CAPA - Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia nurse

The Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification is a specialized credential for nurses who provide care to patients undergoing ambulatory (outpatient) anesthesia. Offered by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABPANC), this certification validates a nurse’s expertise in pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia care, particularly in an ambulatory setting. It recognizes proficiency in patient assessment, patient monitoring and the provision of postoperative care for patients who have undergone anesthesia.

Eligibility

• Current unrestricted Registered Nurse license

• At least 1,200 hours of direct clinical experience in the 2 years prior to applying

Completion Time: 3 hours

Cost: $350 (ASPAN members) or $424 (non-members)

Exam Format

The CAPA certification exam has 185 multiple-choice questions total, with 140 scored. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. Once you finish your exam or after the 3-hour time limit expires, whichever comes first, you receive your official Score Report indicating whether you passed. Log into your account to see your Score Report. Scaled scores between 200 and 800 are possible, with 450 or higher required to pass.

If you pass, you don’t receive a numerical score, just a notice that you’ve passed. Those who don’t pass receive their total score and scale score values in each of the three domains tested to let them know where to focus their studies for future attempts. These candidates may re-apply during the next available exam administration window but not the same one in which they failed the exam.

Test Dates

Spring Exam:

• Registration Window (Online): January 1 - April 20

• Exam Administration Window: March 15 - May 15

Fall Exam:

• Registration Window (Online): July 1 - October 31

• Exam Administration Window: September 15 - November 15

Renewal is required every 3 years. To recertify, candidates must:

• Have a current, unrestricted RN license

• Complete at least 900 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice

• Retake and pass the certification exam (option available through November 15, 2026) or earn 70 perianesthesia-related continuing education (CE) contact hours

Renewal Fees

By Re-examination

• ASPAN Members $350

• Non-members $424

By Continuing Education (CE)

• ASPAN Members $200

• Non-members $315

70 hours of perianesthesia continuing education activities over each three-year period.

• Practice Exams

• Study References

• Candidate Handbook

• CAPA Exam Blueprint

• CAPA Study Guide

• Connect with a Coach

• CAPA Flashcards

• CAPA Question of the Week

Eligible applicants may earn dual certification by passing the CAPA exam and the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) exam.