CCRN exam cost: member, non-member and retest fees
The computer-based CCRN exam costs $260 for AACN members and $375 for non-members, and a retest costs $185 for members and $290 for non-members. Renewal by exam is the same as the retest fee. Because AACN membership is cheaper than the $115 fee difference, joining before you apply is usually the lower-cost route.
Fees (CCRN Exam Handbook, July 2026)
| AACN member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer-based exam | $260 | $375 |
| Retest | $185 | $290 |
| Renewal by exam | $185 | $290 |
The member/non-member gap is $115 on a first attempt. Compare that against current AACN membership dues before you pay the non-member rate; for most candidates joining first is the cheaper path, and fees are subject to change without notice, so confirm on AACN's site at the moment you apply.
Other costs
Group discounts exist for 10 or more candidates applying together, and employers can pre-purchase exam vouchers at a further discount — worth asking your educator about before you pay personally.
The expensive part is not the fee
A failed attempt costs the retest fee plus the delay. The diagnostic and study planner on this site are free; use them to decide whether you are ready before you apply, because the eligibility period starts when you apply, not when you start studying.
Enter your exam date and weekly hours; we allocate time by blueprint weight × your weak spots.
Primary references
- CCRN Exam Handbook — Direct Care (July 2026) — AACN Certification Corporation · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22