Here is how the PCCN pass mark works, from AACN Certification Corporation's exam handbook.
The short answer
AACN doesn't publish a fixed number. A panel sets the passing point, and you're measured against it, not against other nurses.
The exam has 150 questions: 125 scored and 25 unscored, in 3 hours, at a PSI test center or by live remote proctoring. The passing point comes from a modified Angoff study.
Checked October 24, 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Results show on screen when you finish. A detailed score report is emailed within 24 hours.
If you didn't pass
You can take the same exam up to four times in a rolling 12 months. The retest fee is $185 for AACN members and $290 for nonmembers. The ICU exam works the same way: CCRN passing score.
More questions
What is the passing score for the PCCN?
AACN does not publish a fixed number. The passing point is set by a modified Angoff panel.