CCRN requirements: eligibility, hours and renewal
The CCRN requirements are a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license and verifiable direct-care hours with acutely or critically ill patients: 1,750 hours in two years (875 in the last year) or 2,000 hours in five years (144 in the last year). To keep the credential you need 432 practice hours and 100 CERPs every 3 years, or a passed exam.
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CCRN certification requirements at a glance
AACN sets the same core CCRN certification requirements for the Adult and Pediatric direct-care exams: a license, clinical hours with the matching patient population, and a colleague who can verify those hours. The CCRN exam requirements do not include a separate course, degree level or minimum number of years in practice on the pages checked.
- License: current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license
- Hours: 1,750 in the previous two years (875 in the most recent year), or 2,000 in the previous five years (144 in the most recent year)
- Focus: the majority of hours must be with critically ill patients
- Setting: a U.S.- or Canada-based facility, or one AACN considers comparable to U.S. acute/critical care practice
- Verification: a clinical supervisor or professional colleague (RN or physician)
Source: AACN — CCRN (Adult), Direct Care Eligibility Pathway. Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN hours requirement in detail
The CCRN hours requirement is about direct care: you must have spent the hours caring for acutely or critically ill patients as an RN or APRN. The two-year option suits nurses working full time in an ICU now; the five-year option helps nurses who have reduced their hours, as long as 144 of the 2,000 hours fall in the year before you apply.
For the Pediatric exam the same 1,750 and 2,000 hour options apply, but the hours must be in direct care of acutely or critically ill pediatric patients. Neonatal hours are set on AACN’s CCRN (Neonatal) page.
Source: AACN — CCRN (Pediatric). Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN requirements for nurses not at the bedside
The CCRN requirements for nurses in educator, manager or director roles are different. AACN’s Knowledge Professional pathway (CCRN-K) is for nurses who influence the care delivered to acutely or critically ill adult patients, and it asks for 1,040 practice hours in the previous two years, 260 of them in the most recent year.
Source: AACN — CCRN (Adult), Knowledge Professional Pathway. Checked 18 October 2026.
How to get CCRN certification step by step
If you are wondering how to get your CCRN certification once you meet the requirements, the process is short. AACN recommends applying only when you are ready to test, because your testing window opens with approval.
- Check your license and hours against the option you will use, and name a colleague who can verify them.
- Apply online at AACN (same-day processing) or on paper (allow 2 to 4 weeks).
- Use the link in AACN’s confirmation email to book a PSI testing center or Live Remote Proctoring.
- Sit the exam within your eligibility window, normally 90 days and currently 180 days.
Source: AACN — CCRN Exam Handbook, Direct Care (July 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.
How to get CCRN score report and certificate
You do not request the score report separately. On a computer-based exam, AACN shows your result on screen and you receive a score report immediately; the handbook adds that a detailed score report is emailed within 24 hours. On a paper exam, the score report arrives by mail six to eight weeks after testing. CCRN certification is then granted for 3 years.
Source: AACN — CCRN Exam Handbook, Direct Care (July 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN renewal requirements
The CCRN renewal requirements combine practice and learning. Within your three-year period you need 432 hours in direct care of acutely or critically ill patients, 144 of them in the 12 months before your renewal date, and your license must remain unencumbered.
The CCRN continuing education requirements for renewal by Synergy CERPs are 100 CERPs, with at least 60 in Category A and 10 each in Categories B and C; the other 20 are your choice. Alternatively, you renew by passing the CCRN exam before your renewal date, applying at least 30 days before it.
Source: AACN — CCRN (Adult) Renewal. Checked 18 October 2026.
CCRN requirements: questions people ask
What are the requirements for CCRN certification?
A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license and 1,750 direct-care hours in two years (875 in the last year) or 2,000 hours in five years (144 in the last year). Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
What are the CCRN test requirements on exam day?
You need an approved application and a booked appointment at a PSI testing center or by Live Remote Proctoring within your eligibility window. Source: AACN CCRN Exam Handbook, checked 18 October 2026.
How do I become CCRN certified?
Meet the license and hour requirements, apply online, book through the link in AACN’s confirmation email and pass the exam. If you are asking how to become CCRN certified without bedside hours, look at the CCRN-K pathway.
What are the CCRN certification qualifications for pediatric nurses?
The same license and 1,750 or 2,000 hour options, with hours in direct care of acutely or critically ill pediatric patients. Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
Do CCRN hours have to be in an ICU?
AACN asks for hours in direct care of acutely or critically ill patients, with the majority focused on critically ill patients. Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
What are the CCRN CEU requirements for renewal?
100 CERPs every 3 years (at least 60 Category A, 10 Category B, 10 Category C) plus 432 practice hours. Source: AACN, checked 18 October 2026.
