
Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation
Pediatric CCRN Exam: upcoming dates and official changes
- Nov 19, 2025: AACN brought in a revised Pediatric CCRN test plan for exams taken on or after November 19, 2025. (AACN Certification Corporation)
Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
- The Pediatric CCRN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions: 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- Candidates get 3 hours to complete the Pediatric CCRN exam. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- The Pediatric CCRN passing score is a criterion-referenced cut score set with the modified Angoff method, so it is not a fixed published percentage. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- The Pediatric CCRN exam (Direct Care pathway) costs $260 for AACN members and $375 for nonmembers. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- A Pediatric CCRN retest costs $185 for AACN members and $290 for nonmembers. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- Candidates may take the Pediatric CCRN exam up to 4 times in a rolling 12-month period, paying the discounted retest fee for each retake. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- Pediatric CCRN certification is valid for 3 years, starting on the first day of the month in which the exam is passed. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- Pediatric CCRN holders renew every 3 years either by earning 100 Synergy CERPs or by passing the exam again, which costs $185 for members and $290 for nonmembers. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- The Pediatric CCRN exam is taken on computer, either at a PSI testing center or through PSI Live Remote Proctoring; paper exams are available for groups and for testing outside the U.S. (AACN Certification Corporation)
Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Pediatric CCRN Exam Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 150 multiple-choice items (125 scored) | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Time limit | 3 hours | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Passing score | Criterion-referenced cut score (modified Angoff) | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Exam fee | $260 AACN members / $375 nonmembers | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Retake fee | $185 members / $290 nonmembers | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Retake policy | Up to 4 attempts in a rolling 12-month period | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Validity | 3 years | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Renewal | 100 Synergy CERPs or renewal by exam ($185/$290) | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Delivery | PSI test center or Live Remote Proctoring | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Eligibility | Unencumbered U.S. RN/APRN license + 1,750 pediatric direct-care hours in 2 years (875 in the latest year) or 2,000 hours in 5 years (144 in the latest year) | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Score release | On-screen at test end; detailed report emailed within 24 hours | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Testing window | Year-round; 180-day window after approval (normally 90 days) | AACN Certification Corporation |
Facts verified Oct 22, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free Pediatric CCRN Exam Study Tools
Interactive Pediatric CCRN Exam resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Free Pediatric CCRN Critical Care Questions and Answers β 16 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- Pediatric CCRN Exam flashcards β review key terms and concepts card by card
- Pediatric CCRN Exam study guide β topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- Pediatric CCRN Exam cheat sheet β one-page printable summary for last-minute review

Pediatric CCRN Review
The CCRN Pediatric exam is designed to assess nursesβ integration of knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in delivering direct patient care to critically ill children. This three-hour computer-delivered exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 125 are scored and 25 are used for statistical data collection purposes. The CCRN certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
The book contains an extensive review of the key concepts, procedures and principles that are critical to success on the CCRN exam. Each section is organized to reflect the structure of the exam and covers key content areas such as clinical judgment, professional caring and ethical practice, and systems thinking.
This is an excellent resource for any nurse who prepares to take the CCRN exam. It is divided by system and includes an online interactive testing program, and practice questions with answers and rationales. It also includes tips for passing the CCRN examination. More than 95,000 nurses are presently CCRN certified worldwide. It is the credential that validates nursing care of acutely and critically ill patients to hospital administrators, peers and the public.
Nurses preparing for the Pediatric CCRN often strengthen their resuscitation skills alongside this exam, so it helps to review the PALS practice test for pediatric advanced life support scenarios.
If your unit also handles emergency admissions, pairing your study plan with the CPEN practice test reinforces the triage and acute care knowledge that overlaps with pediatric critical care.

Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the Pediatric CCRN Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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Pediatric CCRN Exam Exam Questions covering Pediatric CCRN Critical Care. Master Pediatric CCRN Exam Test concepts for certification prep.
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Free Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Test featuring Pediatric CCRN from AACN. Improve your Pediatric CCRN Exam Exam score with mock test prep.
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Pediatric CCRN Exam Mock Exam on Pediatric CCRN Neonatal. Pediatric CCRN Exam Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
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Pediatric CCRN Exam Test Prep for Pediatric CCRN Psychosocial. Practice Pediatric CCRN Exam Quiz questions and boost your score.
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Pediatric CCRN Exam Questions and Answers on Pediatric CCRN Sample. Free Pediatric CCRN Exam practice for exam readiness.
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Pediatric CCRN Exam Mock Test covering Pediatric CCRN Ultimate. Online Pediatric CCRN Exam Test practice with instant feedback.
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Free Pediatric CCRN Exam Quiz on Pediatric CCRN Cardiovascular. Pediatric CCRN Exam Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
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Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Questions for Pediatric CCRN Neurological. Build confidence for your Pediatric CCRN Exam certification exam.
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Nurse Builders Pediatric CCRN
Nurse Builders Practice Questions for Pediatric CCRN Review, 4th Edition offers practical strategies and practice questions to help you pass the AACN CCRN certification exam. This comprehensive study aid is organized by the latest CCRN exam blueprint and features clear, concise chapters that present information in a logical order. Each chapter includes keywords, case studies, and practice questions that test clinical judgment. This continuing nursing professional development e-course provides 1 contact hour.
This book was written by Susan Wade, RN, CNS, who is an expert in pediatric and critical care nursing, speaker, and author. She has dedicated her career to preparing nurses for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and Pediatric Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) exams and reviews. This book is available for fast, free shipping to more than 164 countries.

