CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification is designed for registered nurses specializing in caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses. This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in providing compassionate end-of-life care, symptom management, and support to patients and their families.

Completion Time: 3 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A current, active RN license.

• A minimum of two years of experience as a registered nurse, with substantial practice in hospice and palliative care.

• Completion of continuing education in hospice and palliative care, if required.

• Passing the CHPN certification examination.

Cost: $285 for HPNA members, $415 for non-members

Exam Format

You can complete your application and schedule your exam online. Once you submit your application information and payment, your eligibility will be verified and you will be informed whether you are eligible or not. If you are eligible, you will be prompted to schedule your exam appointment either at a PSI testing center or via live remote proctoring.

The CHPN is a computer-based exam that typically includes 150 multiple-choice questions covering pain and symptom management, psychosocial aspects of care, spiritual care, end-of-life care, and ethical/legal issues. Test length will vary depending on the number of questions answered correctly.

Certification Process

Gain relevant experience in hospice and palliative nursing.

Apply for the CHPN certification through a certifying organization like HPCC.

Meet the eligibility criteria and pass the CHPN certification examination. Candidates will receive an on-screen “pass” or “fail” at the end of the exam. A detailed score report will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

The minimum passing score for the examination is 500 on a scale of 200 to 800. 

CHPN certification requires renewal every 4 years.

Renewal involves completing continuing education credits in hospice and palliative care nursing and paying a recertification fee.

Continuing education for CHPNs may include updates in palliative care practices, pain management, emerging trends in end-of-life care, and communication skills in dealing with patients and families.

For specific information regarding Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) or other relevant nursing certifying bodies. These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for nurses specializing in hospice and palliative care.

Career Opportunities

CHPNs work in hospice programs, palliative care units, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.

They provide specialized nursing care to patients at the end of life, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and offer support and education to patients’ families.

The HPCC also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN)

• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)

• Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN)

• Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN)

• Certified in Perinatal Loss Care (CPLC)

• Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker – Certified (APHSW-C)