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 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

December 1 – Application Start Date
February 15 – Online Application Deadline

For exams June 1 – 30

March 1 – Application Start Date
May 15 – Online Application Deadline

For exams September 1 – 30

June 1 – Application Start Date
August 15 – Online Application Deadline

For exams December 1 – 31

September 1 – Application Start Date
November 15 – Online Application Deadline

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.

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Live Remote Proctoring

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Confirming & Rescheduling an Exam

Click the button below to view your exam details or reschedule an exam.

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Access Your LRP Exam

Use the button below to access your LRP exam on the day of your scheduled exam.

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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

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.