You have probably tried other materials before. CertkingdomPDF invites the comparison for the CCNS exam: 620 practice questions with verified answers, three purpose-built formats, and a constantly updated question bank that treats your feedback as part of the editorial process.
Medical Tests CCNS Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Exam |
| Exam Number: | CCNS |
| Exam Duration: | 120 minutes |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Exam Price: | $210 - $340 USD (member/non-member rates) |
| Exam Format: | Computer-based, Multiple-choice |
| Real Exam Qty: | 100 (renewal exam) / 175 (original retired exam) |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 5 years |
| Related Certifications: | ACCNS-AG ACCNS-N CCRN ACCNS-P |
| Passing Score: | Varies by form (approx. 65-70% scaled score) |
| Recommended Training: | AACN Continuing Education Resources AACN CCNS Renewal Handbook |
| Exam Registration: | AACN Certification Portal |
| Sample Questions: | ![]() |
| Exam Way: | Computer-based testing at approved testing centers or online proctored |
| Pre Condition: | Only available for renewal to current CCNS holders; active unencumbered RN/APRN license; 1,000 CNS practice hours in acute/critical care within past 5 years |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.aacn.org/certification/certification-renewal/ccns-adult |
Medical Tests CCNS Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Caring & Ethical Practice | 31% | - Collaboration & Systems Leadership - Caring Practices & Advocacy - Ethics & Regulatory Compliance - Education & Research |
| Clinical Judgment | 69% | - Hematology, Immunology & Oncology - Pulmonary System - Gastrointestinal & Metabolic System - Neurological System - Endocrine System - Renal & Genitourinary System - Multisystem & Trauma - Cardiovascular System |
Questions Candidates Ask About the Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist Exam
Only available for renewal to current CCNS holders; active unencumbered RN/APRN license; 1,000 CNS practice hours in acute/critical care within past 5 years Rules change occasionally, so verify the current requirements on the official Medical Tests exam page before you schedule.
All three versions in a single purchase: 620 practice questions for the Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist exam as a printable, expert-prepared PDF — ideal if you learn best by annotating paper; a Desktop Test Engine for Windows that simulates the real exam with two practice modes and works offline; and an Online Test Engine for any browser on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS with test history and performance review. Use whichever version fits each moment, or all of them together. You also get a free demo, 365 days of free updates, a 50% renewal discount after the first year, and unlimited computer installations.
The CCNS exam is a Medical Tests certification exam validating the knowledge in the Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist syllabus shown above. It belongs to these credential paths: ACCNS-AG, ACCNS-P, ACCNS-N, CCRN. Beyond theoretical knowledge, employers want demonstrated skills — and this credential provides that evidence in 2026's competitive market. CertkingdomPDF helps you prepare with 620 practice questions in PDF, Desktop Test Engine, and Online Test Engine formats.
Computer-based testing at approved testing centers or online proctored Registration for the Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist exam runs through these official channels:
Your CertkingdomPDF practice questions arrive by email within 1 minute of purchase, so preparation can begin the day you book.
The Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist exam contains 100 (renewal exam) / 175 (original retired exam) to be completed within 120 minutes. That leaves limited time per question, so rehearsing under the same clock with the CertkingdomPDF Desktop Test Engine is time well spent.
The official Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist outline defines 2 domains. The top three are Clinical Judgment (69%), Professional Caring & Ethical Practice (31%). See the full list in the topics section above — CertkingdomPDF's 620 practice questions span every domain.
CertkingdomPDF issues a full refund if you take the Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist exam within 60 days of purchase and do not pass. The policy does not apply if the exam is taken within 3 days of purchase, if the exam was never actually taken, or to free materials or expired orders, and the candidate name must match the payer name. To claim, submit a scan of your enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days of the exam — processing takes up to 7 days. Alternatively, exchange for two free exam products of equal value while keeping your original product's update service. Delivery is by email within 1 minute; contact support if nothing arrives within 2 hours.
The Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist exam requires Varies by form (approx. 65-70% scaled score) to pass, and registration costs $210 - $340 USD (member/non-member rates). A retake costs the same fee again — one more reason to gauge your readiness with the CertkingdomPDF practice engines before exam day.
Medical Tests recommends the following training for the Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist exam:
Complement the official training with the 620 practice questions from CertkingdomPDF — they show you whether the knowledge holds up under exam-style questioning.
Medical Tests Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist Sample Questions:
A nurse initiates preparation of a six-year-old boy for an infratentorial craniotomy. The nurse plans to:
- A. Have the patient draw his concept of a brain and briefly clarify any misconceptions
- B. Encourage a dummy play with simulated surgical equipment
- C. Schedule role playing with another patient having the same surgery
- D. Provide a thorough explanation of anatomy and the procedure to be performed
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
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The physician discusses the case of a patient inside the patient's room. The doctor asks the patient if she
ever had an illness that would predispose her to having a heart murmur. The nurse is aware that one of
these predisposing illnesses is:
- A. Rheumatic fever
- B. Mumps
- C. Infectious hepatitis
- D. Mononucleosis
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
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A clinical nurse specialist is reviewing a well-known journal of nursing as part of her duty to be informed
on trends. She came across a topic related to respite care. At the end of the article, she was able to define
respite care as:
- A. A service that allows time away for caregivers
- B. Living units for people without regular shelter
- C. Direct care provided to individuals in nursing homes
- D. A special service for the terminally ill and their family
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for CertkingdomPDF members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
When working the family of the patient in critical care, a nurse should use this kind of Therapeutic
Communication:
- A. Advise the family to remain quiet while visiting and avoid stimulating the patient.
- B. Enforce visiting hours to maintain a routine of care for the patient.
- C. Consider the family a part of the team and listen to their input.
- D. Refer them to the primary care doctor for all of their questions.
Correct Answer: C 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for CertkingdomPDF members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
You are training to be a neonatal nurse practitioner, which of the following nurseries are you permitted to
work in as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?
- A. Levels 1, 2 and 3
- B. Levels 1 and 2
- C. Level 3 only
- D. Levels 1
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
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