critical care nursing society

CCRN (Adult) – Direct Care Eligibility Pathway

CCRN ® (Adult) is a specialty certification. The Direct Care Eligibility Pathway is for nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients regardless of their physical location. Nurses interested in this certification pathway may work in areas such as intensive care units, cardiac care units, trauma units or critical care transport/flight.

This certification is accepted by the Magnet Recognition Program ® .

Initial Eligibility Requirements & Fees

A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license is required. An unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse is practicing and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse’s practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.

Candidates must complete one of the following clinical practice hour requirement options:

Two-Year Option

Practice as an RN or APRN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application

Five-Year Option

Practice as an RN or APRN during the previous five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application

• Must be completed in a U.S.-based or Canada-based facility or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice.
• Are those spent actively providing direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients or supervising nurses or nursing students at the bedside of acutely/critically ill adult patients, if working as a manager, educator, preceptor or APRN. The majority of practice hours for exam eligibility must be focused on critically ill patients.
• Are verifiable by your clinical supervisor or professional colleague (RN or physician). Contact information must be provided for verification of eligibility related to clinical hours, to be used if you are selected for audit.
• For complete eligibility requirements, refer to the CCRN Exam Handbook – Direct Care Pathway.

AACN Members

CCRN Exam Handbook

Direct Care Pathway

• • Detailed Eligibility Requirements
• • Test Plan/Testable Nursing Actions
• • Sample Questions
• • Products for CCRN Exam Preparation

Exam Policy Handbook

• • Exam Rescheduling and Cancellation
• • What to Expect on the Day of Your Exam
• • Name and Address Changes
• • Code of Ethics/Upholding the Value of Certification

How to Prepare

Exam Resources for CCRN Adult – Direct Care Pathway

Online practice exam providing realistic test experience with randomized questions, correct answer rationales and exam scores

In-depth certification review presented by national experts, with CE available upon completion

Additional AACN study resources to assist you in preparing for certification

AACN Certification Corporation does not approve, endorse, or require for eligibility use of any specific exam preparation products.

Is your renewal date approaching? Be prepared – find out more about CCRN Adult Renewal Options.

CCRN Information

AACN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association, is more than the world’s largest specialty nursing organization – we are an exceptional community of acute and critical care nurses offering unwavering professional and personal support in pursuit of the best possible patient care.

AACN Mission: AACN drives excellence in acute and critical care for nurses, patients and families.

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The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) is the largest nonprofit medical organization dedicated to promoting excellence and consistency in the practice of critical care.

With members in more than 80 countries, SCCM is the only organization that represents all professional components of the critical care team. The Society offers a variety of activities that ensure excellence in patient care, education, research, and advocacy.

SCCM's mission is to secure the highest-quality care for all critically ill and injured patients.

Envisioned Future

SCCM envisions a world in which all critically ill and injured persons receive care from a present integrated team of dedicated trained intensivists and critical care specialists. Multiprofessional teams use knowledge, technology and compassion to provide timely, effective, safe, efficient, and equitable patient-centered care.

Right Care, Right Now

The Society maintains that the Right Care, Right Now™ is best provided by an integrated team of dedicated experts directed by a trained and present physician credentialed in critical care (an intensivist). Right Care, Right Now™ means the right care is delivered at exactly the right moment to achieve optimal patient outcomes. SCCM collaborates with many quality and patient safety organizations to help realize the vision of Right Care, Right Now. Learn More

Diversity Statement

SCCM values and seeks diversity and inclusive practices within the critical care profession and within the SCCM organization. SCCM promotes involvement, innovation, and expanded access to leadership opportunities that maximize engagement across diverse populations. SCCM will provide leadership and will commit time and resources to accomplish this objective, focusing particularly on increasing participation of underrepresented groups. Securing the highest-quality care for all critically ill and injured patients is our goal. Learn More

Standards of Professional Conduct

The expectations for member behavior apply to all members and all Society activities.

Governance, Bylaws, and Strategic Plans

SCCM adheres to the strictest nonprofit governance practices. Learn about the Council nomination policy, understand its member structure and bylaws, and view the strategic plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about membership, education, and more

SCCM Leadership

SCCM President and Council

Meet the 2024 SCCM President and members of its multiprofessional council.

SCCM Executive Office

David J. Martin, CAE, is the chief executive officer and executive vice-president of SCCM.

Society of Critical Care Medicine

David J. Martin, CAE As a certified association executive (CAE), Martin has worked closely with the Society leadership to bring professional operating standards and principles to SCCM. He relocated the Society’s headquarters from California to Illinois and instituted the concept of staff and volunteer partnership to improve program development and management. He played a key role in instituting SCCM’s continuous strategic planning process and three-year budget, which has resulted in many new programs for the society’s multiprofessional membership. This has proven a winning combination, with membership more than doubling during his tenure, mirrored by similar increases in revenues. Martin has sought to develop relationships with other medical and healthcare organizations resulting in numerous partnership activities. He also led the development of the Society’s first international strategy, expanding SCCM’s programs around the globe.   Martin also instituted the Society’s first-ever eStrategy plan, which has provided the organization with an unprecedented level of communication and information management services. Under Martin’s leadership, the Society has provided members with unparalleled services and access to critical information, placing SCCM at the leading edge of association technology management.   Martin is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), The Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) and Association Forum of Chicagoland. He is regularly invited to speak and write on association management subjects. Previously, he served as the executive director of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association in Park Ridge, Illinois, and was the assistant executive director of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), where he served for nearly 10 years. He has also held several positions in the for-profit sector where he utilized his formal education in accounting and business management.

Contact the Executive Office David Julian Martin, CAE Chief Executive Officer / Executive Vice President

SCCM Past Presidents

Thank you to all the past presidents who have served SCCM. See a list of past presidents and read their presidential addresses.

• SCCM Careers

Find career opportunities at SCCM. The Society offers a professional, friendly, business casual work environment with a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Partner or Collaborate With SCCM

Increase your exposure within the critical care industry and gain access to decision-makers. Learn about opportunities for sponsorship, advertising, donations, and corporate partnership.

SCCM Newsroom

Members of the media can find contact information, recent press releases, and articles about SCCM in the news.

Critical Care Statistics

The Critical Care Statistics guide provides statistics on many of the current issues in critical care in the United States. It is intended to be used as a reference in efforts such as advocacy, public relations, and general education.

Critical Care Societies Collaborative

Learn how the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), American Thoracic Society (ATS), American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) work together to optimize the care of critically ill and injured patients.

The History of SCCM

In 2020, SCCM celebrated its 50th anniversary! Explore the history of the Society and its influence on critical care. Head over to sccm.org/50years to share your favorite SCCM memories, learn more about the founders, and see how far the specialty has come!

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Contact SCCM

Customer service.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time Phone:  +1 847-827-6888 Email: [email protected]

Executive Office

David Julian Martin, CAE Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President