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CCRN for travel nurses Critical Care Registered Nurse · American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

Board certification in critical care. Many ICU contracts prefer it, and some high-acuity units require it. There are Adult, Pediatric and Neonatal versions. Eligibility: A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, plus either 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely or critically ill adults in the past 2 years (875 of them in the most recent year), or 2,000 hours in the past 5 years (144 in the most recent year). Cost: $260 for AACN members, $375 for non-members. Valid 3 years.

Updated October 2026

Type
Board certification (exam)
Valid
3 years
Cost
$260 for AACN members, $375 for non-members
Issued by
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Which travel specialties ask for it

Eligibility and exam

Who can get it
A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, plus either 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely or critically ill adults in the past 2 years (875 of them in the most recent year), or 2,000 hours in the past 5 years (144 in the most recent year).
Cost
$260 for AACN members, $375 for non-members.
Valid for
3 years.
Renewal
432 practice hours over the 3 years (144 in the last year), plus 100 continuing education points (CERPs) or a retest.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: current requirements and fees →

Tips for travelers

  • Your travel contracts count toward the practice hours. Keep each contract's dates, unit and a manager's contact: AACN may ask someone to verify them.
  • Ask your agency whether it reimburses the exam fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
  • Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.

Questions

Do travel nurses need CCRN?
ICU and Pediatrics contracts often prefer it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.
Who is eligible for CCRN?
A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, plus either 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely or critically ill adults in the past 2 years (875 of them in the most recent year), or 2,000 hours in the past 5 years (144 in the most recent year).
How much does CCRN cost?
$260 for AACN members, $375 for non-members.
How long is CCRN valid?
3 years. 432 practice hours over the 3 years (144 in the last year), plus 100 continuing education points (CERPs) or a retest.

Other certifications: BLS · ACLS · PALS · NRP · NIHSS · TNCC · CEN · PCCN · CMSRN · CNOR · CPN · RNC-NIC · PMH-BC

Eligibility, fees and validity from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)'s site, checked 2026-10-16. Fees and rules change; confirm with the issuer before you register. Which specialties ask for it reflects common travel job posts; each hospital sets its own requirements.