CHPN Exam 2026

CHPN Salary

The work of hospice nurses can be challenging and emotionally draining. It can also be difficult to balance the demands of family life and the needs of patients. Despite these challenges, the profession can offer a number of intrinsic rewards. For nurses who are passionate about hospice and palliative care, it can be very rewarding to become certified in this specialty field.

The CHPN certification exam is administered by PSI Services and is offered year-round at testing centers across the country. The exam was developed by the HPCC and is designed to test a nurse’s ability to provide quality hospice and palliative care to terminally ill patients.

To be eligible to sit for the CHPN exam, a candidate must hold an unrestricted registered nursing license and have at least 500 hours of hospice and/or palliative care clinical experience in the past year or 1,000 hours in the last two years. Continuing education and professional development activities are required to maintain the CHPN credential. In addition, all CHPNs must complete a Situational Judgment Exercise (SJE) to recertify every four years.

CHPN Certification Test Dates

Those seeking to become certified as a hospice and palliative nurse can find out more about the certification process by visiting the HPCC website. The HPCC website provides a list of test dates at various locations across the country. In order to sit for the exam, a candidate must provide their name, date of birth, and nursing license number. Applicants must also submit an application for the specific examination they wish to take.

The CHPN is a content-driven test, meaning that the questions on the test are designed to assess what a candidate has already learned. It is important that candidates choose a testing date that allows them adequate time to study for the exam.

It is recommended that a candidate arrive at the test center 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment for check-in. Those who arrive late will be required to reschedule the exam, and they may forfeit all fees paid up until that point. Those with disabilities should contact PSI to discuss their options for special accommodations.

CHPN Exam Questions and Answers

Becoming a hospice nurse typically takes around two to four years. This includes completing a nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). After gaining some experience as an RN, individuals can then pursue additional training and certifications specific to hospice care to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families.

To obtain the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification, individuals typically need to follow a few steps. First, they should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which usually includes holding a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license and having a minimum amount of clinical practice hours in hospice and palliative care. Next, candidates can apply for the certification through the appropriate organization, often the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). The process generally involves submitting an application, providing proof of eligibility, and paying the required fees. Once the application is approved, candidates can schedule and take the CHPN exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in hospice and palliative care. Passing the exam leads to earning the CHPN certification, demonstrating their expertise in this specialized field of nursing.

The difficulty of the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam is subjective and can vary based on an individual’s background, experience, and preparation. The exam assesses a nurse’s knowledge of hospice and palliative care principles, symptom management, ethical considerations, and communication skills. Nurses who dedicate ample time to studying, review relevant materials, and take advantage of practice resources tend to enhance their chances of successfully passing the exam and earning their CHPN certification.

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification is a credential awarded to registered nurses (RNs) who have demonstrated expertise in providing specialized care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. This certification signifies a nurse’s proficiency in understanding the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of individuals in hospice and palliative care settings. To obtain the CHPN certification, nurses typically need to meet specific eligibility requirements, pass an exam that assesses their knowledge in various areas of hospice and palliative care, and commit to ongoing professional development in this specialized field.

The passing score for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam can vary slightly from one administration to another due to the use of a scaled scoring system. Generally, the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), which administers the exam, aims for a passing score of around 75% on the total points possible. However, since the exam questions are weighted differently based on their difficulty, the actual raw score needed to achieve that passing scaled score can differ.

To become a certified hospice and palliative care nurse, individuals typically need to follow a series of steps. First, they should acquire a registered nurse (RN) license by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Then, they can gain experience in hospice and palliative care settings to meet eligibility requirements, often involving a minimum number of clinical practice hours. Subsequently, candidates can apply for the certification through organizations like the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) or other certifying bodies, and upon approval, they can take the certification exam to demonstrate their specialized knowledge and skills in providing compassionate end-of-life care.

To become a hospice nurse, individuals typically need to complete the educational requirements to become a registered nurse (RN). This usually involves completing a nursing program, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain the RN license. Once licensed, gaining experience in nursing, especially in areas related to end-of-life care or palliative care, can be beneficial. Additionally, pursuing certifications like the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) can further enhance a nurse’s qualifications and expertise in providing specialized care to patients and their families in hospice settings.

CHPN stands for “Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.” It is a specialized certification that acknowledges a registered nurse’s expertise and proficiency in providing comprehensive care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on both their physical comfort and emotional well-being in hospice and palliative care settings.

A CHPN, which stands for “Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse,” is a registered nurse who has obtained specialized certification in delivering compassionate care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. These nurses possess advanced knowledge and skills in managing symptoms, addressing psychosocial needs, and providing support during the end-of-life journey, making a significant impact on patients’ comfort and quality of life in hospice and palliative care settings.

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