CHPN

Candidate Handbook
®

Certified Hospice and

Palliative Nurse (CHPN®)
Computer Based Examination

April 2020
September 2015
 The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) provides specialty certification examinations for health
care professionals: advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, pediatric registered nurses, licensed
practical/vocational nurses, nursing assistants, and perinatal loss care professionals. Information regarding the
hospice and palliative registered nurse examination, testing policies and procedures and an application form can
be found in this Candidate Handbook. Candidate Handbooks for other HPCC certification examinations are also
available. HPCC certification exams are computer-based and offered at PSI Test Center locations. Deadlines are
firm and strictly enforced.
All inquiries regarding the certification program should be addressed to HPCC.
HPCC
One Penn Center West, Suite 425
Pittsburgh, PA 15276
Telephone: 412-787-1057
Fax: 412-787-9305
Email: [email protected]
Website: advancingexpertcare.org/certification

PSI is the professional testing company contracted by HPCC to assist in the development, administration, scoring
and analysis of the HPCC certification examinations.
All inquiries regarding the application process, test administration and the reporting of scores should be
addressed to PSI.
PSI
18000 W. 105th St.
Olathe, KS 66061-7543
Telephone: (Toll free) 833-256-1422
Fax: 913-895-4651
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.goAMP.com
Your signature on the application certifies that you have read all portions of this Candidate Handbook and
application.

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Recognition of Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About the HPCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Renewal of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Ethical Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Misuse of Certification Credentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Testing Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Grounds for Disciplinary Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
HPCC Processing Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Revocation of Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Examination Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Questions and Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Examination Windows and Application Deadlines. . . . . . . . 2 Re-Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Test Center Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Study Advice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Applying for an Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Test-Taking Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Examination Appointment Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SECTION 2: CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR
Requests for Special Examination Accommodations. . . . . . . 3 HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE REGISTERED NURSES. . . . . . . . . . 9
HPNA Membership Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Accreditation of the Certification Examination. . . . . . . . . . . 9
Forfeiture of Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Audits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Definition of Hospice and Palliative Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Eligibility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Renewal of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
On the Day of Your Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Examination Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Examination Content. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Personal Belongings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Detailed Content Outline Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Examination Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Drug Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Misconduct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Detailed Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Copyrighted Examination Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sample Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Practice Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Suggested References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Timed Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2020 HPCC EXAMINATION APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Candidate Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
TRANSFER OF APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Inclement Weather or Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Report of Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATION
ACCOMMODATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Duplicate Score Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS. . . . . . 24

Copyright © 2020. Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or recording, or any information and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).
Rev. 4/27/2020
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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination ii

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 1

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

ABOUT THE HPCC 3. Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge required
for certification in hospice and palliative care.
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) was
incorporated in 1993 as the National Board for Certification of 4. Providing a national standard of requisite knowledge
Hospice Nurses (NBCHN) to develop a program of certification required for certification; thereby assisting the employer,
for the specialty practice of hospice and palliative nursing. The public and members of the health professions in the
HPCC has been affiliated with the Hospice Nurses Association assessment of hospice and palliative care.
(HNA), now Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA),
since its inception. The first Certification Examination for Hospice TESTING AGENCY
Nurses was given in 1994, and in 1998, initial certificants were PSI Services is the professional testing agency contracted by the
required to renew their credential for the first time. HPCC has HPCC to assist in the development, administration, scoring and
expanded its mission and now provides specialty examinations analysis of the HPCC certification examinations. PSI services
for several members of the nursing team: advanced practice also include the processing of examination applications and the
registered nurses, registered nurses, pediatric registered nurses, reporting of scores to candidates who take the examinations.
licensed practical/vocational nurses, nursing assistants and PSI is a leader in the testing industry, offering certification,
perinatal loss care professionals. Currently there are over licensing, talent assessment and academic solutions worldwide.
16,000 individuals certified by HPCC.
The HPCC Board of Directors is a competency-based Board HPCC PROCESSING AGREEMENT
that oversees all aspects of the certification program. The HPCC agrees to process your application subject to your
composition of the Board includes certified representatives from agreement to the following terms and conditions:
HPCC certification programs, a certified nurse from another
1. To be bound by and comply with HPCC rules relating to
speciality, and a non-nurse consumer member. HPCC has the
eligibility, certification, renewal and recertification, including,
responsibility for development, administration and maintenance
but not limited to, payment of applicable fees, demonstration
of the examinations in conjunction with a testing agency, PSI.
of educational and experiential requirements, satisfaction
of annual maintenance and recertification requirements,
STATEMENT OF compliance with the HPCC Grounds for Sanctions and other
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY standards, and compliance with all HPCC documentation
and reporting requirements, as may be revised from time to
The HPCC does not discriminate among applicants on the basis
time.
of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual
orientation or marital status. 2. To hold HPCC harmless and to waive, release and exonerate
HPCC, its officers, directors, employees, committee members,
and agents from any claims that you may have against HPCC
CERTIFICATION arising out of HPCC’s review of your application, or eligibility
The HPCC endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic for certification, renewal, recertification or reinstatement,
certification for all hospice and palliative advanced practice conduct of the examination, or issuance of a sanction or
registered nurses, registered nurses, pediatric registered nurses, other decision.
licensed practical/vocational nurses, nursing assistants and 3. To authorize HPCC to publish and/or release your contact
professionals in perinatal loss care. It focuses specifically on information for HPCC approved activities and to provide
the individual and is an indication of current competence in your certification or recertification status and any final or
a specialized area of practice. Certification in hospice and pending disciplinary decisions to state licensing boards
palliative care is highly valued and provides formal recognition or agencies, other healthcare organizations, professional
of competence. associations, employers or the public.
The purpose of certification is to promote delivery of 4. To only provide information in your application to HPCC
comprehensive palliative care through the certification of that is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You
qualified hospice and palliative professionals by: agree to denial of eligibility, revocation or other limitation of
1. Recognizing formally those individuals who meet the your certification, if granted, should any statement made on
eligibility requirements for and pass an HPCC certification this application or hereafter supplied to HPCC is found to
examination or complete the recertification process. be false or inaccurate or if you violate any of the standards,
rules or regulations of HPCC.
2. Encouraging continuing personal and professional growth in
the practice of hospice and palliative care.

