ACCNS-AG (Adult-Gero) - CNS Wellness through Acute Care
- Cost $265-$375
- Renews every 5 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (Wellness Through Acute Care) (ACCNS-AG) is an entry-level certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) for graduate-level clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) with an RN or APRN license. The credential allows CNSs to provide continuous advanced nursing care across the healthcare range, from wellness to acute care to adult-gerontology patients.
Course Format
Exam Format
The ACCNS exam is a 3.5-hour computer-based test with 175 multiple-choice questions. The exam consists of 150 scored questions, and the remaining 25 gather statistical data.
The ACCNS-AG test plan includes the following domains:
Clinical judgment (65%)
Cardiovascular (13%)
Pulmonary (11%)
Endocrine (4%)
Hematology, immunology, and oncology (3%)
Gastrointestinal (5%)
Renal and genitourinary (4%)
Integumentary (1%)
Musculoskeletal (3%)
Neurology (5%)
Psychosocial, behavioral, and cognitive health (4%)
Factors influencing health statuses, such as risk assessment, prevention and wellness (4%)
Multisystem (9%)
Professional caring and ethical practice (35%)
Advocacy and moral agency (4%)
Caring practices(6%)
Response to diversity (3%)
Facilitation of learning (5%)
Collaboration (5%)
Systems Thinking (6%)
Clinical Inquiry (6%)
Candidates are also tested on validated competencies, skills and procedures appropriate for RNs or APRNs.
Completion Time: Candidates have 3.5 hours to complete the ACCNS-AG exam
Cost: $265 for AACN members / $375 for non-members
Testing Options
PSI Testing Centers administer on-site testing. Candidates may also opt for Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) to take the exam on their home computer or another computer, free from distractions.
Rescheduling, Cancellations, and Extensions
A candidate may reschedule or cancel the exam up to 48 hours before the scheduled exam.
Log into the AACN customer dashboard
Click Certification to reschedule the exam
Click “My Certifications” and “Manage Appointment”
Receive a rescheduling confirmation email with the new date and time
Refunds aren’t given for missed appointments
$100 applies when requesting an exam extension
Before the Exam
Report to the PSI Testing Center at scheduled time
Candidates aren’t admitted if more than 15 minutes late
Complete guided check-in process with proctor
Show a current government-issued ID with a photograph and signature
Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, state identification, international travel passport or a U.S. Visa
Name must match the AACN record
No temporary or military identifications accepted
Leave forbidden reference materials and personal items in a secured vehicle
Follow proctor to assigned computer testing carrell
Enter social security number or AACN customer number
Follow on-screen instructions for logging in
Take a photograph, displayed on-screen throughout testing
Taking the Exam
Take the practice exam to get familiar with testing software
Time to take practice exam doesn’t count toward actual timed exam
Display a timer on-screen by clicking the TIME button on the screen's lower right-hand corner
Exam automatically ends when candidates reach the time limit
Answer questions that display one at a time
Question number appears on lower right-hand corner of screen
Click the appropriate answer choice located in the lower-left section of the screen
Click the forward arrow in the lower right corner to move to the next question
Click on back arrow to return to previous question
Leave a question unanswered and return to it later by bookmarking the question
Click on the double arrows to advance through all unanswered questions
Reaching the end of the exam triggers notification of unanswered questions
Return to the unanswered questions if time permits
Confirm the end of the exam
During the Exam
Candidates may not ask questions about the content
Testing center supplies a digital notepad to use as scratch paper
All computer screens, questions and printed materials are the property of AACN Certification Corporation and PSI and may not be copied
Breaks are considered part of the exam time and not compensated
Leaving the testing area unauthorized voids the exam
No smoking, eating or drinking during the exam
Before the Exam
Log in to the AACN customer dashboard by clicking “Take Exam” or “Launch Exam”
Perform the guided check-in process with a proctor, around 60 minutes
Present a government-issued ID with a photograph and signature.
Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, state identification, international travel passport, or a U.S. Visa
Name must match AACN records
No temporary or military identifications accepted
Submit a captured photo of self and ID, and a scan of the room using webcam
During the Exam
No headphones, electronics, cell phones, tablets, notes or reference materials allowed
No chewing gum, smoking, food or drinks except for clear-bottled water
No talking, whispering or mouthing
Ensure face remains visible
Computer must rest on a desk or table
Hands must be placed on or above the workspace area
Logging in more than 30 minutes past scheduled exam time prevents access
Candidates may not ask questions about the content
Digital notepad provided as scratch paper
Add comments about a question by clicking the COMMENT button
Breaks are considered part of the exam time and not compensated
Leaving the testing area unauthorized voids the exam
Taking the Exam
Open exam in the secured browser that prevents access to other browsers, screen sharing, recording, copying or pasting and extended/dual monitors
Take the practice exam to get familiar with testing software
Time to take practice exam doesn’t count toward actual timed exam
Display a timer on-screen by clicking the TIME button on the screen's lower right-hand corner
Exam automatically ends when candidates reach the time limit
Answer questions that display one at a time
Question number appears on lower right-hand corner of screen
Click the appropriate answer choice located in the lower-left section of the screen
Click the forward arrow in the lower right corner to move to the next question
Click on back arrow to return to previous question
Leave a question unanswered and return to it later by bookmarking the question
Click on the double arrows to advance through all unanswered questions
Reaching the end of the exam triggers notification of unanswered questions
Return to the unanswered questions if time permits
Confirm the end of the exam
Report technical issues to PSI’s technical support line at 844-267-1017
After the Exam
ACCNS-AG exam results appear on-screen after completion. A detailed report arrives via email within 24 hours. A wall certificate arrives via postal mail approximately 3 to 4 weeks after receiving exam results.
