PCCN question

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I recently took my PCCN test and unfortunately I did not pass, I was real close though, My question is how long do I have to wait to retake exam again? I plan on studying areas that I have a opportunity to do better in based on score report.

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How did you prepare for the test? I am planning on taking it soon. Do you have any feedback as to how best to prepare for it?

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Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.

I got this from AACN's PCCN FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions About PCCN Certification):

"If I do not pass the PCCN exam on the first attempt, what can I do?Referring to your PCCN exam score report, you will want to identify the topic areas in which you have the most room for improvement. For additional information please visit the Prepare to Take Your Exam page. Candidates may sit for the PCCN exam up to 4 times in a 12-month period. A discounted retest fee is available to candidates who do not pass the exam and is available until the exam is passed."

Judging by their omission of a specific wait period, my guess is you could sit for the exam again at the soonest available test date as long as you don't exceed 4 tries in a year. Feel free to shoot them an email at their Certification Department [email protected] for more clarity (my experience with their response time to emails has been pretty good).

I have a friend who recently passed this exam and am planning on taking it myself once I accrue the necessary clinical hours. Are the questions on the exam anything like those found on page 17 of the PCCN Exam Handbook? Or are they more difficult? Did you take practice tests as part of your study? Which study materials did you use? Thank you for any information!

How did you prepare for the test? I am planning on taking it soon. Do you have any feedback as to how best to prepare for it?

While I haven't taken it, I have attended some preparation sessions run by my employer using this "PCCN Certification Review Course" which is published by AACN. I'm not 100% if these are affiliated, but there were also several ~125 page booklets accompanying it with numerous practice tests and study guides outlined by body systems. Once I'm done this semester I'm going to crack down and really focus on passing the exam. On top of prestige of being a certified RN, the bonus my employer gives will be nice for my student loans :D

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I used a online review course that I purchased through the AACN website, in addition to that I bought a practice question guide from Barnes and Noble with over 1000 questions along with a couple of other practice question guides, The preparation has been costly and I don't plan on spending another dime on study aids. Also I purchased the self assessment test through AACN website and did that twice. I plan on retaking later this summer.

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I used the aacn review course. It was really helpful in reviewing the concepts. Just passed last Saturday.

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