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 2

EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION 1. Online Application and Scheduling: You may complete

the application and scheduling process in one online
The HPCC Examination is delivered by computer at approximately
session by visiting advancingexpertcare.org/certification.
300 PSI Test Centers geographically located throughout the
The computer screens will guide you through the applica-
United States. The examination is administered by appointment
tion/scheduling process. After the application informa-
only Monday through Friday. Appointment starting times may
tion and payment using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard,
vary by location. Evening and Saturday appointments may be
AMEX, Discover) have been submitted, eligibility will be
scheduled based on availability. Candidates are scheduled on a
confirmed or denied and you will be prompted to schedule
first-come, first-served basis. The examination is not offered on
an examination appointment or supply additional eligibility
holidays during the four offered windows – Labor Day and the
information.
Christmas Holiday (December 24-26).
OR
EXAMINATION WINDOWS AND 2. Paper Application and Scheduling: Complete and mail
APPLICATION DEADLINES to PSI the paper application included in this handbook
Applications that are received before the application “Start and appropriate fee (credit card, personal check, cashier’s
Date” or after the application “Deadlines” as posted below will check or money order). A paper application is considered
be returned to the applicant unprocessed. complete only if all information requested is complete,
legible and accurate; if the candidate is eligible for the
Applications are processed for the corresponding testing examination; and if the appropriate fee accompanies the
window ONLY as indicated in the chart below. application. A paper application that is incomplete or
late will be returned, unprocessed.
Paper Online
TESTING Application PSI will process the paper application and within
Application Application
WINDOW Start Date approximately two weeks will send a confirmation notice
Deadline Deadline
March 1 – including a website address and toll-free telephone number
December 1 January 15 February 15 to contact PSI to schedule an examination appointment
March 31
(see following table). If eligibility cannot be confirmed,
June 1 – notification why the application is incomplete will be sent.
March 1 April 15 May 15
June 30 If a confirmation of eligibility notice is not received within 4
weeks, contact PSI at 833-256-1422.
September 1 –
June 1 July 15 August 15
September 30
If you contact PSI by 3:00 p.m. Your examination may be
December 1 – Central Time on … scheduled as early as …
September 1 October 15 November 15
December 31 Monday Wednesday

To apply for an HPCC examination, complete the application Tuesday Thursday

online or mail the application included with this handbook Wednesday Friday (Saturday if available)
to PSI. All applications must be RECEIVED at PSI by the Thursday Monday
application deadline.
Friday Tuesday
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses applying for initial
certification MUST submit transcripts as part of the application Be prepared to confirm a location and a preferred date and time
process. for testing. You will be asked to provide your unique identification
number that was provided on your confirmation notice. When
TEST CENTER LOCATIONS you call to schedule an appointment for examination, you will
A current listing of approximately 300 Test Centers with specific be notified of the time to report to the Test Center. Please make
address information can be viewed at advancingexpertcare.org/ a note of it because you will NOT receive an admission letter
certification. with appointment confirmation. If an email address is provided
you will be sent an email confirmation notice.

APPLYING FOR AN EXAMINATION You are allowed to take only the examination scheduled.
Unscheduled candidates (walk-ins) are not tested.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
There are two ways to apply for the HPCC Certification
Examination. Candidates may access the application process
EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT
through the HPCC at advancingexpertcare.org/certification. CHANGES
FAXED APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. You may reschedule an appointment for examination at no
charge once by calling PSI at 833-256-1422 or rescheduling
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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 3