Certification may be verified using the online Certification Verification system the day after the exam. Candidates also may request a letter verifying their certificate.
Candidates may reapply to retest if they fail to report to the exam. If the original application is less than one year old, it may become reactivated by paying a retest fee. They must submit a new application and pay the retest fee If the application is older than one year. Retest fee is $205 for AACN members and $310 members.
Certification
Eligibility
Hold a current, valid, unrestricted and unencumbered RN or APRN license
Notify AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days of nursing license provisions or conditions
Completed a graduate-level advanced practice educational program with a concentration in adult-gerontology CNS at a nationally accredited nursing school by CCNE or ACEN, which covers wellness through acute care
Completed 500 supervised clinical practice hours concentrating in adult-gerontology CNS during a graduate-level nursing educational program
A portion of practice hours must relate to the wellness of adult-gerontology patients
Submit official and final transcripts of all graduate-level coursework indicating the degree and date conferred
Application Process
Submit an online application or paper application with all required documentation
Online application process immediately but paper applications may take 2 to 4 weeks for processing
Receive a receipt of the application notification email
Wait for a certification specialist to review the application and complete an evaluation
May take 1 to 4 weeks
Receive a confirmation email approving the application and all required documentation with a link to schedule the exam within the 180-day testing window
Determine preferred testing method, either PSI Testing Center or Live Remote Proctoring from a home computer
Schedule the exam at an approved testing center by using the link within the confirmation email
Schedule the exam through the AACN dashboard by clicking the “Schedule Exam” link
Renewal
AACN sends out renewal notifications four months before the scheduled renewal date.
Certificants should access their AACN account by following the below pathway:
Log in to the AACN account with the associated email or AACN customer number
Locate the AACN customer number on the most recent renewal notice
Initial password is candidate’s last name
Change the password after logging in or click “Forgot Password”
Verify and update account information to ensure the correct mailing address to receive the certificate
Verify and update the email address to receive renewal confirmations
Certificants who renew online receive their new ACCNS-AG certificate within 2 to 4 weeks.
Renewal Requirements
Maintain a current, valid, unrestricted and unencumbered RN or APRN license
Notify AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days of nursing license provisions or conditions
Pass the ACCNS-AG certification exam for adults and completion of CERPs
Complete 432 RN or APRN practice hours within the last five years, with 144 acquired within the 12 months before scheduled renewal date, focusing on critically ill adult patients
Accrued hours can be a combination of direct patient care or role practice and are verifiable by the clinical supervisor
Include hours supervising at the bedside and with other nurses
Majority of practice hours must involve critically ill adult patients
Submit written verification of practice hours from a supervisor or colleague (RN or physician)
Renewal Options
ACCNS-AG certification renewal includes one of three options.
1,000 practice hours and 150 CE credits
1,000 practice hours, 25 pharmacology CE credits and passing the ACCNS-AG exam
150 CE credits and passing the ACCNS-AG exam
Cost:
Practice Hours and CE Points: $250 for AACN members and $340 for members
Practice Hours, Exam and Pharma CE: $205 for members and $310 for members
CE Points and Exam: $200 for members and $305 for members
Continuing Education
Certification renewal requires continuing education contact hours. Candidates must complete 150 CE Points with a minimum of 75 in Category I: Education Programs (Wellness through acute care) and 25 in pharmacology CE.
Other Resources
The AACN provides comprehensive information about the application process, exam information, and resources to help study in the ACCNS-AG Exam Handbook.
The AACN offers three different subscriptions for practice exam and questions:
The Trial Version contains 30 questions and answers. Subscription is valid for seven days. Cost is free for both members and non-members.
The Basic Version contains 150 questions and answers. Subscription is valid for 30 days. Cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.
The Premium Version contains a bank of randomized exam questions and answers. Subscription is valid for 180 days. Cost is $70 for members and $80 for non-members.
Related Certifications
A candidate must have an RN or APRN license to be eligible for ACCNS-AG (Adult-Gero) accreditation. Other related certifications include:
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC-AG) accreditation allows ACNPs to provide continuous advanced nursing care to acutely ill adult-gerontology patients.
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification (Wellness through Acute Care) (ACCNS-P) certification is an entry-level certification from AACN for graduate-level clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) with an RN or APRN license
Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification (Wellness through Acute Care) (ACCNS-N) is an entry-level certification from AACN for graduate-level clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) with an RN or APRN license
Other related certifications include the GAPNA APRN Gerontological Specialist Certification (GS-C).
Frequently asked questions
Does the ACCNS-AG certification exam have accreditation?
Yes, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits the ACCNS-AG exam.
Do the nursing state boards accept the ACCNS-AG exam?
Yes, AACN is a member of the American Board of Nursing Specialties and label their certifications as board-certified, meaning they’re issued from a nationally-accredited organization governed by a board of directors.
What are the ACCNS-AG renewal requirements?
The ACCNS-AG renewal period is every five years, and renewing candidates must complete one of the following renewal options:
1,000 practice hours and completion of 150 CE credits
1,000 practice hours, passing the ACCNS-AGexam and completion of 25 pharma CE
150 CE points and passing the ACCNS-AG exam
What are the ACCNS-AG eligibility requirements?
ACCNS-AG eligibility requirements align with NCSBN’s Criteria for APRN Certification Programs and Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing. Candidates should refer to the ACCNS-AG Exam Handbook for more information.
What is the ACCNS-AG pass rate in 2021?
All professional healthcare certifications can be difficult without appropriate study and preparation. Of the 96 candidates who took the ACCNS-AG exam in 2021, 89.1% passed the first time but 8 failed the exam.
What other certifications does the AACN offer besides the ACCNS-AG?
What organization offers the ACCNS-AG?
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers the ACCNS-AG.