CPAN Credential Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many hours of perianesthesia nursing practice are required within the 2 years preceding the CPAN exam application?
- 600 hours
- 1800 hours
- 1200 hours (Correct answer)
- 800 hours
Correct answer: 1200 hours
ASPAN requires 1,200 hours of direct perianesthesia nursing practice within the 2 years prior to applying for the CPAN exam.
Question 2: Which organization administers the CPAN and CAPA certification examinations?
- ASPAN
- ABPANC (Correct answer)
- ANCC
- AORN
Correct answer: ABPANC
The American Board of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) is the credentialing body that administers the CPAN and CAPA exams.
Question 3: A nurse who allows their CPAN credential to lapse must do which of the following to reinstate certification?
- Submit a written appeal only
- Retake and pass the certification exam (Correct answer)
- Complete 30 CE hours and pay a late fee
- Obtain a physician endorsement
Correct answer: Retake and pass the certification exam
A lapsed CPAN credential cannot be reinstated through late renewal; the nurse must retake and pass the certification examination.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the practice setting requirement for CPAN eligibility?
- Must work in a Phase I PACU only
- Must work in any perianesthesia setting including Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III (Correct answer)
- Must work in an ICU with anesthesia patients
- Must work in an ambulatory surgical center exclusively
Correct answer: Must work in any perianesthesia setting including Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III
Eligible practice includes any perianesthesia setting — Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III — as defined by ASPAN standards.
Question 5: What is the maximum number of times a candidate may retake the CPAN exam within a 3-year eligibility window if they fail?
- Unlimited attempts
- Two additional attempts (three total) (Correct answer)
- One additional attempt (two total)
- Four attempts total
Correct answer: Two additional attempts (three total)
Candidates have a 3-year window and may take the exam up to three times total (initial attempt plus two retakes).
Question 6: Which credential is specifically designed for nurses practicing primarily in Phase II (discharge) and Phase III perianesthesia care?
- CPAN
- CAPA (Correct answer)
- CRNA
- CEN
Correct answer: CAPA
The CAPA (Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia) credential is targeted at nurses working in Phase II and Phase III (extended observation/home discharge) settings.
Question 7: To qualify for the CPAN exam, a registered nurse must hold which type of nursing license?
- A temporary or provisional RN license is acceptable
- A current, unrestricted RN license in the US or Canada (Correct answer)
- A licensed practical nurse (LPN) license with perianesthesia experience
- An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license only
Correct answer: A current, unrestricted RN license in the US or Canada
ABPANC requires applicants to hold a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States or Canada.
CPAN Credential Requirements 2
How many hours of perianesthesia nursing practice are required within the 2 years preceding the CPAN exam application?