Certification
One way for hospice and palliative care professionals to recognize our expertise is through certification. This involves a process that validates and evaluates one’s expertise in a specialty area. While licensure assures minimal competency to practice in a field, certification indicates mastery of a defined body of knowledge.
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) offers specialty certification to hospice and palliative nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. We currently offer six hospice and palliative certification exams for advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, pediatric hospice and palliative nurses, licensed/vocational nurses, nursing assistants, and social workers. We also maintain the certified hospice and palliative care administrator and the certified in perinatal loss care credentials. Over 14,000 health care professionals hold HPCC credentials that establish a professional commitment to safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Find out more about our credentials below.
Our Credentials
Maintained Through Recertification
Latest News
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HPCC Announces 2026 Award Recipients
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) congratulates the following individuals on being selected as 2026 Certificants of the Year, as well as the institution chosen as Employer of the Year. These individuals will be celebrated and recognized at the HPCC Certification Luncheon, taking place Friday, May 8, 2026 during the 2026 Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) Annual Conference.
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CHPLN® Feasibility Study Results: New Growth Opportunities Ahead
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) completed a Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN®) Feasibility Study in the spring and summer of 2025 alongside SeaCrest Consulting. The purpose of the study was to better understand interest in the certification and perceived value of the credential by Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses. The study also helped decipher how employers support and encourage certification, employer perceptions on the value of certification, and potential factors contributing to the low volume of exam takers.
Quick Links
Testing Windows and Deadlines
- December 1 – Application Start Date
- January 15 – Paper Application Deadline
- February 15 – Online Application Deadline
- March 1 – Application Start Date
- April 15 – Paper Application Deadline
- May 15 – Online Application Deadline
- June 1 – Application Start Date
- July 15 – Paper Application Deadline
- August 15 – Online Application Deadline
- September 1 – Application Start Date
- October 15 – Paper Application Deadline
- November 15 – Online Application Deadline
reTEST Assured Program
Taking an examination can be stressful, and while the majority of our candidates are successful on the first try, some are not. To relieve a bit of stress, HPCC has implemented the reTEST Assured Program, which offers any candidate who was unsuccessful, the opportunity to retake an exam within the next three test windows for $125. Learn more here or send your questions to hpcc@gohpcc.org.
Scholarships
The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) provides scholarships to nurses nationwide to cover the cost of certification fees and are valid for those earning a new Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) certification or those who are renewing their current HPCC certification. HPNF accepts applications on an ongoing basis and individuals may apply for the scholarships before or after taking their exam.
Certification Verification Tool
This is a free resource created to assist those looking to verify a professional’s HPCC certification status. Names of individuals currently certified by HPCC are available through the link below.