CHPNA - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant
- Cost $125-$225
- Renews every 4 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) certification is a professional credential for nursing assistants who specialize in hospice and palliative care. Administered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) and accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), this certification recognizes the unique skills and knowledge required to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The CHPNA certification is designed for nursing assistants with experience in end-of-life care and wishing to demonstrate their commitment to high-quality hospice and palliative care.
Eligibility
Must be a working CNA with 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice in the past year or 1,000 hours in the past 2 years under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) before applying to take the CHPNA exam.
Completion Time: 2.5 hours
Cost:
Initial Certification $175 HPNA member or $225 nonmember
Retake through reTest Assured Program: $125
Course Format
Exam Format
The CHPNA exam consists of 110 questions, with 10 unscored, in the following categories:
Patient Care: Activities of Daily Living (32%)
Patient Status and Environment (28%)
Psychosocial/Spiritual Care of the Patient and Family (20%)
Professional Skills (20%)
Each question has 4 possible answers, with only 1 correct response. Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
Candidates taking the exam in person receive their score report before leaving the testing center. Candidates taking the exam online through Live Remote Proctoring receive a pass/fail notice on-screen at the end of the exam and a detailed score report via email within 24 hours. Exams receive a scaled score, with 500 as the minimum score required to pass.
Test Dates
The CHPNA exam is offered 4 times per year:
March 1 to March 31
Applications Start: December 1
Deadline for Online Applications: February 15
June 1 to June 30
Applications Start: March 1
Deadline for Online Applications: May 15
September 1 - September 30
Applications Start: June 1
Deadline for Online Applications: August 15
December 1 - December 31
Applications Start: September 1
Deadline for Online Applications: November 15
CHPNA exams are administered in person at PSI testing center locations.
CHPNA exams can also be taken online through Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).
Certification
Application Process
Complete the application and scheduling process online
Submit an official academic transcript showing the candidate's graduate degree and date conferred
Must include three comprehensive graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment and advanced pharmacology
Must include a clinical practicum of at least 500 hours
Submit payment
Schedule exam appointment after receiving eligibility confirmation
Renewal
To renew the CHPNA credential, applicants must take and pass the CHPNA exam before their current certification expires.
Renewal Fees
HPNA Members: $150
Nonmembers: $200
Continuing Education
Not applicable, CHPNA renewal requires retesting.
Other Resources
Related Certifications
The HPCC also offers the following certifications:
Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN)
Certified in Perinatal Loss Care (CPLC)
Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker – Certified (APHSW-C)
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Frequently asked questions
What other certifications does the HPCC offer besides the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)?
The HPCC also offers the following certifications:
Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN)
Certified in Perinatal Loss Care (CPLC)
Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker – Certified (APHSW-C)
Can I earn a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) online?
Yes you can earn a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) online.
What organization offers the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)?
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) offers the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA).
How many candidates passed the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) certification exam in 2022?
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) exam was passed by 320 (83.6%) out of a total of 383 candidates in 2022. The more you prepare the more likely it is that you'll pass the exam.
How often do I need to renew my Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) certification?
You must renew your Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) every four years by retaking the certification exam.
Who would benefit by obtaining the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) certification?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who work with hospice and palliative care patients could benefit from obtaining the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA).