One option for taking your certification exam is going to a testing center. AACN Certification Corporation's exam administrator and testing service partner, PSI, offers in-person computer-based testing at more than 300 locations nationwide.
To locate the nearest testing center, please explore PSI's Testing Center Map.
Note: PSI testing centers adhere to all COVID-19 state and local ordinances. Facemasks are optional and may be worn by employees and test takers within PSI test sites. Test takers are required to bring their own facemasks to the PSI test site if they choose to wear one.
What to Expect
Your Exam Day Experience
This short video from PSI provides an overview of a typical testing center exam experience.
Check-in Process
- Please arrive at the testing center 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment.
- Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a proctor who will guide you through the check-in process. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled exam time, you will not be admitted.
- At check-in, you will be asked to present a government-issued ID that includes your photograph and signature. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, state/province ID, U.S. visa or international travel passport. Your ID must match the name in your AACN customer record.
- You will be asked to store any unauthorized personal items in a secure storage unit. Before entering the testing area, you will be asked to empty your pockets and a Test Center Administrator (TCA) will conduct a standard security scan with a metal detector wand to ensure that no unauthorized items are admitted into the testing room.
Taking the Exam
- No reference material or personal items may be taken into the testing center ― please leave these at home or in your vehicle. If you require a disability exemption from this policy, please refer to our ADA Accommodations information.
- Once seated at a computer, be prepared to have your photograph taken.
- After you have taken the optional practice test, your exam will begin.
- Scratch paper will be provided by the test center upon request
- Breaks are permitted, but they are considered part of your exam time.
After the Exam
- Upon completing the exam, your results will appear on-screen. A detailed score report will be emailed to you within 24 hours of exam completion.
- The day after you take your exam, your certification will appear in AACN's online Certification Verification system. This is where you can request to have a letter verifying your certification emailed to anyone, including yourself, your employer and/or your state board(s) of nursing.
For additional details about this testing option and the most current certification exam policies and procedures, please refer to the Certification Exam Policy Handbook.