CCTN Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 25, 2026 against American Board for Transplant Certification
Free CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse Study Tools
Interactive CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Free Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse Trivia Questions and Answers — 7 questions with answer explanations
- CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
The CCTN has 175 questions, takes about 3 hours and costs $350[1][2] (American Board for Transplant Certification, verified Oct 25, 2026).
- The CCTN exam contains 175 items, and 150 of them count toward the candidate's score.[1]
- Candidates have three hours to complete the CCTN exam.[1]
- The CCTN exam fee is $350, plus a $150 application fee, and all fees are non-refundable.[2]
- CCTN certification is valid for three years.[3]
- The CCTN exam is delivered through PSI Exams, the testing agency contracted by ABTC, at test locations nationwide.[3]
- After the CCTN exam, candidates receive a printed score report from the Test Center Supervisor that shows pass or fail.[1]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CCTN Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 175 items (150 scored)[1] | American Board for Transplant Certification · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 3 hours[1] | American Board for Transplant Certification · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $350 exam fee + $150 application fee[2] | American Board for Transplant Certification · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Validity | 3 years[3] | American Board for Transplant Certification · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | PSI test centers, by appointment[3] | American Board for Transplant Certification · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Score release | Printed pass/fail score report at the test center[1] | American Board for Transplant Certification · Oct 25, 2026 |
What changed for CCTN in 2026
- Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to PSI test centers, by appointment (previously Computer-based at PSI test centers, year-round by appointment).[3]
- Oct 25, 2026: Exam fee changed to $350 exam fee + $150 application fee (previously $350 exam fee + $150 application fee (non-refundable)).[2]
- Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions changed to 175 items (150 scored) (previously 175 multiple-choice items (150 scored)).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Printed pass/fail score report at the test center (previously Printed pass/fail score report at the test center right after the exam).[1]
CCTN Review Course
The Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) exam is a challenging one. It requires a thorough knowledge of transplant nursing procedures and patient care. This review course provides essential information to help you pass the CCTN exam on your first attempt. It is available online or in a hardcover book. This review course includes a practice test and flashcards, which are designed to help you prepare for the CCTN exam. Practice with the free CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
This CCTN online review course covers the latest detailed content outline designated by ABTC for the certification exam. The course combines critical thinking and analytical skills with an understanding of the role of the CCTN in the healthcare team. It also discusses the importance of professional caring and ethical practice.
The CCTN Exam is a difficult one, even for the most experienced nurses. A standardized test is a stressful situation for anyone. It is not uncommon for someone to think they will breeze through an examination, tell their friends and make plans for the future, and then have an upsetting reality check when they find out they failed. Try our NCLEX practice test.
According to American Board for Transplant Certification, “examinations contains 175 items. Responses to 150 of these items will contribute to your score.”[1]
CCTN Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CCTN Infection Prevention and Management i...
CCTN Mock Exam on Infection Prevention and Management in Transplant Recipients. CCTN Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
CCTN Organ Procurement and Donor Evaluation
CCTN Test Prep for Organ Procurement and Donor Evaluation. Practice CCTN Quiz questions and boost your score.
CCTN Patient Education and Psychosocial Ca...
CCTN Questions and Answers on Patient Education and Psychosocial Care in Transplantation. Free CCTN practice for exam readiness.
CCTN Post-Transplant Immunosuppressive Med...
CCTN Mock Test covering Post-Transplant Immunosuppressive Medications. Online CCTN Test practice with instant feedback.
CCTN Transplant Complications and Clinical...
Free CCTN Quiz on Transplant Complications and Clinical Management. CCTN Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
Worked examples: how to reason through CCTN questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: What is the significance of Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA) percentage in transplant candidates?
- It measures kidney function
- It indicates the percentage of donor pool against which the patient has antibodies
- It determines blood type compatibility
- It measures liver enzyme levels
Answer: B. It indicates the percentage of donor pool against which the patient has antibodies
Explanation:
The correct answer is that PRA shows the percentage of the donor pool the patient has antibodies against. A candidate with a high PRA has been sensitized, often through earlier transplants, pregnancy or transfusion, so more potential donors are incompatible and the wait for a match can be longer.
Kidney function is measured with other tests, such as creatinine and estimated filtration rate, so that option is wrong. Blood type compatibility is a separate ABO matching step, so that option is wrong too. Liver enzyme levels come from a liver panel and have nothing to do with antibody sensitization.
Rule to remember: PRA describes sensitization to HLA antigens, and a higher value means a narrower set of acceptable donors.
Example 2
Question: What is the recommended prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in solid organ transplant recipients?
- Fluconazole
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
- Acyclovir
- Voriconazole
Answer: B. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
Explanation:
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the standard prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients. It is also active against Toxoplasma and some urinary pathogens, which adds value in patients on immunosuppression.
Fluconazole is an antifungal used against Candida and some other yeasts, and it does not reliably prevent Pneumocystis. Acyclovir targets herpes viruses, not this organism. Voriconazole is a mold-active antifungal, used mainly for Aspergillus, and it is not the usual agent for Pneumocystis prevention.
Rule to remember: match the drug to the organism. For PJP prevention in transplant recipients, think TMP-SMX, and think about the risk when it is stopped early or not tolerated.
Example 3
Question: A transplant recipient presents with fever, productive cough, and CT findings showing bilateral ground-glass opacities three months post-transplant. Which organism should be highest on the differential?