online at www.goAMP.com AT LEAST TWO BUSINESS DAYS 4. arrives more than 15 minutes late for the examination
prior to the scheduled examination session (see following appointment; or
table). Appointments MUST be rescheduled within the SAME 5. fails to provide proper identification at the Test Center
TESTING WINDOW.
6. fails to submit required audit documentation if selected for
You must contact PSI by 3:00 p.m. audit
If your Examination is
Central Time to reschedule the will forfeit the examination fee and must reapply for the
scheduled on …
Examination by the previous … examination by submitting a new application, documentation
Monday Wednesday and full examination fee, or request a transfer.
Tuesday Thursday
Wednesday Friday AUDITS
Thursday Monday To ensure the integrity of eligibility requirements, HPCC will
audit a percentage of randomly selected applications each
Friday Tuesday year. Candidates whose applications are selected for audit
Saturday Wednesday will be notified and required to provide documentation of their
professional license and verification of practice hours.
REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL
EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS TRANSFERS
The HPCC and PSI comply with the Americans with Disabilities Candidates who, for any reason, are unable to sit for the
Act (ADA) and are interested in ensuring that individuals with examination in the window for which they applied, may request
disabilities are not deprived of the opportunity to take the a transfer. This transfer will allow the candidate to forward their
examination solely by reason of a disability, as required and application fee to the next testing window only. Extensions of
defined by the relevant provisions of the law. Special testing transfers will not be permitted.
arrangements may be made for these individuals, provided that Request for this transfer must be made in writing using the
an appropriate written application request for accommodation Transfer of Application form at the back of this handbook, and
is received by PSI by the application deadline and the request sent to PSI via mail or facsimile along with a $100 transfer
is approved. Please complete the two-page Request for Special fee. The request must be received no later than 30 days
Examination Accommodations form included in this handbook. following the last day of the original testing window. Once the
This form must be signed by an appropriate professional and request is received and processed, the candidate will receive
submitted to PSI with this application. notification from PSI with instructions regarding scheduling their
appointment when the next application window opens.
HPNA MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT
Telephone calls and/or electronic mail messages are not accepted
The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association is a membership as transfer requests. However, a phone call should be made to
organization offering only individual memberships. Affiliated PSI (833-256-1422) to cancel the scheduled appointment.
with HPCC, HPNA is a nursing membership organization whose
mission is to advance expert care in serious illness. Transfer requests made after the timeframe outlined on page 3
will not be honored.
Persons applying for a certification examination who are current
HPNA members PRIOR to applying for the HPCC examination
are entitled to the HPNA member discounted examination fee REFUNDS
as a membership benefit. See “Examination Fees” section for Due to the nature of computer based testing and the ability
the applicable examination. Candidates MUST include their to reschedule your appointment within the testing window, no
HPNA membership number on their exam application in order refund requests will be honored. Candidate substitutions are
to receive the discounted fee. not permitted.

FORFEITURE OF FEE
A candidate who:
1. does not schedule an examination appointment within the
selected testing window;
2. fails to reschedule an examination within two business days
prior to the scheduled testing session;
3. fails to report for an examination appointment;

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 4

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS

EXAMINATION No personal items, valuables, or weapons should be brought
On the day of your examination appointment, report to the to the Test Center. Only wallets and keys are permitted. Coats
Test Center no later than your scheduled testing time. Once must be left outside the testing room. You will be provided a soft
you enter the Test Center, look for the signs indicating PSI Test locker to store your wallet and/or keys with you in the testing
Center check-in. IF YOU ARRIVE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES room. You will not have access to these items until after the
AFTER THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME YOU WILL NOT examination is completed. Please note the following items will
BE ADMITTED. not be allowed in the testing room except securely locked in the
soft locker.
To gain admission to the Test Center, you must present two • watches
forms of identification. The primary form must be government
• hats
issued, current and include your photograph. You will also
be required to sign a roster for verification of identity. No • wallets
temporary IDs are allowed. • keys

Examples of valid primary forms of identification are: Once you have placed everything into the soft locker, you will
be asked to pull out your pockets to ensure they are empty. If all
1. Driver’s license with photograph personal items will not fit in the soft locker you will not be able
2. State identification card with photograph to test. The site will not store any personal belongings.
3. Passport with photograph If any personal items are observed in the testing room after
4. Military identification card with photograph the examination is started, you will be dismissed and the
administration will be forfeited.
Employment ID cards, student ID cards, social security cards
and any type of temporary identification are NOT acceptable
as primary identification, but may be used as secondary EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS
identification if they include your name and signature. Candidates • Pencils will be provided during check-in.
are prohibited from misrepresenting their identities or falsifying
• You will be provided with one piece of scratch paper at a
information to obtain admission to the Test Center.
time to use during the examination, unless noted on the
At the testing carrel, you will be prompted on-screen to enter sign-in roster for a particular candidate. You must return the
your unique identification number. Your photograph, taken scratch paper to the supervisor at the completion of testing,
before beginning the examination, will remain on-screen or you will not receive your score report.
throughout your examination session. This photograph will also • No documents or notes of any kind may be removed from
print on your score report. the Test Center.
• No questions concerning the content of the examination
SECURITY may be asked during the examination.
PSI administration and security standards are designed to • Eating, drinking or smoking will not be permitted in the Test
ensure all candidates are provided the same opportunity to Center.
demonstrate their abilities. The Test Center is continuously • You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not
monitored by audio and video surveillance equipment for be allowed additional time to make up for time lost during
security purposes. breaks.
The following security procedures apply during the examination:
• Examinations are proprietary. No cameras, notes, tape
MISCONDUCT
recorders, pagers or cellular phones are allowed in the If you engage in any of the following conduct during the
testing room. Possession of a cellular phone or other examination you may be dismissed, your scores will not be
electronic devices is strictly prohibited and will result in reported and examination fees will not be refunded. Examples
dismissal from the examination. of misconduct are when you:
• No calculators are allowed. •
create a disturbance, are abusive, or otherwise
uncooperative;
• No guests, visitors or family members are allowed in the
testing room or reception areas. • display and/or use electronic communications equipment
such as pagers, cellular phones;
• talk or participate in conversation with other examination
candidates;

