Test-taking Pearls - AACN

17 Pages·2013·0.76 MB·English

by  Mike Ballew

Test-taking Pearls
Beth Torres, PhD, RN, CCRN
CJW Medical Center
Format of exam

• PCCN 125 questions 2 ½ hrs
• CCRN 150 questions 3 hrs
Certification Exam Blueprint
• Know the exam blueprint so you can focus
your study appropriately
– 80% Clinical Judgment
– 20% Professional Caring and Ethics
• http://www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/docs/c
ertexamhandbook.pdf
PCCN
• New test plan goes into effect for exams
taken on or after June 26, 2013
http://www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/content/
pccn-2013-exam-
documents.content?menu=certification
Test Plan
CCRN PCCN
• CV (20%)
• CV (36%)
• Pulmonary (18%)
• Pulmonary (14%)
• Endocrine (5%)
• Endocrine (4%)
• Hematology/Immun. (2%)
• Hematology/Immun. (2%)
• Neuro (12%)
• Neuro (5%)
• GI (6%)
• GI (5%)
• Multisystem (8%)
• Multisystem (5%)
• Behavioral/Psych
• Behavioral/Psych (4%)
(4%)
• Professional Caring/Ethics (20%)
• Professional

Caring/Ethics (20%)
PCCN After 6-26-2013
• CV (33%)
• Pulmonary (14%)
• Endocrine/Hematology/GI/Renal (18%)
• Neurology/multisystem/Behavioral (15%)
• Professional Caring/Ethics (20%)
HOW TO PREPARE

• Review course
• Identify areas of further study
• Review books
• Study group
• AACN self assessment exams
Exam Preparation
• Identify your area of weakness from the material
reviewed in class
• Develop a study plan
– Plan to study 5 hours / week for 90 days
– Create study tools
– Designate study time
– Form a study group
• Take a practice test
The Night Before

• Don’t drink alcohol
• Don’t stay up late studying
• Don’t drink caffeine
• Do have clothes ready
• Know where you are going. Plan ahead, considering
traffic patterns
• Identification will be required
DAY OF EXAM

• Do not review
• Eat breakfast
• Wear comfortable clothes- layers
• Arrive early to test site