At the top of this page, you’ll find a button that provides full access to the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) practice test. Just below, there is an option for a comprehensive practice test, designed for an in-depth review. These tests are essential for demonstrating your skills, pinpointing areas for improvement, and refining your study strategy.

To enhance your preparation further, particularly in areas that require more attention, we have developed specialized quizzes. These quizzes are carefully crafted to focus on specific aspects of the CHPN exam, offering a targeted and efficient study experience.

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Domain Exams

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam is a comprehensive assessment tailored for experienced registered nurses in the hospice and palliative care fields. The exam covers several critical domains essential for effective patient care and professional practice. 

Below is a breakdown of these areas along with the focus of each:

Domain 1: Patient Care – Assessment and Planning

  • Number of Questions: 28
  • Focus: This section delves into the evaluation of patient needs and the development of appropriate care plans to address those needs. It emphasizes a nurse’s ability to assess patient conditions accurately and formulate effective management strategies.

Welcome to your CHPN Domain 1: Patient Care – Assessment and Planning

Domain 2: Patient Care – Pain Management

  • Number of Questions: 29
  • Focus: This area focuses on the nurse’s ability to manage pain, including understanding pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief methods. It tests the nurse’s knowledge of pain assessment and the application of interventions to alleviate pain.

Welcome to your CHPN Domain 2: Patient Care – Pain Management

Domain 3: Patient Care – Symptom Management

  • Number of Questions: 31
  • Focus: Nurses are evaluated on their ability to manage a variety of symptoms apart from pain, which may affect patient comfort and quality of life. This includes handling physiological and psychological symptoms effectively.

Welcome to your CHPN Domain 3: Patient Care – Symptom Management

Domain 4: Support, Education, and Advocacy

  • Number of Questions: 31
  • Focus: This domain covers the nurse’s role in providing emotional, informational, and advocacy support to patients and their families. It includes educating them about the illness, care processes, and available resources.

Welcome to your CHPN Domain 4: Support, Education, and Advocacy

Domain 5: Practice Issues

  • Number of Questions: 31
  • Focus: This section addresses the broader scope of hospice and palliative care practice, including ethical issues, professional standards, and policy matters that impact care delivery.

Welcome to your CHPN Domain 5: Practice Issues

Exam Domain# of Questions Description
Patient Care – Assessment and Planning28Focuses on evaluating patient needs and formulating care plans.
Patient Care – Pain Management29Involves the management of patient pain through various therapies.
Patient Care – Symptom Management31Deals with the management of symptoms other than pain to improve quality of life.
Support, Education, and Advocacy31Covers the support and education provided to patients and families, including advocacy for patient needs.
Practice Issues31Addresses broader professional issues, ethics, and standards in hospice and palliative care.

The CHPN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and is designed to be completed in three hours. It encompasses these five key domains, testing both specific knowledge and general competencies in hospice and palliative care nursing.

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam Breakdown

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam is a specialized certification designed for experienced registered nurses who provide end-of-life care. To qualify for the exam, you must have an unrestricted RN license in the United States, its territories, or Canada, and have completed either 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice in the last 12 months or 1,000 hours in the past 24 months​​.

Here’s a breakdown of the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam:

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must hold an active, unrestricted RN license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada.
    • Required experience: 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice within the last 12 months, or 1,000 hours within the last 24 months​​.
  • Exam Fees:
    • Regular fee: USD 415.
    • Discounted fee for HPNA members: USD 285.
    • “reTEST Assured” fee (for re-taking the exam): USD 125​.
  • Application Process:
    • Can be completed online or via a paper application if special accommodations are needed.
    • Online applications are managed through a partnership with the testing service PSI​.
  • Preparation Resources:
    • HPCC does not endorse specific materials but provides a Candidate Handbook and an Interactive Certification Review Course (USD 250 for members, USD 350 for non-members).
    • The course covers various topics including test-taking strategies and patient care​​.
  • Study Materials:
    • “Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam Review” by Springer Publishing offers a comprehensive review and practice quizzes​.
  • Certification and Recertification:
    • Certification through the HPCC includes potential scholarship opportunities for fees.
    • Recertification requirements involve continued practice and professional development​​.

How to Become CHPN Certified

To become a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), you need to meet several eligibility requirements and pass the CHPN exam. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this certification:

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must hold a current, unrestricted registered nurse license in the United States, its territories, or the equivalent in Canada.
  • You need to have completed at least 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice within the most recent 12 months or 1,000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to applying for the examination​​.