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 5

• give or receive help or are suspected of doing so; screen to monitor your time. A digital clock indicates the time
• leave the Test Center during the administration; remaining for you to complete the examination. The time feature
may also be turned off during the examination.
• attempt to record examination questions or make notes;
Only one examination question is presented at a time. The
• attempt to take the examination for someone else;
question number appears in the lower right portion of the
• are observed with personal belongings; or screen. The entire examination question appears on-screen (i.e.,
• are observed with notes, books or other aids without it stem and four options labeled – A, B, C and D). Indicate your
being noted on the roster. choice by either entering the letter of the option you think
is correct (A, B, C or D) or clicking on the option using
the mouse. To change your answer, enter a different option by
COPYRIGHTED EXAMINATION entering in the letter in the response box or by clicking on the
QUESTIONS option using the mouse. You may change your answer as many
All examination questions are the copyrighted property of HPCC. times as you wish during the examination time limit.
It is forbidden under federal copyright law to copy, reproduce,
To move to the next question, click on the forward arrow (>) in
record, distribute or display these examination questions by any
the lower right portion of the screen. This action will move you
means, in whole or in part. Doing so may subject you to severe
forward through the examination question by question. If you
civil and criminal penalties.
wish to review any question or questions, click the backward
arrow (<) or use the left arrow key to move backward through
PRACTICE EXAMINATION the examination.
Prior to attempting the timed examination, you will be given the The computer-based test (CBT) is set up in a linear format.
opportunity to practice taking an examination on the computer. In a linear format the candidate answers a predetermined
The time you use for this practice examination is NOT counted number of questions. The examination questions do not become
as part of your examination time. When you are comfortable increasingly more difficult based on answers to previous
with the computer testing process, you may quit the practice questions. Answer selections may be changed as many times as
session and begin the timed examination. necessary during the allotted time.
A question may be left unanswered for return later in the
TIMED EXAMINATION examination session. Questions may also be bookmarked for
Following the practice examination, you will begin the timed later review by clicking in the blank square to the right of the Time
examination. Before beginning, instructions for taking the button. Click on the double arrows (>>) to advance to the next
examination are provided on-screen. The following is a sample unanswered or bookmarked question on the examination. To
of what the computer screen will look like when you are identify all unanswered and bookmarked questions, repeatedly
attempting the examination. click on the double arrows (>>). When the examination is
completed, the number of questions answered is reported. If not
all questions have been answered and there is time remaining,
return to the examination and answer those questions. Be sure
to answer each question before ending the examination. There
is no penalty for guessing.

CANDIDATE COMMENTS
You may provide comments for any examination question
during the computerized examination by clicking on the
Comment button to the left of the Time button. This opens
a dialogue box to enter comments. Because of test security
considerations, you will not receive individual replies about the
content of examination questions, nor will you be permitted to
review examination questions after completing the examination.
At conclusion of the examination, you will also be asked to
complete a brief survey about the examination administration
conditions.
The computer monitors the time you spend on the examination.
The examination will terminate if you exceed the time limit. You
may click on the Time button in the lower right portion of the

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INCLEMENT WEATHER OR called “equating” is used. The goal of equating is to ensure