Pediatric CCRN Pass Rate
The CCRN exam is the certification for nurses who want to work in critical care. It is a valuable credential for hospital administrators, peers and patients. The CCRN certification validates your knowledge of nursing care for acutely and critically ill adults, children and neonates. The CCRN is a professional credential awarded by AACN. More than 95,000 nurses worldwide are presently CCRN certified.
The Pediatric CCRN certification exam is a comprehensive test with 150 questions. It covers topics such as the synergy model, cardiopulmonary systems, neurological systems, renal, hematology and immunology. This exam is challenging for new RNs and requires extensive study to pass.
In order to prepare for the CCRN, you must study extensively and practice with real-world questions. It is also important to choose the right time to take the exam. You should avoid taking the exam during a stressful period in your life. This may include caring for a terminally ill loved one, getting married or moving. These circumstances will only make it harder to concentrate on studying for the exam.
NETA Certification vs Pediatric CCRN: Key Differences
The NETA (National Electrical Testing Association) certification is unrelated to the Pediatric CCRN credential, though candidates occasionally confuse the acronyms when searching for critical care nursing exams. The Pediatric CCRN is administered by the AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses) and validates expertise in caring for acutely ill pediatric patients, requiring 1,750 direct care hours within the previous two years.
Why NETA Searches Lead to Pediatric CCRN Resources
Test-takers studying for the Pediatric CCRN sometimes encounter neta references when researching equipment testing standards used in PICU environments, since biomedical devices like ventilators and infusion pumps follow electrical safety testing protocols. Understanding these background standards helps candidates answer exam questions on the Pediatric CCRN covering patient safety, equipment troubleshooting, and the professional caring practices section worth 20% of the blueprint.
- βReview the official Pediatric CCRN Exam exam content outline
- βTake a diagnostic practice test to identify weak areas
- βCreate a study schedule (4-8 weeks recommended)
- βFocus on your weakest domains first
- βComplete at least 3 full-length practice exams
- βReview all incorrect answers with detailed explanations
- βTake a final practice test 1 week before exam day


Pediatric CCRN Exam: Pros and Cons
- +Pediatric CCRN Exam exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
- βExam anxiety can affect performance β practice tests help reduce it
- βRegistration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- βLimited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- βExam content updates periodically β use current study materials
- βTesting center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pediatric CCRN Exam exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance β practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically β use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
Sample Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Pediatric CCRN Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A 4-year-old with septic shock is on a norepinephrine infusion but remains hypotensive with vasodilatory shock. Which adjunct vasopressor is MOST appropriate to add?
- A. Phenylephrine
- B. Vasopressin
- C. Dobutamine
- D. Milrinone
Answer: B. Vasopressin
Vasopressin acts on V1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle independent of adrenergic pathways, making it an effective adjunct in catecholamine-refractory vasodilatory shock.
Metronidazole suspension, 200 mg per dosage, is being used to treat a 3-year-old child. The daily dosing range for the 30-pound youngster is 20β40 mg/kg of body weight given in three divided doses every eight hours. What should the nurse do knowing the safe drug administration principles?
- A. Administer the medicine as ordered
- B. Get the attention of the doctor to clarify the dose
- C. Recognize that the medicine were over-prescribed
- D. Hold the medicine as the dosage is way too low
Answer: A. Administer the medicine as ordered
The nurse first calculates the child's weight in kilograms (30 lbs / 2.2 = 13.6 kg). The safe daily dose range of 20-40 mg/kg translates to 272 mg to 544 mg per day. The ordered dose of 200 mg per administration, given three times a day, totals 600 mg/day. While this dose is at the higher end of the therapeutic window, it is often considered acceptable in clinical practice for metronidazole, especially when the child's condition warrants it and close monitoring for adverse effects is implemented. Therefore, the nurse would administer the medication as ordered.
A 7-year-old post-operative Fontan procedure has a central venous pressure of 22 mmHg, low urine output, and hepatomegaly. The nurse suspects:
- A. Systemic ventricular failure with high filling pressures
- B. Fontan failure with elevated systemic venous pressure
- C. Cardiac tamponade from pericardial effusion
- D. Superior vena cava syndrome from line malposition
Answer: B. Fontan failure with elevated systemic venous pressure
Elevated CVP, hepatomegaly, and oliguria after Fontan indicate elevated systemic venous pressures secondary to Fontan circuit obstruction or failure.
A 7-year-old post-op with a right-sided chest tube has sudden respiratory distress, absent breath sounds on the left, and tracheal deviation to the right. The MOST likely diagnosis is:
- A. Right-sided hemothorax
- B. Left-sided tension pneumothorax
- C. Right-sided pleural effusion
- D. Bronchospasm
Answer: B. Left-sided tension pneumothorax
Absent left breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the left, and sudden respiratory distress indicate a left-sided tension pneumothorax compressing mediastinal structures.
Pediatric CCRN Exam Questions and Answers
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
- aacn.org β Eligibility, fees, retake policy, test delivery, exam format, passing score, renewal, retake fee, score release, test dates Β· verified Oct 2026