try nearby cities

Within 30–90 minutes of driving.

✔ Check availability on weekdays

Weekends fill their schedules fastest.

✔ Try online proctoring

Often has more openings.

✔ Contact Pearson VUE

Occasionally they release additional slots.

9. What Happens on Test Day at a Pearson VUE Center?

Here’s what to expect:

✔ Arrive 15–30 minutes early

Late arrivals may be turned away.

✔ Bring only your government-issued ID

Everything else goes in a locker:

• Phone
• Bag
• Watch
• Keys
• Water
• Food
• Papers
• Pens

✔ Security check

Includes:

• Photo capture
• Palm vein scan
• Metal detection (varies)

✔ Tour of the testing room

The test environment includes:

• Quiet cubicles
• Computer workstation
• Noise-canceling headphones
• On-screen tool

✔ Break policies

You may take breaks, but:

• The timer does not stop
• You must recheck into the testing room
• You may not access your belongings

10. Tips for Stress-Free CCRN Scheduling & Testing

✔ Schedule early

Avoid last-minute problems.

✔ Choose a morning exam

Clearer thinking, better performance.

✔ Pick a location without heavy traffic

Arrive stress-free and on time.

✔ Do a test-run drive

Especially if the center is unfamiliar.

✔ Avoid back-to-back shifts

Mental fatigue lowers scores.

✔ Use the final week for targeted review

Cardiac, pulmonary, multisystem domains.

✔ Take full-length timed practice exams

👉 Take a breath and move through this at your own pace. Dive into our Complete CCRN Study Guide — created to help you master every major domain of critical care nursing, from hemodynamics and advanced cardiac concepts to respiratory care, neuro, endocrine, renal, multisystem, and professional caring practices. Inside, you’ll find organized lessons, easy-to-understand explanations, test-style examples, and clear rationales that make even the toughest topics feel manageable. You’re putting in the work, you’re strengthening your clinical judgment, and every page you complete brings you closer to the CCRN nurse you’re becoming. Keep going. You’ve got this.

Final Thoughts

Scheduling your CCRN exam is a simple process once you understand the timeline, testing options, and best practices. With a 90-day window, multiple testing formats, and nationwide testing centers, you have flexibility — but strategic planning is what sets you up for success.

To recap:

• You schedule through Pearson VUE after AACN approval
• You have 90 days to take the exam
• You can test in-person or online
• Scheduling early gives you the best options
• Morning slots provide the strongest performance
• You must follow rescheduling rules to avoid fees
• Preparing strategically ensures a smooth test day

Your CCRN goal is fully achievable — and you're moving closer one step at a time.

You've got this.