Application Process:

  • To apply for the CHPN exam, you need to complete an online application. This includes providing your RN license details, hospice and palliative care experience, and HPNA membership number if you’re a member to receive a discount. The application deadlines vary depending on the testing window you choose (March, June, September, or December)​​.
  • The exam fee is USD 415 for non-members and USD 285 for members of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)​.

Preparation for the Exam:

  • The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) does not recommend specific study materials but provides a candidate handbook and a detailed content outline on their website.
  • There are several preparatory courses available, including an interactive certification review course offered by HPNA, which covers various aspects of hospice and palliative care nursing. The course costs between USD 250 and USD 350 depending on your membership status​.

Taking the Exam:

  • The CHPN exam is administered by PSI, and you can choose to take it at a physical test center or via live remote proctoring. Upon passing the exam, you will receive your certification​.

Maintaining Certification:

  • To maintain your CHPN certification, you must complete specific continuing education and professional development requirements and apply for recertification periodically​.

Our Experience Teaching CHPN Candidates To Pass The Exam

At Career Employer, creating our Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) practice tests has been an extraordinary journey filled with notable successes and challenges. Driven by the diverse topics encompassed by the exam, we have tailored our resources to meet the distinct needs of our learners.

Our approach is meticulously designed to ensure that every student is thoroughly prepared to excel on the exam. We demonstrate our commitment to delivering a complete educational experience through the detailed and extensive content of our practice materials, underscoring our dedication to our students’ success.

Teaching the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification presents unique challenges and rewards for educators in this field. From a lecturer’s perspective, the role involves not only imparting detailed medical and nursing knowledge but also nurturing the critical thinking and compassionate skills required in palliative care.

  • Educational Scope: Lecturers cover comprehensive topics such as patient care assessment, pain and symptom management, support for patients and families, and professional practice issues.
  • Teaching Methods: Use of interactive case studies, knowledge checks, and scenario-based learning to ensure practical and theoretical understanding of palliative care.
  • Exam Preparation: Includes detailed content outlines, study tips, and structured review courses that help students identify their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Resources and Tools: Utilization of various educational tools and methods, including self-paced online modules, live virtual classes, and in-person sessions.
  • Credential Focus: The CHPN certification is designed for experienced registered nurses to validate their expertise in hospice and palliative care.
  • HPCC Role: While the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) offers the certification, it does not recommend specific materials but provides a framework for course development.

At Career Employer, our Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification practice tests are crafted by a dedicated team of experts, each endowed with extensive experience and specialized knowledge to optimally prepare candidates for the CHPN exam. Their profound expertise has empowered over 1,000 end-of-life care nurses to attain their CHPN certifications, employing a focused and customized approach that meets the specific demands of end-of-life care nursing.

Our team comprises seasoned professionals, each boasting over a decade of specialized experience in end-of-life care nursing. This depth of expertise ensures that our practice materials are not only developed by leading authorities in the field but are also highly effective in preparing candidates for success in their certification endeavors. Our unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that users of our materials are comprehensively prepared and confident in achieving their certification goals.

Effective Study Strategies and Methods

To effectively prepare for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam, a variety of study resources and strategies are recommended:

  1. Structured Courses and Online Learning:
    • The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) offers an interactive CHPN Certification Review Course that includes six modules covering topics from patient care to professional practice issues, providing an interactive and engaging learning experience with case studies and knowledge checks. This course can help in reinforcing content understanding and critical thinking application​.
    • Mometrix provides a comprehensive online CHPN Prep Course which includes lessons, flashcards, and practice tests, covering extensive topics like pain management, symptom management, and patient care. Their platform also offers test-taking strategies and a study guide tailored for the CHPN exam​​.
    • Nurse.com offers a self-paced Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) Certification Review Course that covers essential aspects such as pain assessment, symptom management, and support for caregivers, along with offering contact hours that can be beneficial for licensure requirements​.
  2. Books and Study Guides:
    • Springer Publishing provides a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam Review book, which is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of the exam material. They also offer free quizzes to gauge your preparation level​​.
  3. Practice Exams and Flashcards:
    • Regular practice with free quizzes and detailed rationales for answers as offered by various publishers like Springer Publishing and Mometrix can be beneficial. Mometrix also offers a set of digital flashcards which can be useful for on-the-go revision and reinforcing key concepts​​.
  4. Forums and Support Groups:
    • Engaging with online forums and study groups can also be helpful. While specific forums for CHPN exam prep weren’t identified in the searched resources, general nursing forums like AllNurses.com or TheNurseSpeak.com often have sections where users can share tips and experiences related to certification exams.
  5. Reviewing Exam Content Outlines and Candidate Handbooks:
    • It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the detailed content outline and candidate handbook provided by HPCC, which can be found on their official site. This will help ensure you cover all necessary topics and understand the exam format and rules.