fairness to all candidates.
EMERGENCY
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies In the equating process, the minimum raw score (number of
on the day of an examination, the HPCC and PSI will determine correctly answered questions) required to equal the scaled
whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequent passing score of 75 is statistically adjusted (or equated). For
rescheduling, of an examination. The examination will usually instance, if an examination is determined to be more difficult
not be rescheduled if the Test Center personnel are able to open than the previous form of the examination, then the minimum
the Test Center. raw passing score required to pass will be slightly lower than the
original raw passing score. If the examination is easier than the
You may visit the www.goAMP.com website prior to the previous form of the examination, then the minimum raw score
examination to determine if PSI has been advised that any Test will be higher. Equating helps to assure that the scaled passing
Centers are closed. Every attempt is made to administer the score of 75 represents the same level of competence no matter
examination as scheduled; however, should an examination be which form of an examination the candidate takes.
canceled at a Test Center, all scheduled candidates will receive
notification following the examination regarding rescheduling or In addition to the candidate’s total scaled score and scaled
reapplication procedures. score required to pass, raw scores (the actual number of
questions answered correctly) are reported for the major
If power to a Test Center is temporarily interrupted during
categories on the content outline. The number of questions
an administration, your examination will be restarted. The
answered correctly in each major category is compared to the
responses provided up to the point of interruption will be intact,
total number of questions possible in that category on the score
but for security reasons the questions will be scrambled.
report (e.g., 15/20). Content categorical information is provided
to assist candidates in identifying areas of relative strength and
REPORT OF RESULTS weakness; however, passing or failing the examination is based
After completing the examination, you are asked to complete a only on the candidate’s total scaled score.
short evaluation of your examination experience. Then, you are
instructed to report to the examination proctor to receive your DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT
score report. Scores are reported in printed form only, in person
or by U.S. mail. Scores are not reported over the telephone, You may purchase additional copies of your score report at
by electronic mail or by facsimile. a cost of $25 per copy. Requests must be submitted to PSI,
in writing, within twelve months after the examination. The
Your score report will indicate a “pass” or “fail.” Additional detail request must include your name, unique identification number,
is provided in the form of raw scores by major content category. mailing address, telephone number, date of examination and
Test scores are reported as raw scores and scaled scores. A raw examination taken. Submit this information with the required
score is the number of correctly answered questions; a scaled fee payable to PSI Services Inc. Duplicate score reports will be
score is statistically derived from the raw score. Your total score mailed within approximately five business days after receipt of
determines whether you pass or fail; it is reported as a scaled the request and fee.
score ranging between 0 and 99.
The methodology used to set the minimum passing score for CONFIDENTIALITY
each examination is the Angoff method, applied during the Individual examination scores are released ONLY to the
performance of a Passing Point Study by a panel of content individual candidate. Results will not be given over the telephone,
experts. The experts evaluated each question on the respective fax or email.
examination to determine how many correct answers are
necessary to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for
the designation. The candidate’s ability to pass the examination RECOGNITION OF CERTIFICATION
depends on the knowledge and skill displayed during the Eligible candidates who pass an HPCC certification examination
examination, not on the performance of other candidates. are eligible to use the respective registered designation after
their names and will receive certificates from the HPCC.
The minimum scaled score needed to pass the examinations has
been set at 75 scaled score units. The reason for reporting scaled • Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
scores is that different forms (or versions) of the examinations Examination: ACHPN®
may vary in difficulty. As new forms of the examinations are • Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
introduced each year, a certain number of questions in each Examination: CHPN®
content area are replaced. These changes may cause one form • Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse
of the examination to be slightly easier or harder than another Examination: CHPPN®
form. To adjust for these differences in difficulty, a procedure

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 7

• Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse HPCC Board of Directors, is fraudulent. It is the policy of the
Examination: CHPLN® HPCC to thoroughly investigate all reports of an individual
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant or corporation fraudulently using the “ACHPN®”, “CHPN®”,
Examination: CHPNA® “CHPPN®”, “CHPLN®”, “CHPNA®”, “CHPCA®” or “CPLC®”
credentials. If proof of fraudulent use is obtained, the HPCC
• Certified in Perinatal Loss Care
will notify the parties involved. Fraudulent use may be reported
Examination: CPLC®
to employers, state nursing boards, and/or published for
Each certification expires after a period of four years unless professional or consumer notification at the discretion of the
it is renewed by the individual (see “Renewal of Certification” HPCC Board of Directors.
section). A registry of certified hospice and palliative certificants
will be maintained by the HPCC and may be used for:
1) employer, accrediting body or public verification of an GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY
individual’s credential; 2) publication; 3) special mailings or ACTION
other activities. The following conditions or behaviors by applicants or certificants
constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the HPCC:
RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION 1. Ineligibility for certification, regardless of when the ineligibility
Attaining certification is an indication of a well-defined body of is discovered.
knowledge. Renewal of the certification is required every four 2. Any violation of an HPCC rule or procedure, as may
years to maintain certified status. Initial certification or renewal be revised from time to time, and any failure to provide
of certification is valid for four years. information required or requested by HPCC, or to update
(within thirty days) information previously provided to HPCC,
It is the certificant’s responsibility to apply for renewal by the
including but not limited to, any failure to report to HPCC in
required application deadline, posted at advancingexpertcare.
a timely manner an action, complaint, or charge that relates
org/certification. HPCC attempts to provide certificants with
to rules 6-8 of these grounds for disciplinary action.
renewal notices, but failure to receive a notice does not relieve
the certificant from the responsibility to apply for renewal by the 3. Unauthorized possession of, use of, distribution of, or access
application deadline. to:
a. HPCC examinations
Individuals who do not renew before the expiration
b. Certificates
date of their credential will not be able to use the
c. Logo of HPCC
credential after that date.
d. Abbreviations related thereto
Please refer to Section 2 of the handbook for specific informa- e. Any other HPCC documents and materials, including
tion regarding renewal of certification. but not limited to, misrepresentation of self, professional
practice or HPCC certification status, prior to or following
ETHICAL CODE the grant of certification by HPCC, if any.
4. Any examination irregularity, including but not limited to,
HPCC has a responsibility to ensure the integrity of all processes
copying answers, permitting another to copy answers,
and products of its certification programs to the public, the pro-
disrupting the conduct of an examination, falsifying
fessionals, the employers and its certificants. Therefore, HPCC
information or identification, education or credentials,
considers the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)
providing and/or receiving unauthorized advice about
Code of Ethics as the essential ethical framework for honoring
examination content before, during, or following the
human dignity and professional accountability for conduct.
examination. [Note: the HPCC may refuse to release an
HPCC upholds the high standards for credentialing agencies
examination score pending resolution of an examination
established by two national accreditation organizations, the
irregularity.]
Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC)
and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). 5. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certification or renewal of
certification for oneself or another by a false or misleading
statement or failure to make a required statement, or fraud
MISUSE OF CERTIFICATION or deceit in any communication to HPCC.
CREDENTIALS 6. Gross or repeated negligence, incompetence or malpractice
Please be advised that once certified, the designated credential in professional work, including, but not limited to, habitual
may only be used by the certified individual during the four-year use of alcohol or any drug or any substance, or any physical
time period designated on the certificate. Failure to successfully or mental condition that currently impairs competent
recertify requires the individual to stop use of the credential professional performance or poses a substantial risk to
immediately after the credential has expired. Any other use, patient health and safety.
or use of the HPCC Trademark without permission from the
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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 8

