The American College of Chest Physicians introduced the CCAPP Certification Exam and educational program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants specializing in critical care.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- CHEST CCAPP Certification Launch: CHEST has introduced the Critical Care APP (CCAPP) Certification Exam and educational program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants specializing in critical care.
- Rigorous, standardized content: The exam, developed through a data-driven process, covers 11 key domains of critical care practice—from neurologic and cardiovascular systems to patient-centered care and ethics.
- Bridging the training gap: Supported by targeted educational materials, the program addresses the transition gap for advanced practice providers entering critical care.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched an educational program and formal certification exam in critical care for advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants/associates (PAs).
The CHEST Critical Care APP (CCAPP) Certification Exam was created using a rigorous and data-driven approach aligning with professional certification standards to determine the 11 topic areas on the exam. Questions focus on foundational areas for practicing critical care that are meaningful across different ICU environments.
Offering the opportunity to earn the CCAPP credential, the CCAPP Certification Exam is divided into the 11 domains that follow:
1. Neurologic System
2. Cardiovascular System and Shock
3. Pulmonary System
4. Gastrointestinal System
5. Renal, Endocrine, and Metabolic Systems
6. Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders
7. Infectious Disease
8. Diagnostics and Procedures
9. Special Considerations: Surgical, Trauma, and Obstetrics
10. Pharmacology and Toxicology
11. Patient-Centered Care, Health Equity, and Ethics
“Getting a certification from an organization like CHEST helps those we work with recognize the quality of the education that we’re getting and the quality of the certification that comes along with that designation,” said Allison Wynes, DNP, ACNP-BC, FCCP, member of the CHEST Critical Care APP Steering Committee. “The exam covers what every clinician needs to know when they’re working in critical care, whether you’re a physician or an advanced practice provider—it’s what our patients need, and it’s the care that we’re providing day to day.”
August 5 is the deadline to apply for the 2025 exam, which will be offered online between August 19 and September 30, 2025. Those whose applications are approved can take the exam any time between those dates.
In addition to the exam, the CHEST Critical Care APP Steering Committee has created educational materials designed for NPs and PAs in critical care.
“There is a gap in education from when an APP graduates a program to when they practice in an ICU,” said Leeah Sloan, MS, PA-C, Chair of the CHEST Critical Care APP Steering Committee. “Our training programs, both acute care nurse practitioner and physician associate programs, really don’t adequately prepare you for the level of care that you’re expected to provide. Training can be focused on what you’ll need to know as a generalist, which means that for APPs in critical care, a lot of education happens on the job. These educational materials bridge that gap.”
More information, including applications to take the certification exam, are available at the CHEST CCAPP Certification Exam webpage.