- Pneumocystis jirovecii
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Candida albicans
Answer: A. Pneumocystis jirovecii
Explanation:
Pneumocystis jirovecii belongs at the top of the differential. Fever, cough and bilateral ground-glass opacities on CT in a transplant recipient on immunosuppression, within the window when prophylaxis matters, are the classic pattern. The risk rises further if prophylaxis was stopped or not taken.
Streptococcus pneumoniae more often causes a focal lobar consolidation with a more abrupt onset. Mycobacterium tuberculosis tends to give cavitary or nodular disease with a slower course. Candida albicans rarely causes primary pneumonia and is more often a colonizer or a bloodstream pathogen.
Rule to remember: diffuse bilateral ground-glass change in an immunosuppressed patient points to Pneumocystis until shown otherwise.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official material. Read the current ABTC candidate handbook and any content outline ABTC publishes for the CCTN, and write down each topic area it lists. Use that list as your checklist rather than relying on our set names.
Next, take a general set such as CCTN Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse to find your weak spots. Do not chase a score. Mark every question you got wrong or guessed right, and read the explanation for each one.
Then work through the topic sets one at a time: immunology and rejection, immunosuppressive medications, complications and clinical management, infection prevention, donor evaluation and patient education and psychosocial care. After each set, go back to your clinical references for the items you missed and write a short note in your own words.
Close to test day, use the MCQ set to practise answering at an even pace across 175 items in 3 hours. Keep the lighter trivia sets for review when you have a few spare minutes.
Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse Salary
Transplant nurses are specialized registered nurse professionals who monitor and educate patients pre- and post-transplant. They also provide psycho-social support and administer prescribed medications. They must be able to recognize complications and respond to them appropriately. They must also be able to collaborate with the transplant/VAD team.
The CCTN exam is challenging, and thorough test preparation is necessary for success. Our CCTN Study Guide includes everything you need to help you pass the exam, including practice tests and detailed answer explanations. It even has a self-assessment exam (SAE), which conforms to the actual CCTN exam specifications by one-half.
A CCTN credential shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge to care for transplant patients. RNs can obtain a CCTN by working as a registered nurse for at least 24 months, 12 of which must be dedicated to organ transplant care. CCTN exams are administered by the American Board for Transplant Certification and can be taken in many locations. Special accommodations are available for students with disabilities, such as extended testing time and a separate testing room. Try our CNOR certification practice test.
CCTN Review Book
A full review of the subjects on the CCTN exam, with test-taking tips and strategies, real-world examples, and worked through practice questions. This easy-to-use guide also includes two complete practice tests to ensure you’re ready on test day.
Designed with the latest content outline, this book prepares students for success on the CEN exam. It features: A 25-question pretest to help pinpoint areas in need of intensive study Thorough subject reviews including Cardiovascular Emergencies, Pulmonary Emergencies, Professional Caring and Ethical Practice, and Multisystem Emergencies Easy-to-digest chapter outlines, with corresponding practice questions and answers and rationales Two full-length practice CEN exams, one printed in the book and the other accessed online for interactive questions and answer explanations
Master core clinical content with this essential review tool. Questions cover patient-centered care, physical examination and diagnostic testing, disorders of the major body systems, pharmacology, and health assessment. Questions that address key patient safety issues are marked with a QSEN icon and selected answer rationales address the Safety competency.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Chronic allograft nephropathy is characterized by which pathological finding on biopsy?
- A. Neutrophilic infiltration
- B. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
- C. Hyperacute vascular thrombosis
- D. Granulomatous inflammation
Answer: B. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
Chronic allograft nephropathy is characterized by interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, reflecting cumulative immune and non-immune injury over time.
A nurse works in a neighborhood recently hit by a hurricane. The nurse works to connect persons in need with housing and counseling. The nurse represents which degree of prevention.
- A. Tertiary level
- B. Primary level
- C. Primary and secondary levels
- D. Secondary level
Answer: A. Tertiary level
Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation, reducing the impact of an existing disease or injury, and preventing its progression. In this scenario, the hurricane has already occurred, and the nurse is providing housing and counseling, which are restorative and supportive services aimed at minimizing long-term effects and helping individuals recover, thus aligning with tertiary prevention.
A kidney transplant recipient expresses guilt about their donor's death. What is the most therapeutic nursing response?
- A. Tell the patient they should feel grateful, not guilty
- B. Acknowledge the patient's feelings, normalize them, and offer connection to counseling or donor family support programs
- C. Redirect the patient to focus on their recovery
- D. Explain to the patient that guilt is irrational
Answer: B. Acknowledge the patient's feelings, normalize them, and offer connection to counseling or donor family support programs
Survivor guilt is a recognized psychological response in transplant recipients; acknowledging feelings, normalizing them, and offering support resources is the therapeutic approach.
Which of the following is a contraindication to living kidney donation?
- A. Single episode of resolved UTI
- B. Controlled well-managed hypertension with no end-organ damage in a donor over 18
- C. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- D. BMI of 27
Answer: C. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a contraindication to living donation because it significantly increases the donor's risk of future kidney failure.
Take the full CCTN - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse practice test
CCTN Questions and Answers
Sources & last verified
- American Board for Transplant Certification — number of questions, time limit, score release (official source). “examinations contains 175 items. Responses to 150 of these items will contribute to your score.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
- American Board for Transplant Certification — exam fee (official source). “CCTN®: $350.00” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- American Board for Transplant Certification — validity, delivery (official source). “Your certification is valid for a period of three years as indicated on your certificate.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- abtc.net — Test delivery, score validity, exam format, score release, time limit, fees · verified Oct 2026