7. Limitation, sanction, revocation or suspension by a health RE-EXAMINATION

care organization, professional organization, or other private
Candidates who do not pass the HPCC certification examination
or governmental body, relating to nursing practice, public
may reapply for the next testing window or any subsequent
health or safety, or nursing certification.
window by filing a new application and fee.
8. Any conviction of a felony or misdemeanor directly relating
to nursing practice and/or public health and safety. An
individual convicted of a felony directly related to nursing STUDY ADVICE
practice and/or public health and safety shall be ineligible Determine how you study best. Some individuals seem to learn
to apply for HPCC certification or renewal of certification for faster by hearing the information, while others need to see it
a period of three (3) years from the exhaustion of appeals. written or illustrated, and still others prefer to discuss material
with colleagues. A combination of these alternatives can often
Any disciplinary complaint must be written in a letter to the produce the most effective study pattern. If you had success in
HPCC President, c/o Chief Executive Officer, HPCC, One Penn lecture courses with little outside review, it may be that you need
Center West, Suite 425, Pittsburgh, PA 15276. to hear information for best retention. You may wish to organize
a study group or find a study partner. Once you decide on the
REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION method most effective and comfortable for you, focus on that
Admittance to the examination will be denied or certification will preference and use the other techniques to complement it.
be revoked for any of the following reasons: Plan your study schedule well in advance. Use learning
1. Falsification of an application or documentation provided techniques, such as reading or audio-visual aids. Be sure you
with the application. find a quiet place to study where you will not be interrupted.
2. Failure to pay the required fee.
3. Revocation or expiration of current nursing license. TEST-TAKING ADVICE
The advice offered here is presented primarily to familiarize you
4. Misrepresentation of certification status.
with the examination directions.
1. Read all instructions carefully.
QUESTIONS AND APPEALS
2. The actual examination will be timed. For best results, pace
HPCC provides an opportunity for candidates to question any yourself by periodically checking your progress. This will
aspect of the certification program. HPCC will respond to any allow you to make any necessary adjustments. Remember,
question as quickly as possible, generally within a few days. the more questions you answer, the better your chances of
Candidates are invited to call 412-787-1057 or send an email achieving a passing score.
message to [email protected] for any questions. In addition,
3. Book mark unanswered questions for return and review.
HPCC has an appeals policy to provide a review mechanism
for challenging an adverse decision, such as denial of eligibility A list of suggested references is provided at the end of Section
for the examination or revocation of certification. It is the 2 in this candidate handbook.
responsibility of the individual to initiate the appeal process
by written request to the HPCC President, c/o Chief Executive
Officer, HPCC, One Penn Center West, Suite 425, Pittsburgh,
PA 15276 within 30 calendar days of the circumstance leading
to the appeal.

