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American Association of Critical Care Nurses: Critical Care Registered Nurse (Neonatal)









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The CCRN (Neonatal) certification, offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), validates expertise in caring for critically ill neonatal patients. This credential covers key topics such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and multisystem care, along with professional caring and ethical practice. It is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers, enhance professional recognition, and potentially increase earning potential. Specific salary data is not provided, but certification may lead to higher earnings.
The AACN CCRN (Neonatal) exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with 125 scored and 25 as unscored pretest questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the test. The passing score is determined by a panel of experts and is not publicly disclosed. Revised CCRN exams were launched on November 12, 2025. More details can be found on the AACN news page.
AACN provides two eligibility pathways for the CCRN (Neonatal) certification:
For AACN members, the exam fee is $255, while nonmembers pay $370. Fees are consistent across both eligibility pathways. More fee details are available on the official AACN certification page.
Register via the AACN registration portal.
Candidates should verify specific requirements with the testing center, such as necessary identification and prohibited items. It’s advisable to confirm all details prior to the exam date through the AACN or testing center resources.
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Official Exam Information
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For effective AACN exam preparation, utilizing the official resources is crucial. Start with the AACN exam handbook for the CCRN (Neonatal) certification. The handbook details eligibility pathways, exam structure, and important guidelines. Additionally, the AACN offers review courses that are outlined in the handbook, providing structured learning paths tailored to the CCRN (Neonatal) exam. For comprehensive coverage, explore the AACN study guides available in various formats, including neuropsychology and other domains relevant to neonatal critical care.
Maximize your exam readiness with AACN practice tests and question banks. These resources offer multiple subscription levels, including a Free Trial for a 7-day period, a Basic Subscription for 30 days, and a Premium Subscription for 180 days. These tests replicate the real exam conditions with multiple-choice questions, helping to identify weak areas and improve time management through adaptive difficulty levels.
Prepare for the CCRN (Neonatal) exam by dedicating a structured study timeline. Allocate sufficient time, typically over several months, to cover the broad spectrum of topics. While specific study hours aren't provided, a daily commitment to reviewing materials, taking practice tests, and revisiting challenging areas is recommended for thorough preparation. Breaking study sessions into manageable daily segments, such as two to three hours, can enhance retention and reduce burnout.
The CCRN (Neonatal) exam emphasizes two primary domains: Clinical Judgment and Professional Caring and Ethical Practice. Clinical Judgment, constituting 80% of the exam, includes areas like cardiovascular, respiratory, and multisystem management. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice, covering 20%, focuses on advocacy, moral agency, and collaboration. A detailed breakdown of these domains and their subcategories can be found in the exam handbook.
Though specific salary data for CCRN (Neonatal) certified nurses isn't detailed, obtaining this certification is a strategic career investment. The certification signifies expertise in neonatal critical care, potentially leading to career advancement, increased job opportunities, and professional recognition. AACN members pay $255 for the exam, while non-members pay $370, with the potential for career ROI in the form of higher earning potential and job security.
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