Using a combination of these resources and strategies should provide a comprehensive preparation path for the CHPN exam. Remember, consistent study, understanding of core palliative care principles, and repeated practice through tests and quizzes are key to success.

Cost

CategoryMember CostNon-Member CostDetails
Examination FeeUSD 285USD 415Initial certification fee
Interactive Review CourseUSD 250USD 350Includes six modules, case studies, knowledge checks
Lecture Review CourseUSD 165USD 265Self-paced, voiceover slide presentations
Live Virtual Review CourseUSD 375USD 500One-day intensive course with subject matter experts
Retest FeeUSD 125USD 125Under the “reTEST Assured” program
Recertification FeeUSD 260USD 360Every four years

The cost of the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) board certification involves several components, including the examination fee, preparation courses, and any potential retake fees.

  1. Examination Fee:
    • For members of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), the fee is USD 285.
    • For non-members, the fee is USD 415.
  2. Preparation and Study Costs:
    • HPNA offers several educational resources. For example, an interactive online review course costs USD 250 for members and USD 350 for non-members. Another option, the Lecture Review Course, is available for USD 165 for members and USD 265 for non-members. There’s also a live virtual review course costing USD 375 for members and USD 500 for non-members​.
    • Additionally, there are free resources available, like practice tests and exam reviews from various websites that can help candidates prepare without additional costs​.
  3. Retake Fees:
    • If a candidate does not pass the exam and chooses to retake it under the “reTEST Assured” program, there is a fee of USD 125 per retake​.
  4. Recertification:
    • Recertification is required to maintain the CHPN credential. The renewal fee is USD 260 for HPNA members and USD 360 for non-members.
  5. Miscellaneous Costs:
    • Additional costs can include purchasing printed certificates and accessing digital resources, which might involve small fees for printing or delivery services​​.

The overall costs can vary based on whether one is a member of the HPNA, which courses or materials are chosen for exam preparation, and whether any exams need to be retaken. Therefore, candidates should consider both membership benefits and their specific preparation needs when budgeting for this certification.

Reliable Study Materials and Resources

To prepare for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification exam, there are several valuable resources available online:

  1. HPNA’s Interactive and Lecture Certification Review Courses: These include comprehensive modules covering topics like patient care, pain management, and professional practice issues. You can find more about these courses on the HPNA website, and they offer continuing education credits as well​​.
  2. Mometrix Study Guides and Flashcards: Mometrix offers a CHPN Exam Flashcard Study System, which is a well-organized collection of flashcards covering essential topics for the exam. This can be a helpful tool for memorizing important concepts and practice questions.
  3. Free Practice Tests and Quizzes: Websites like Mometrix and Springer Publishing offer free CHPN practice tests and quizzes. These can be excellent for testing your knowledge and identifying areas where you might need more study​​.
  4. Books and eBooks: There are several comprehensive study guides available for purchase, such as the CHPN Exam Review books by Springer Publishing and other publishers. These guides typically include detailed content outlines, practice questions, and study tips​.
  5. Online Forums and Communities: Engaging with online forums and communities, such as those found on nursing specialty sites or even broader platforms like Reddit, can provide support and tips from other nurses who are also preparing for the CHPN exam.

Each of these resources offers unique advantages, so you might find it beneficial to use a combination of them to ensure a well-rounded preparation.

Tips for Exam Day

For the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam, here are some tailored tips to help you on the day of the exam:

  1. Preparation: Engage with comprehensive prep courses and practice exams to ensure you’re familiar with the exam’s format and the types of questions you’ll encounter. Utilize resources such as the CHPN® Interactive Certification Review Course, which covers patient care, pain management, and professional practice issues, enhancing your understanding through case studies and knowledge checks​​.
  2. Test-Taking Strategy: Learn effective test-taking strategies. The CHPN prep courses often emphasize understanding the exam format, managing your time effectively during the test, and techniques for approaching challenging questions​.
  3. Day of the Exam: Ensure you bring all required documents, including the Authorization to Test, to the testing center. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to handle check-in procedures. For remote testing, set up your testing space according to the guidelines, ensuring a reliable internet connection, a functional webcam, and a quiet environment​.
  4. Physical and Mental Readiness: Rest well the night before, eat a balanced meal, and stay hydrated. Mental preparation is equally crucial; practice mindfulness or calming techniques if you find yourself anxious.
  5. After the Exam: Be aware that you can receive your scores immediately or within a few hours, depending on the mode of testing. If you need to retake the exam, there’s no limit to how many times you can do so, which might reduce the pressure of needing to pass on your first try​​.

