The CCRN exam: format, passing score, pass rate and scheduling
The CCRN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions and you get 3 hours; 125 questions are scored. To pass the Adult exam you need 83 of those 125 correct. AACN offers the exam year-round at PSI testing centers and by Live Remote Proctoring, so there are no fixed exam dates, and 72.02% of first-time Adult candidates passed in 2025.
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How long is the CCRN exam and how many questions?
How long is the CCRN exam? Three hours. How many questions on CCRN? 150 multiple-choice items, of which AACN scores 125. The other 25 are unscored items that AACN uses to gather statistics for future exams. They look like every other question, so answer all 150 with the same care.
Three hours for 150 questions leaves a little over a minute per question, which is enough for most single-step items but tight for long patient scenarios. Practise under that pace before test day.
Source: AACN — CCRN Exam Handbook, Direct Care (July 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN passing score
The CCRN passing score is a raw number of correct scored answers. Since 12 November 2025 it is 83 of 125 for the Adult exam, 83 of 125 for Pediatric and 84 of 125 for Neonatal. That answers how many questions to pass CCRN: 83 correct on the Adult version, counted only on scored items.
AACN sets the passing score for CCRN with a standard-setting process known as the modified Angoff. AACN states that the passing score is not a percentage and can change when an exam is updated, so treat any percentage you see quoted as unofficial.
Source: AACN — Certification Exam Statistics and Cut Scores. Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN pass rate
AACN publishes first-time pass rates each year. The CCRN test passing score and the pass rate are different things: the first is the bar you must clear, the second is the share of first-time candidates who cleared it.
- CCRN (Adult): 72.02% in 2025 (17,151 tested), 72.74% in 2024 (19,483), 81.20% in 2023 (17,279)
- CCRN (Pediatric): 68.72% in 2025
- CCRN (Neonatal): 60.29% in 2025
Source: AACN — Certification Exam Statistics and Cut Scores. Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN exam registration
To register for CCRN exam testing, apply online through AACN’s Get Certified pages; online applications are processed the same day, paper applications take 2 to 4 weeks. Your CCRN exam registration is confirmed by an email from AACN that contains the link to book your appointment.
AACN recommends applying only when you are ready to test. Your eligibility window is normally 90 days and currently 180 days; if you cannot test in time, AACN can extend it for $100 if you ask before it expires.
Source: AACN — CCRN Exam Handbook, Direct Care (July 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN exam dates and how to schedule
There are no fixed CCRN exam dates. AACN offers computer-based testing year-round, Monday through Saturday, at more than 300 testing centers in the U.S., and by Live Remote Proctoring. You choose the date yourself inside your window.
To schedule CCRN exam appointments, pick your testing option first (test center or remote), then the date; book at least 24 hours ahead. You can reschedule or cancel up to 48 hours before the appointment. Missed appointments are not refunded or extended.
Source: AACN — Scheduling Your Exam. Checked 18 October 2026.
Your CCRN score report and retakes
On a computer-based exam you see your result on screen at the end, and a detailed CCRN score report is emailed within 24 hours. If you need another attempt, use it together with the test plan to decide what to review.
If you do not pass the CCRN the first time, you can take the same exam up to four times in a rolling 12-month period, at the discounted retest fee of $185 for members or $290 for nonmembers until you pass.
Source: AACN — CCRN Exam Handbook, Direct Care (July 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN exam: questions people ask
CCRN: how many questions are on the exam?
150 multiple-choice questions, 125 scored and 25 unscored. Source: AACN CCRN Exam Handbook, checked 18 October 2026.
What is the passing score for CCRN?
83 correct out of 125 scored items for the Adult and Pediatric exams, 84 for Neonatal, effective 12 November 2025. Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
What is the CCRN pass rate?
72.02% of first-time CCRN (Adult) candidates passed in 2025. Source: AACN Exam Statistics, checked 18 October 2026.
Are there fixed CCRN test dates?
No. The exam is offered year-round, Monday through Saturday, at PSI testing centers and by Live Remote Proctoring. Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
Is my CCRN score shown as a percentage?
No. AACN reports pass or fail against a raw cut score; it states the passing score is not a percentage. Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
How soon can I retake the CCRN exam?
AACN allows up to four attempts in a rolling 12-month period, at the retest fee. Source: AACN CCRN Exam Handbook, checked 18 October 2026.
