CCHP-RN - Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse

  • Cost $320
  • Renews every year

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

Certified Correctional Health Professional Registered Nurse certification (CCHP-RN) validates the knowledge and skills of registered nurses who have experience and demonstrated a passion for working with the incarcerated population. The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers the CCHP exam and certification.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Unrestricted RN license

  • Current certification as a CCHP

  • Two years of full-time practice or equivalent as a registered nurse

  • 2,000 practice hours completed in a correctional facility within the last three years

  • 54 hours (18 specific to correctional health) of continuing education credits approved for nursing within the last three years 

Completion Time: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the CCHP-RN exam

Cost:

  • Application fee: $320

    • $15 surcharge for mailing or faxing paper applications

  • Testing fee:

    • NCCHC site or affiliate: Free

    • Prometric Center: $50

    • Remote: $50

Course Format

Exam Format

The CCHP-RN certification exam consists of 70 to 100 questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete it with the passing score determined by the CCHP Board of Trustees. They receive Pass/Fail results by mail within two weeks of completing the exam. CCHP-RN exam topics include: 

  • Clinical Management of Inmate-Patients (45-50%)

  • Professional Role and Responsibilities (30-35%)

  • Health Promotion and Maintenance (8-12%)

  • Promotion Of Safe and Secure Health Care Environment (5-10%)

In Person

Applications sent by mail take 3 to 4 weeks to process. Online applications generate an immediate confirmation, though documentation review may take longer. After application approval, candidates receive an email with further directions.

There are two options for in person testing. Traditional paper testing with Scantron score sheets offered at NCCHC conferences and by regional partners or computerized testing offered at over 900 ProMetric locations.

To test at an NCCHC or affiliate sponsored event, candidates must contact the sponsor of the event directly to schedule testing on the date and location on the Exam calendar.

Applicants may self-register for the exam after receiving their Authorization to Test from NCCHC. Register online or by calling Prometric at (800) 998-1942.

Online

In approximately one week candidates receive an email with further directions. Online testing requires candidates to have a webcam, either built in or added on. There’s a $50 fee for online testing. More information about testing is provided after application approval.

Certification

Steps to certification:

  • Go to the CCHC Application

  • Click “Apply Now”

  • Create an account

  • Complete application

  • Pay application fee

  • Submit documentation to the NCCHC within three month of initial application, including:

    • Professional license or proof of licensure eligibility

    • Completed application in 3-ring binder with appropriately labeled tabs

    • Three letters of recommendation sent directly to the CCHP Board of Trustees 

    • $320 application fee

Renewal

CCHP-RN credentials are valid for one year. To be eligible for renewal the CCHP-RNs must:

  • Maintain professional license with good standing

  • Complete 18 contact hours of mental health continuing education

    • 6 contact hours specific to correctional health care

    • 12 additional hours of mental health continuing education

  • Complete a Renewal Application

  • Pay recertification fees

Cost

  • Online renewal $100 / Faxed or mailed renewal $115

  • Late fee $25

Continuing Education

Part of the renewal process requires 18 contact hours. All contact hours must be related to nursing and at least 6 must be related to correctional health.

Approved correctional health continuing education can be found at:

Other Resources

Related Certifications

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Advanced (CCHP-A) credentials are ideal for healthcare professionals who have maintained CCHP certification for three years

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) credentials are ideal for health professionals working in correctional heath

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Mental Health (CCHP-MH) credentials are ideal for mental health professionals working in correctional health

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Frequently asked questions

Who should get the CCHP-RN certification?

CCHP-RN certification is appropriate for registered nurses who have worked in correctional health for three years.

What other specialty exams besides CCHP-RN are offered by NCCHC?

In addition to CCHP-RN, the NCCHC offers specialty certification to physicians (CCHP-P) and mental health professionals (CCHP-MH). Other healthcare professionals can obtain certification as medical correctional medical health professionals.

How much does the CCHP-RN certification exam cost?

The CCHP-RN application costs $320 with a $50 surcharge or computer testing completed remotely or in person. A paper and pencil version of the exam can be taken for no additional charge.

What happens if I fail the CCHP-RN exam?

If you fail the CCHP-RN exam, you may retake it up to 3 times per year for an additional examination fee of $45 per attempt.

How long will I have to wait after taking the CCHP-RN exam to get my results?

You should receive your CCHP-RN exam results within two weeks of taking it.

What other certifications does the NCCHC offer besides the CCHP-RN?

The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) also offers the following certifications:

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Advanced (CCHP-A)

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP)

  • Certified Correctional Health Professional Mental Health (CCHP-MH)

What organization offers the CCHP-RN?

The National Commision on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers the CCHP-RN.

Can I earn a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) online?

Yes you can earn a Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse (CCHP-RN) online.