These steps should help set you up for a successful exam day.

Post-Exam: Next Steps

After completing the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam, it’s important to consider several steps to further leverage your certification and continue your professional development:

  1. Reflect on the Exam Experience: Analyze which parts of the exam were challenging and review those areas. This can be beneficial if you ever need to recertify or assist colleagues who will take the exam.
  2. Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest in hospice and palliative care through ongoing education. Consider engaging with materials that cover new research, technologies, and best practices in your field.
  3. Join Professional Networks: Participate in forums and networks related to hospice and palliative care. This can enhance your professional growth and connect you with potential mentors and collaborators.
  4. Utilize Study Guides and Resources: Even post-exam, resources like the Mometrix Test Preparation’s CHPN Exam Secrets Study Guide can be useful for continuous learning. They provide comprehensive reviews on pain management, symptom management, care of patient and family, and professional issues which remain relevant throughout your career​​.
  5. Participate in Related Online Communities: Engaging with online communities and forums can provide support and further insights into the hospice and palliative care field. These platforms offer a space to discuss experiences, challenges, and solutions with peers who have also gone through similar certification processes.

By taking these steps, you can maximize the benefits of your certification, stay informed about advancements in your field, and enhance your professional practice.

References

  1. “CHPN Certification Preparation.” Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, advancingexpertcare.org. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/education-events/certification-prep/chpn/.
  2. “Credentials: CHPN.” Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, advancingexpertcare.org. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/hpcc/credentials/chpn/.
  3. “Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN).” Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, advancingexpertcare.org. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://portal.advancingexpertcare.org/HPNA/HPCC/CertificationWeb/CHPN.aspx.
  4. “CHPN Certification Requirements.” Springer Publishing, 3 May 2024. https://www.springerpub.com/blog/chpn-certification-requirements/.
  5. “CHPN Exam Prep.” Springer Publishing, 3 May 2024. https://www.springerpub.com/examprep/nursing/rn/chpn.
  6. “Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center.” advancingexpertcare.org. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/HPCC/.
  7. “Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.” advancingexpertcare.org. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/.
  8. “Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Exam Review.” Springer Publishing, 3 May 2024. https://www.springerpub.com/certified-hospice-and-palliative-nurse-chpn-exam-review-9780826119698.html.
  9. “CHPN Exam Guide.” Mometrix University, mometrix.com. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.mometrix.com/university/chpn/.
  10. “Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) Certification Review.” Nurse.com, 3 May 2024. https://www.nurse.com/ce/hospice-and-palliative-nursing-chpn-certification-review.
  11. “CHPN Practice Test.” Mometrix Test Preparation, mometrix.com. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.mometrix.com/academy/chpn-practice-test/.
  12. “Hospice and Palliative Nurse Test Review.” Test Prep Review, 3 May 2024. https://www.testprepreview.com/hospicepalliativenurse.htm.
  13. “Best Study Guide for CHPN Exam.” Conquer Your Exam, 3 May 2024. https://www.conqueryourexam.com/best-study-guide-for-chpn-exam/.
  14. “CHPN Practice Questions.” Springer Publishing, 3 May 2024. https://www.springerpub.com/chpn-practice-questions.
  15. “I know it’s not a CCRN or CEN, but I received my CHPN today.” Reddit, reddit.com. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.reddit.com/r/nursing/comments/elysm1/i_know_its_not_a_ccrn_or_cen_but_i_received_my/.
  16. “CHPN Exam Preparation Video.” YouTube, uploaded by user, 3 May 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Oz4WIGcIrw.
  17. “CHPN Exam Secrets Study Guide.” Alibris, 3 May 2024. https://www.alibris.com/Chpn-Exam-Secrets-Study-Guide-Unofficial-Exam-Review-and-Chpn-Practice-Test-for-the-Certified-Hospice-and-Palliative-Nurse-Test-2nd-Edition/book/52878042.
  18. “In search for good recommendations for CHPN exam.” Reddit, reddit.com. Accessed 3 May 2024. https://www.reddit.com/r/hospice/comments/1ble8dv/in_search_for_good_recommendations_for_chpn_exam/.
  19. “CHPN Exam Tips Video.” YouTube, uploaded by user, 3 May 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CR2LHTWr6c.

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