HPCC ACHPN Certification Exam Syllabus

Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the HPCC Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the HPCC ACHPN exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The HPCC Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Hospice and Palliative Care, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Advanced assessment and care planning, Symptom intervention and management, Education communication and professional practice within real-world settings like Hospice and palliative care services, Acute care hospitals and palliative care units, Home community and long-term care settings.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official HPCC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the HPCC ACHPN exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
HPCC ACHPN Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | HPCC Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse |
| Credential | HPCC Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) |
| Vendor | Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) |
| Exam Code | ACHPN » HPCC ACHPN Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based testing at PSI Test Centers or Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) |
| Exam Duration | 210 mins |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Passing Score | 500 (on a scale of 200–800) |
| Exam Price | $515 (USD) non-member, $355 HPNA member |
| Scheduling Window | March 1–31, June 1–30, September 1–30, December 1–31 |
| Schedule Exam | PSI |
| Sample Questions | HPCC ACHPN Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | HPCC ACHPN Certification Practice Exam |
HPCC ACHPN Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and Data Collection |
- Medical history and review of systems - Physical examination - Functional assessment - Psychosocial and spiritual assessment - Standardized assessment and prognostic tools - Signs and symptoms of serious illness - Advance care planning - Disease progression and prognostication - Signs of imminent death - Unique needs of specific populations |
29% |
| Intervention and Management |
- Diagnostic tests and procedures - Pharmacologic therapies - Non-pharmacologic interventions - Complementary and alternative interventions - Disease process and plan of care - Hospice and palliative care emergencies - Palliative sedation - Life support devices |
21% |
| Education and Communication |
- Age-appropriate teaching methods - Communication theory and principles within the context of hospice and palliative care - Strategies to overcome communication barriers - Cultural and spiritual competence - Grief, loss, and bereavement |
24% |
| Professionalism and Practice |
- Principles of biomedical ethics - Professional boundaries - Scope of practice - Opioid stewardship - National hospice and palliative care standards and guidelines - Self-care (burnout, compassion fatigue, moral distress) - Clinical decision making - Continuous quality improvement - Hospice criteria - Professional development |
25% |
The HPCC ACHPN certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Hospice and Palliative Care. The exam evaluates competencies such as Advanced assessment and care planning, Symptom intervention and management, Education communication and professional practice, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) working in settings such as Hospice and palliative care services, Acute care hospitals and palliative care units, Home community and long-term care settings.
To prepare effectively for the HPCC Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
- HPCC ACHPN Eligibility & Requirements |
- HPCC ACHPN Registration Process |
- HPCC Advanced Hospice and Palliative Nurse Study Guide |
- HPCC ACHPN Certification Overview |
- HPCC Advanced Hospice and Palliative Nurse Syllabus |
- HPCC ACHPN Preparation Time |
- HPCC ACHPN Passing Score |
- HPCC ACHPN Exam Format
