The Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN®) examination is designed for experienced hospice and palliative advanced practice registered nurses.

Eligibility requirements for the ACHPN® exam

Hold a current, unrestricted active APRN license or APRN certification in the United States, its territories, or the equivalent in Canada.
Completion of an accredited graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) educational program from a U.S. school or Canadian province NP or CNS educational programs approved by the Canadian Council of Registered Nurse Regulators (CCRNR).
An official or unofficial academic record/transcript showing graduate degree and date conferred is required as part of the application process. The transcript must demonstrate the key elements of APRN preparation which includes completion of three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology as well as a clinical practicum of at least 500 hours.
Is functioning as an NP or CNS with hospice and palliative advanced nursing practice of 500 hours in the most recent 12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to applying for the exam.

Exam Fees
Initial Certification \| non-member	$515
Initial Certification \| HPNA member	$355
reTEST Assured	$135

Quick Links

Testing Windows and Deadlines

For exams March 1 – 31

For exams June 1 – 30

For exams September 1 – 30

For exams December 1 – 31

Applying for your exam

Online Application & Scheduling

You may complete the application and scheduling process online. After the application information and payment have been submitted, eligibility will be confirmed or denied, and you will be prompted to schedule an exam appointment at a test center or for live remote proctoring. Additional eligibility information may be requested.

The current online application is for the upcoming certification exam window only, and the application must be received by the testing company on or before 11:59 pm Central Time on the exam deadline date. For technical assistance with online applications, contact PSI at 833-256-1422.

To receive the HPNA membership discount for HPCC exams, candidates must purchase the membership before submitting the exam application.

Start Your Online Application

Schedule My Exam

Live Remote Proctoring

Find a PSI Test Center

Confirming & Rescheduling an Exam

Access Your LRP Exam

Important Application Instructions

What to know:

HPNA membership number to determine eligibility for a membership discount (if applicable)
Choice of test assessment center if scheduling an appointment online. Test locations are the same for all exams. PSI Testing Locations
Credit card information (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
For clarification of any specific concerns or questions, contact the HPCC national office via email at hpcc@goHPCC.org or by phone at 412-787-1057.

Exam Application Instructions

Certification Resources

Download Handbook

Learn More

Learn More

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.

Additional Resources

Detailed Content Outline

HPCC Study Tips

Purchase Your Certificate

Print Your Certificate

Candidate Handbook

Live Remote Proctoring

reTEST Assured Program