Critical Care · AACN

CCRN practice questions, built for nurses.

Prepare for the Critical Care Registered Nurse exam with 720 expert-written questions across all six AACN domains — weighted to the official AACN test plan, with a dashboard that shows exactly where to focus and a full exam simulation when you're ready.

Start practicing free See sample questions

Free quizzes to start · one-time unlock for the full bank · no subscription

720QUESTIONS

6DOMAINS

100%EXPERT-WRITTEN

FullEXAM SIM

About the CCRN exam

The CCRN certifies registered nurses who provide direct care to acutely and critically ill adult patients in ICU, CCU, trauma, and critical-care transport settings — spanning the major body systems and multisystem problems.

Exam at a glance

Credentialing bodyAACN Certification Corporation

Format150 items (125 scored)

Time3 hours

DeliveryPSI centers / online proctored

Official detailsAACN ↗

What CertifyRN gives you

Question bank720 questions

Blueprint matchAll 6 domains, weighted

Weak-spot dashboardPer-domain tracking

Exam simulationReal timing + conditions

PricingFree to start · pay once

Domain breakdown

Your practice mix mirrors the official AACN CCRN test plan, so you study in the same proportions the exam tests.

Cardiovascular13%

Respiratory12%

Endocrine / Hematology / GI / Renal / Integumentary21%

Neurological / Musculoskeletal / Behavioral18%

Multisystem16%

Professional Caring & Ethical Practice20%

Why nurses choose CertifyRN

Target your weak spots

A domain dashboard shows exactly where you're losing points, so study time goes where it counts.

Practice like the real thing

Full exam simulation mirrors the real CCRN timing and conditions — no surprises on test day.

Study anywhere

Progress syncs across all your devices instantly, so you can practice on any break.

Pay once.

No monthly subscription, no auto-renew. Unlock the full CCRN bank with a single one-time purchase — and keep it.

Try a couple of CCRN questions

Tap an answer to check it. Want more? See the full sample set ›

1. A patient in cardiogenic shock after a large anterior MI has a cardiac index of 1.6 L/min/m2, a high systemic vascular resistance, and pulmonary congestion. Which intervention most directly addresses the primary problem?

Aggressive crystalloid bolus to raise preload

An inotrope such as dobutamine to improve contractility

A pure alpha-agonist to raise blood pressure

Immediate beta-blockade to lower heart rate

B is correct. Cardiogenic shock is a pump-failure problem with low output and high afterload; an inotrope improves contractility and output. Fluids worsen congestion, a pure vasoconstrictor raises afterload, and beta-blockade reduces an already failing output.

2. A patient in diabetic ketoacidosis has a serum potassium of 3.1 mEq/L on arrival, and an insulin infusion is ordered. What is the priority before starting insulin?

Start the insulin infusion immediately as ordered

Give a bicarbonate drip to correct the acidosis first

Replace potassium and hold insulin until it exceeds 3.3 mEq/L

Switch to subcutaneous insulin to slow the potassium shift

C is correct. Insulin drives potassium into cells; giving it when potassium is below 3.3 mEq/L can cause dangerous hypokalemia and arrhythmias. Replace potassium and recheck before starting the infusion.

CCRN prep — frequently asked

Are these CCRN practice questions free?

Yes. You can practice CCRN questions for free to start. Unlocking the full 720-question bank and exam simulation is a one-time purchase — there is no subscription and no auto-renewal.

How many CCRN practice questions are included?

The CCRN bank has 720 expert-written questions distributed across all six AACN domains in line with the official test plan, so your practice mix mirrors the real exam blueprint.

Do the questions follow the current AACN CCRN test plan?

Yes. Questions are weighted to the official test plan: Cardiovascular 13%, Respiratory 12%, Endocrine / Hematology / GI / Renal / Integumentary 21%, Neurological / Musculoskeletal / Behavioral 18%, Multisystem 16%, and Professional Caring and Ethical Practice 20%.

Is CertifyRN affiliated with AACN?

No. CertifyRN is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AACN Certification Corporation. CCRN is a registered trademark of its respective owner.

How does the weak-spot dashboard work?

As you practice, CertifyRN tracks performance by domain and shows which areas need the most work, so your study targets your weakest domains first. Full exam simulation mirrors real testing conditions.

CertifyRN is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or the AACN Certification Corporation. CCRN® is a registered trademark of its respective owner, used here for identification only. CertifyRN provides original practice materials and does not reproduce official exam content.