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 9

SECTION 2: CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION FOR

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE REGISTERED NURSES
ACCREDITATION OF THE decision-making, meticulous pain and symptom management,
determination and optimization of functional status, and support
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION of coping patterns.
The HPCC Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) exam
has fulfilled the accreditation requirements of the Accreditation
Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). ABSNC
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
grants accreditation through a process of peer review and To be eligible for the CHPN® Examination, an applicant must
determination that a specialty nursing certification organization fulfill the following requirements.
has the essential components and met the high standards 1. Hold a current, unrestricted active registered nurse
established by ABSNC. More information about accreditation license in the United States, its territories or the equivalent
can be found at advancingexpertcare.org/certification. in Canada.
2. Hospice and palliative registered nursing practice of
EXAMINATION 500 hours in the most recent 12 months or 1000 hours
The Certification Examination for Hospice and Palliative Nurses in the most recent 24 months prior to applying for the
consists of 150 multiple choice items, of which 135 have equal examination.
weight for scoring. The examination includes 15 non-scored
“pretest” or “trial” items that are interspersed throughout the
examination. Performance on the pretest questions does not RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION
affect your examination score. The examination presents each The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) certificant
question with four response alternatives (A, B, C, D). One of must submit the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Hospice
those represents the best response. You will be permitted three and Palliative Accrual for Recertification (CHPN® HPAR).
hours to complete this examination. Candidates achieving a Applications for renewal of certification may be submitted as
passing score on this examination will be awarded the Certified early as one year before the certification expiration date.
Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) credential.
The CHPN® HPAR requires renewal of certification by fulfilling
The HPCC, with the advice and assistance of PSI, prepares practice hour requirements and by accruing points through
the examinations. Individuals with expertise in hospice and various professional development activities.
palliative nursing practice write the questions and review them
Note: Reactivation of credential: Candidates who miss
for relevancy, consistency, accuracy and appropriateness.
the deadline for recertification may reactivate their expired
credential using the HPAR process. Reactivation by testing is not
DEFINITION OF HOSPICE AND an option and is not retroactive. Reactivation will be available
PALLIATIVE CARE for three years after expiration of credential.
Hospice and palliative care is the provision of care for the See HPAR packet for details regarding submission and fees
patient with serious illness and their family with the emphasis for renewal and reactivation. For more information contact
on their physical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual needs. the National Office at 412-787-1057 or visit the website
This is accomplished in collaboration with an interdisciplinary advancingexpertcare.org/certification for details.
team in diverse settings including: inpatient, home, or residential
hospice; acute care hospitals or palliative care units; long-term
care facilities; rehabilitation facilities; home settings; ambulatory
EXAMINATION FEES
or outpatient palliative care primary care or specialty clinics; Applicants Applying for INITIAL Certification
veterans’ facilities; correctional facilities; homeless shelters; and HPNA members prior to submitting application $295*
mental health settings. Non-HPNA members $415
Hospice and palliative interdisciplinary team members serve Applicants Applying for RENEWAL of Certification
in a variety of roles including: expert clinicians, educators, (Renewal through CHPN® HPAR only)
researchers, administrators, consultants, case managers, program HPNA members prior to submitting application $260*
developers/coordinators, and/or policymakers. Moreover, Non-HPNA members $380
hospice and palliative care includes holistic assessment of the
patient and family, offering information to allow more informed *See “HPNA Membership Benefit” on page 3.

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 10

Application fees may be paid by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, 3. Analysis (AN): The ability to analyze and synthesize
AMEX or Discover), personal check, cashier’s check or money information, determine solutions and/or to evaluate the
order (payable to HPCC) in U.S. dollars. DO NOT SUBMIT usefulness of a solution is required. Approximately 18 percent
CASH. All fees must be submitted with the application to be of the examination requires analysis on the part of the
RECEIVED by PSI by the application deadline. candidate.
Insufficient funds checks returned to HPCC or declined credit The HPCC registered nurse certification examination requires the
card transactions will be subject to a $15 penalty. Repayment of ability to apply the nursing process (i.e., assess, plan, intervene
an insufficient funds check or declined credit card must be made and evaluate) in helping patients and their families (defined as
with a cashier’s or certified check or money order. including all persons identified by the patient) toward the goal
of maintaining optimal functioning and quality of life within the
Receipts for fee payments are available from PSI. Contact PSI limits of the disease process, while considering factors such
at 833-256-1422 or email [email protected] to as fear, communication barriers, economic issues and cultural
request a receipt. Candidates also may print a receipt from the issues. The examination includes questions distributed across
www.goAMP.com website. After entering your login information five domains of practice as shown in the detailed content outline
(either create a new user account or log in using your username/ that follows.
password), from your ‘My Home Page’ select ‘Correspondence’
to print off a receipt.
DETAILED CONTENT OUTLINE
EXAMINATION CONTENT INFORMATION
To begin your preparation in an informed and organized The Detailed Content Outline lists each task that MAY be tested
manner, you should know what to expect from the actual by content area and performance level. Each and every task
examination in terms of the content. The content outline will give listed for a given content area is not tested on any one form of
you a general impression of the examination and, with closer the examination. Rather, these tasks are representatively sampled
inspection, can give you specific study direction by revealing the such that the test specifications for performance levels are met
relative importance given to each category on the examination. (i.e., appropriate number of recall, application and analysis
performance level items).
The content of the examination is directly linked to a national
job analysis that identified the activities performed by hospice
and palliative nurses. Only those activities that were judged DRUG NAMES
by hospice and palliative nurses to be important to practice Generic drug names are used throughout the examination
for a nurse with two years of practice in end-of-life care are except in individual situations as determined by the examination
included on the examination content outline. Each question on development committee.
the examination is linked to the examination content outline,
and is also categorized according to the level of complexity, or
the cognitive level that a candidate would likely use to respond.
1. Recall (RE): The ability to recall or recognize specific
information is required. Approximately 22 percent of the
examination requires recall on the part of the candidate.
2. Application (AP): The ability to comprehend, relate or
apply knowledge to new or changing situations is required.
Approximately 60 percent of the examination requires the
candidate to apply knowledge.

