For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) looking to specialize and excel within an Advanced Practice Palliative Care Program, achieving the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN®) credential stands as a significant milestone. This examination is specifically tailored for experienced hospice and palliative advanced practice registered nurses, validating their expertise and commitment to providing exceptional patient care.
ACHPN® Exam Eligibility: Is an Advanced Practice Palliative Care Program Background Necessary?
To be eligible for the ACHPN® examination, candidates must meet stringent criteria that underscore their advanced practice experience and educational foundation within, or relevant to, an advanced practice palliative care program. These requirements ensure that certified nurses possess the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and enhance palliative care initiatives. The prerequisites are as follows:
- Active APRN License: Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted active APRN license or APRN certification in the United States, its territories, or the equivalent in Canada. This foundational requirement confirms the nurse’s legal and professional standing to practice at an advanced level.
- Accredited Graduate Program Completion: Completion of an accredited graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) educational program from a U.S. school or Canadian province NP or CNS educational programs approved by the Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators (CCRNR) is mandatory. This ensures a robust academic grounding in advanced nursing practice.
- Comprehensive APRN Coursework: An official academic record/transcript is essential, demonstrating a graduate degree and conferral date. Crucially, the transcript must evidence completion of three distinct graduate-level courses: advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. These courses are fundamental to advanced practice within any specialized program, including an advanced practice palliative care program. Furthermore, a clinical practicum of at least 500 hours is required to provide hands-on experience.
- Hospice and Palliative Advanced Nursing Practice Experience: Candidates must be functioning as an NP or CNS with a minimum of 500 hours in hospice and palliative advanced nursing practice within the most recent 12 months, or 1000 hours within the most recent 24 months, prior to application. This practical experience is vital, ensuring candidates have real-world exposure to the complexities of palliative care within settings that could be considered advanced practice palliative care programs.
Understanding ACHPN® Exam Fees
Investing in ACHPN® certification is an investment in your career and the quality of care you provide within an advanced practice palliative care program. Here is a breakdown of the examination fees:
| Exam Fees |
|---|
| Initial Certification | non-member |
| Initial Certification | HPNA member |
| reTEST Assured |
Key Dates: Testing Windows and Application Deadlines
Planning for your ACHPN® exam within your schedule is crucial. Here are the testing windows and application deadlines to keep in mind as you prepare to advance your role in an advanced practice palliative care program:
For exams March 1 – 31
- December 1 – Application Start Date
- February 15 – Online Application Deadline
For exams June 1 – 30
- March 1 – Application Start Date
- May 15 – Online Application Deadline
For exams September 1 – 30
- June 1 – Application Start Date
- August 15 – Online Application Deadline
For exams December 1 – 31
- September 1 – Application Start Date
- November 15 – Online Application Deadline
This accreditation logo signifies the high standards and quality assurance associated with the ACHPN® certification, further enhancing its value for professionals in advanced practice palliative care programs.
Streamlined Online Application and Scheduling for Your ACHPN® Exam
The application and scheduling process for the ACHPN® exam is conveniently online, making it accessible for busy APRNs aiming to enhance their credentials in advanced practice palliative care programs.
Online Application & Scheduling
You can complete the entire application and scheduling process digitally. Once your application details and payment are submitted, your eligibility will be promptly confirmed or denied. Upon confirmation, you will be directed to schedule your exam appointment, choosing between a test center or live remote proctoring based on your preference and convenience. Be prepared to provide additional eligibility information if requested to ensure a smooth application process.
It’s important to note that the current online application is specifically for the upcoming certification exam window. Applications must be received by the testing company by 11:59 pm Central Time on the stated exam deadline date. Should you require technical assistance during your online application, PSI is available at 833-256-1422 for support.
For HPNA members seeking to utilize their membership discount for HPCC exams, ensure your membership is active and purchased before submitting your exam application to avail of the reduced fee.
Start Your Online Application
Managing Your Exam Appointment: Confirmation and Rescheduling
Flexibility is key, and the ACHPN® certification process accommodates your needs with easy options to manage your exam appointment.
Confirming & Rescheduling an Exam
Need to review your exam details or adjust your schedule? Click the button below to easily view your exam specifics or reschedule your exam if necessary.
Access Your LRP Exam
On your scheduled exam day, accessing your Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) exam is straightforward. Use the button below to begin your exam.
Essential Application Instructions
To ensure a seamless application process, keep the following points in mind:
What to know:
- HPNA membership number: Have your HPNA membership number ready to confirm eligibility for the membership discount if you are a member.
- Test assessment center choice: If scheduling an in-person appointment, decide on your preferred test center location. Note that test locations are consistent across all exams. PSI Testing Locations
- Credit card information: Ensure you have your credit card details (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) available for payment.
- Contact for Clarifications: For any specific questions or concerns, reach out to the HPCC national office via email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-787-1057.
Exam Application Instructions
Resources to Support Your Certification Journey
Preparing for the ACHPN® exam is a crucial step towards enhancing your expertise in an advanced practice palliative care program. A range of resources is available to support your study and ensure you are well-prepared.
Certification Resources
Candidate Handbook
The Candidate Handbook is an indispensable resource, providing comprehensive information about the exam content, format, and preparation strategies.
Download Handbook
Live Remote Proctoring
Considering the convenience of remote testing? Learn more about the Live Remote Proctoring option to take your exam from a location of your choice, offering flexibility and ease.
reTEST Assured Program
The reTEST Assured Program provides an opportunity for retake assurance, offering peace of mind and additional support in your certification endeavor.
Additional Resources for ACHPN® Exam Preparation
Further enhance your preparation with these valuable resources:
Detailed Content Outline
HPCC Study Tips
Purchase Your Certificate
Print Your Certificate
By pursuing ACHPN® certification, APRNs not only validate their advanced skills and knowledge but also significantly contribute to the enhancement of advanced practice palliative care programs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and experiences in hospice and palliative care settings.
