AACN CCRN CCRN-Pediatric

The AACN Critical Care Nursing exam has a reputation for breadth, and many candidates underestimate how much ground it covers. Getcertkey closes those gaps with 152 practice questions that reflect the style and difficulty you can expect in 2026.

AACN CCRN-Pediatric Exam Overview:

Certification Vendor:	AACN Certification Corporation
Exam Name:	AACN CCRN-Pediatric (Critical Care Nursing Exam)
Exam Number:	CCRN-Pediatric
Passing Score:	87
Available Languages:	English
Certificate Validity Period:	3 years
Exam Duration:	180 minutes
Real Exam Qty:	150
Exam Format:	Multiple Choice
Exam Price:	$250 USD - $365 USD
Related Certifications:	CCRN-Adult CCRN-Neonatal PCCN
Sample Questions:
Exam Way:	Computer-based exam delivered at authorized testing centers or approved remote testing platforms.
Pre Condition:	Current unrestricted U.S. RN or APRN license required. Candidates must complete either 1,750 hours of direct care of critically ill pediatric patients in the previous 2 years (875 hours in the most recent year) or 2,000 hours in the previous 5 years (144 hours in the most recent year).
Official Syllabus URL:	https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-peds

AACN CCRN-Pediatric Exam Syllabus Topics:

CCRN-Pediatric Exam FAQs for 2026 Candidates

Which certification does the CCRN-Pediatric exam lead to?

The CCRN-Pediatric exam is the official AACN Certification Corporation exam behind the AACN CCRN certification, validating the skills measured by the AACN Critical Care Nursing credential. It sits at the Specialty level of the AACN Certification Corporation certification program. It also connects to CCRN-Adult, CCRN-Neonatal, PCCN, so the knowledge you build here carries over to those tracks as well.

How many questions are on the CCRN-Pediatric exam, and how much time do I get?

The CCRN-Pediatric exam contains 150 questions to be completed within 180 minutes. Before exam day, divide the available time by the question count to work out a comfortable per-question pace, and mark any item that eats into it so you can return later instead of getting stuck. Timed sessions in the Getcertkey test engines make that pacing automatic — run at least two full-length mock exams under the clock so time pressure never becomes the reason you drop points.

What score do I need to pass the CCRN-Pediatric exam, and what does it cost?

The passing score for the CCRN-Pediatric exam is 87, and the official registration fee is $250 USD - $365 USD. Retakes are not discounted — every new attempt means paying the full fee again — so it pays to measure yourself before you book. Work through the 152 practice questions on Getcertkey, sit a timed practice test, and schedule your exam only when your scores are consistently comfortable. That simple habit is the cheapest exam strategy there is.

Are there any prerequisites for the CCRN-Pediatric exam?

Current unrestricted U.S. RN or APRN license required. Candidates must complete either 1,750 hours of direct care of critically ill pediatric patients in the previous 2 years (875 hours in the most recent year) or 2,000 hours in the previous 5 years (144 hours in the most recent year). Requirements can change when AACN Certification Corporation revises its certification program, so confirm the current eligibility rules on the official exam page before you register.

Can I try the CCRN-Pediatric practice questions before I buy?

Yes. Getcertkey provides a free CCRN-Pediatric PDF demo so you can review the question style and answer quality before purchasing. Every purchase also includes 365 days of free updates — if AACN revises the exam during that period, the updated material reaches you at no cost. Once the free-update year ends, you can extend your update service at a 50% discount.

What if I fail the CCRN-Pediatric exam, and how is my order delivered?

Every AACN Critical Care Nursing purchase on Getcertkey is covered by a 100% money-back guarantee with clear conditions: if you take the corresponding exam within 60 days of your purchase and do not pass, you can claim a full refund by submitting a scanned copy of your exam enrollment slip and your official score report as a PDF within two days of the exam date; claims are processed within seven days of submission. The guarantee does not apply to exams taken within three days of purchase, to material that was downloaded but never used in an exam attempt, or to free products and expired orders, and the candidate name must match the payer name. If you would rather not take a refund, you can instead exchange your purchase for two free exam preparation products of equal value and keep the update service on your original product.

Delivery is instant: your download is sent to your email within one minute of payment, with no limit on how many computers you may install the material on. If nothing arrives within two hours, check your spam folder and contact customer service for help.

What topics are covered in the CCRN-Pediatric exam?

The AACN Critical Care Nursing exam blueprint is organized into 2 domains. The first three are:

• Professional Caring and Ethical Practice — 20% of the exam
• Clinical Judgment — 80% of the exam

For the complete domain-by-domain breakdown, scroll up to the full exam topics outline above and use it to plan how you distribute your study time.

AACN Critical Care Nursing Sample Questions:

Question 1

An 18-month-old child is irritable and restless. Retractions, grunting with crackles, and an S3 gallop are noted. Vital signs:
* BP: 70/56
* HR: 160
* RR: 60
* Temp: 99°F (37.4°C)
Which of the following types of shock is this patient most likely experiencing?

A. Obstructive
B. Cardiogenic
C. Distributive
D. Hypovolemic

Question 2

CSF analysis shows: glucose 36 mg/dL, protein 110 mg/dL, and WBCs (PMNs) 1,000/microliters. These findings are indicative of:

A. Guillain-Barre syndrome
B. Bacterial meningitis
C. Encephalitis
D. Viral meningitis

Question 3

Which of the following is a prerenal cause of acute renal failure?

A. Transfusion reaction
B. Septic shock
C. Lead poisoning
D. Kidney stones

Question 4

An adolescent with recurrent leukemia expresses a desire to die peacefully. Weeks later, the patient is critically ill and the parents ask whether to escalate care. The nurse's most appropriate response is:

A. "As I remember, your child expressed a desire to die peacefully."
B. "Perhaps try one more day of treatment to see if there are any changes in condition."
C. "I will support whatever decision you decide upon."
D. "Legally you have the right to make that decision."

Question 5

High-frequency ventilation improves pulmonary air leaks by:

A. Decreasing minute ventilation
B. Increasing the pressure differential between the airway and the intrapleural space
C. Increasing the mean airway pressure
D. Decreasing the pressure differential between the airway and the intrapleural space

Solutions: