CPCA Overview

As you move through the CPC Program, you are required to take the CPCA, a performance standard assessment once every eight years during your second four-year cycle. The CPCA is not a pass/fail exam. The 150-question assessment covers knowledge in the four core knowledge domains of nurse anesthesia practice. 

  • Airway Management (34%)
  • Applied Clinical Pharmacology (24%)
  • Applied Physiology and Pathophysiology (24%)
  • Anesthesia Equipment, Technology, and Safety (18%)
The following content outline is provided as a guide to topics included in the CPCA. You can also test your knowledge using these practice questions. The bibliography lists the sources used by NBCRNA item writers to support questions on the CPCA.   

 

Schedule Your CPCA 

The CPCA is available year-round at a Pearson Vue testing center. All you need to do is complete the CPCA application via the NBCRNA portal, and then schedule the CPCA at the date and time that is most convenient for you.  

LOCATE A TEST CENTER

Important Notes About the CPCA 

  • After August 1, 2025, all CPCA exams must be taken at a test center.  

  • The cost to take the CPCA is $295. 

  •  A proctor will assist you with checking in and will observe you throughout the assessment session.  

  • You will use the center’s computer equipment and internet connection.   

  • The entire assessment session will be recorded.  

 

CPCA Scoring

The CPCA is designed to provide feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. Scores are measured against a defined performance standard to identify areas where additional study is needed. An official score report will be provided within one to two business days.   

CRNAs will maintain their certification, even if they do not meet the performance standard, but will be required to complete additional focused continuing education in any area where the performance standard is not met.   

CPCA FAQs

  • Q Will my performance on the CPCA affect my credential?

    No, your performance on the CPCA will not affect your CRNA credential as long as you successfully complete additional targeted continuing education--a minimum of one Class A credit--in any area where the performance standard is not met. The choice of additional continuing education, as well as the number of credits (at least one), is completely up to you. If you meet the standard, no additional credits are needed (outside of the standard CPC Program requirements).

  • Q When do I need to take the CPCA?

    You are required to take a CPCA once every eight years. You can take it anytime during your second 4-year cycle. The exact date is up to you, as long as the CPCA is completed at least six months before your credential renewal deadline.

    To see your personalized CPC Program Timeline, log into your portal on the NBCRNA website.

  • Q What is the cost?

    The cost of the CPC Assessment is $295.

    CRNAs who do not fulfill their CPCA requirement up to six months before their CPC renewal deadline will be assessed a CPCA overdue fee when scheduling their CPCA. The overdue fee is $75 if taken between three months to six months from their CPC renewal deadline, and $125 if the CPCA is taken less than three months from their CPC renewal deadline. CRNAs will not be able to renew their credential without completing the CPCA requirement.

  • Q Where can I take the CPCA?

    Limited online scheduling is available until July 31, 2025. After August 1, 2025, the exam must be taken at a testing center.

  • Q Did you participate in the CPC Assessment pilot?

    More than 1,500 CRNAs participated in the NBCRNA CPC Assessment (CPCA) beta/pilot study. For participants, this attempt counts towards the assessment component of your CPC compliance and you will not need to take the assessment again in this first 8-year CPC period. Either way, it is not a pass/fail exam. You can reach out to NBCRNA at support@nbcrna.com with any additional questions.

  • Q What do I need to do for remediation if I have a weak area identified after my CPCA results are reported to me?

    If you have a weak area, you must take at least one (1) additional Class A credit in each identified domain. The CPCA domains are:

    • Airway Management
    • Applied Clinical Pharmacology
    • Applied Physiology and Pathophysiology
    • Anesthesia Equipment, Technology, and Safety

    Any remedial credits required are in addition to the CPC Program requirements.  

    For example:

    Suppose you need remediation in Airway Management at the time of your renewal. In that case, you must have a minimum of 61 Class A credits, one (1) of which must be completed after your CPCA score result is reported and within the Airway Management section of the CPCA content outline.

    Credits completed before your CPCA result was reported or completed in a different category will not satisfy the remediation requirement.

    Please review the CPCA Content Outline available on our website for additional information: CPCA Content Outline