Introduction

If you're preparing to take the CCRN exam, one of the first things you need to understand is cost and registration. Knowing the fees, available discounts, payment options, application steps, and required documentation will help you plan ahead and avoid delays in your certification journey.

The CCRN is a major professional milestone for critical care nurses, and the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. This guide walks you through:

• CCRN exam pricing for AACN members & nonmembers
• Additional fees you may encounter
• Eligibility requirements
• Step-by-step registration instructions
• How long approval takes
• How to schedule your testing date
• What to do if your application is denied
• Strategies to make the exam more affordable

By the end, you'll know exactly how to register for the CCRN exam with confidence.

👉 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. How Much Does the CCRN Exam Cost?

AACN sets the exam pricing depending on membership status.

Here are the current fees:

✔ AACN Members: $250

✔ Nonmembers: $365

Becoming an AACN member before applying can save you $115, which is more than the cost of membership itself.

That’s why many nurses join AACN first, then apply for the CCRN exam.

2. Additional Fees You Should Know About

While the main exam fee is the biggest cost, there are a few other potential charges to be aware of.

A. Retest Fee

If you do not pass and decide to retake the exam:

✔ Member retest: $170

✔ Nonmember retest: $275

B. Renewal Fee (every 3 years)

Renewal by continuing education:

• $150 for AACN members
• $230 for nonmembers

Renewal by exam costs the same as taking the initial CCRN exam.

C. Application Review Fee (rare)

If there is a problem verifying your clinical hours, AACN may ask for additional documentation, which can lead to processing delays — but not usually additional cost.

D. Cancellation or Rescheduling Fees

Pearson VUE may charge fees if you:

• Cancel late
• Reschedule past the allowed window
• Miss your exam appointment

To avoid charges, always reschedule at least 48 hours in advance.

3. CCRN Eligibility Requirements (Before You Register)

AACN requires specific hours of direct care experience.

You can qualify through two pathways:

Pathway 1 — 1,750 Hours (Last 2 Years)

• 1,750 hours of direct patient care
• 875 hours must be in the most recent 12 months
• All hours must be caring for critically ill patients

Pathway 2 — 2,000 Hours (Last 5 Years)

• At least 144 hours in the most recent year
• Ideal for travel nurses or nurses with mixed ICU experience

Eligible Areas Include:

• ICU (all types)
• CCU
• CVICU
• MICU / SICU
• Trauma ICU
• Neuro ICU
• Burn ICU
• Flight nursing
• ED (if caring for critically ill patients)
• PACU (high acuity only)

Your hours must be verified by a supervisor or clinical nurse specialist.

4. Step-by-Step CCRN Registration Process

Registering for the CCRN exam is simple when you follow these steps:

Step 1 — Create an AACN Account

Visit the AACN website and create an account with:

• Your name (must match your ID)
• Email
• Contact information
• Nursing license details

Step 2 — Choose Your CCRN Exam Version

You must select one of the following:

• Adult CCRN
• Pediatric CCRN
• Neonatal CCRN

You cannot change the exam version after scheduling, so select carefully.

Step 3 — Verify Eligibility

Provide:

• Employer information
• Supervisor contact
• Unit type
• Number of hours spent providing direct care

Your supervisor must confirm your clinical hours. AACN may audit your application randomly.

Step 4 — Submit Payment

Choose:

• AACN member rate
• Nonmember rate

Pay via:

• Credit card
• Debit card

AACN does not accept payment plans, but you may use prepaid cards or FSA cards if approved.

Step 5 — Receive Eligibility Approval (Usually 5–15 Days)

AACN will review your application.

Approval times vary depending on:

• Application volume
• Supervisor response time
• Holiday periods

Most candidates receive approval within one week.

Step 6 — Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE

After approval, AACN sends an email with instructions to schedule your exam.

You will choose:

• Testing center location
• Date
• Time

You may also take the exam via online proctoring if available in your state.

Step 7 — Prepare for Exam Day

Bring:

• Valid government ID
• Pearson VUE confirmation email (optional)

You will store everything else in a locker during testing.

5. How Long Do You Have to Take the Exam After Approval?

You have a 90-day testing window once AACN approves your application.

Within those 90 days, you must:

• Schedule your exam
• Take the exam
• Or request a one-time extension (fee applies)

If you miss the window without rescheduling, you must reapply and repay the exam fee.

6. Tips to Make CCRN Registration Smoother

✔ Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID

Name mismatches are the #1 cause of check-in problems.

✔ Notify your supervisor ahead of time

So they can confirm your hours promptly.

✔ Join AACN before applying

The membership discount pays for itself instantly.

✔ Have your ICU start date ready

AACN asks for month and year.

✔ Check eligibility before paying

Make sure your hours meet one of the pathways.

7. How to Make the CCRN Exam More Affordable

Here are proven ways to reduce CCRN expenses:

✔ Join AACN before applying

Saves $115 instantly.

✔ Use employer reimbursement programs

Many hospitals pay for:

• CCRN exam fees
• Study materials
• Renewal fees
• Continuing education

✔ Use a nurse education stipend

Some hospitals offer annual professional development funds.

✔ Save money using bundled study materials

Buying a single all-in-one study resource is cheaper than multiple materials.

(Internal link cue: “The CCRN Study Guide combines content + practice questions to prevent overspending on multiple resources.”)

8. What If Your CCRN Application Is Denied?

AACN may deny an application if:

• Hours are insufficient
• Hours cannot be verified
• Supervisor does not confirm responsibilities
• Experience does not involve critically ill patients

If this happens:

✔ You may provide additional documentation

or

✔ Ask a clinical educator or manager to verify hours

or

✔ Gain additional ICU experience and reapply later

AACN is transparent and will explain the reason for denial.

9. What Happens After You Register?

Once you’re registered:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• The 90-day testing window begins
• You can schedule your exam immediately
• You can reschedule if needed (within guidelines)

Use the early part of your testing window to:

• Identify weak areas
• Take full-length practice exams
• Focus heavily on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and multisystem topics

👉 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.

10. Final Thoughts

Understanding CCRN exam costs and registration steps helps ensure that you start your certification journey with clarity and confidence. You now know:

• How much the CCRN exam costs
• How AACN membership can save money
• What additional fees you may encounter
• How to verify your eligibility
• The exact registration process
• How to schedule your exam
• How long your testing window lasts
• How to avoid delays or errors

You’re well-informed, prepared, and ready to take the next step in advancing your critical care career.

You've got this — one step at a time.