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 11

DETAILED CONTENT OUTLINE

1. Patient Care: Life-Limiting Conditions in C. Non-pharmacologic and C. Respiratory
Adult Patients  18% Complementary Interventions Apply the nursing process to the
A. Identify and respond to indicators of   1. Respond to psychosocial, cultural, following actual or potential symptoms
imminent death and spiritual issues related to pain or conditions
B. Identify specific patterns of progression,   2. Implement non-pharmacologic  1. congestion
complications, and treatment for interventions (e.g., ice, heat,  2. cough
conditions related to: positioning, distraction)   3. dyspnea and shortness of breath
  1. hematologic, oncologic, and   3. Identify the potential benefit of   4. pleural effusions
paraneoplastic disorders the following non-pharmacologic  5. pneumothorax
(e.g., cancer and associated interventions (e.g., palliative   6. increased secretions
complications) surgery, procedures, radiation, D. Gastrointestinal
Apply the nursing process to the
  2. neurological disorders counseling, or psychological
following actual or potential symptoms
  3. cardiac disorders therapy)
or conditions
  4. pulmonary disorders   4. Identify the potential benefit of  1. constipation
  5. renal disorders the following complementary and  2. diarrhea
  6. gastrointestinal and hepatic alternative therapies (e.g., Reiki,   3. bowel incontinence
disorders hypnosis, acupressure, massage,  4. ascites
 7. dementia pet therapy, music therapy)  5. hiccoughs
  8. endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes D. Evaluation   6. nausea or vomiting
as a comorbidity)   1. Assess for and respond to   7. bowel obstruction
complications (e.g., side effects,  8. bleeding
2. Patient Care: Pain Management   22% interactions) and efficacy E. Genitourinary
A. Assessment Apply the nursing process to the
  1. Perform comprehensive assessment 3. Patient Care: Symptom Management following actual or potential symptoms
of pain (e.g., verbal vs. non-verbal) 24%
or conditions
  2. Identify etiology of pain A. Neurological
  1. bladder spasms
  3. Identify types of pain or pain Apply the nursing process to the
  2. urinary incontinence
syndromes following actual or potential symptoms
  3. urinary retention
or conditions
  4. Identify factors that may influence  4. bleeding
 1. aphasia
the patient’s experience of pain F. Musculoskeletal
 2. dysphagia
(e.g., fear, depression, cultural Apply the nursing process to the
  3. level of consciousness
issues) following actual or potential symptoms
 4. myoclonus
B. Pharmacologic Interventions   5. paraesthesia or neuropathies or conditions
  1. Identify medications appropriate to  6. seizures   1. impaired mobility or complications
severity and specific type of pain   7. extrapyramidal symptoms of immobility
(e.g., routes, initiation, scheduling)  8. paralysis   2. pathological fractures
  2. Titrate medication to effect using   9. spinal cord compression   3. deconditioning or activity
baseline and breakthrough doses 10. increased intracranial pressure intolerance
  3. Administer analgesic medications B. Cardiovascular G. Skin and Mucous Membrane
  4. Identify dosage equivalents when Apply the nursing process to the Apply the nursing process to the
changing analgesics or route of following actual or potential symptoms following actual or potential symptoms
administration or conditions or conditions
  5. Administer adjuvant medications   1. coagulation problems   1. dry mouth
(e.g., NSAIDS, corticosteroids,  2. edema   2. oral and esophageal lesions
anticonvulsants, tricyclic  3. syncope  3. pruritis
antidepressants)  4. angina   4. wounds (e.g., pressure ulcers,
  6. Identify the need for palliative   5. superior vena cava syndrome tumor extrusions, non-healing
sedation  6. hemorrhage wounds)

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 12

H. Psychosocial, Emotional, and Spiritual B. Resource Management   2. Promote family self-care activities
Apply the nursing process to the   1. Explain Medicare and Medicaid   3. Assess and respond to caregiver
following actual or potential symptoms hospice benefits fatigue or burden
or conditions   2. Explain care options possible under F. Education
  1. anger or hostility private insurance benefit plans   1. Assess knowledge base and
 2. anxiety   3. Provide education about access learning style
 3. denial and use of services, medications,   2. Assess ability to learn and respond
 4. depression supplies, and durable medical to barriers
 5. fear equipment (DME)   3. Teach caregiver skills for patient
 6. grief   4. Modify the plan of care to care
 7. guilt accommodate socioeconomic   4. Teach the signs and symptoms of
  8. loss of hope or meaning factors imminent death
  9. nearing death awareness   5. Assess and respond to   5. Teach end-stage disease
environmental and safety risks progression
10. sleep disturbances
(e.g., falls, oxygen)   6. Teach pain and symptom
11. suicidal or homicidal ideation
  6. Advise on adaptation of the management
12. intimacy/relationship issues
patient’s environment for safety   7. Discuss benefit versus burden of
I. Nutritional and Metabolic   7. Monitor controlled substances
Apply the nursing process to the treatment options
(e.g., use, diversion, disposal)
following actual or potential symptoms   8. Teach medication management
  8. Identify available community
or conditions   9. Evaluate educational intervention
resources
 1. anorexia and materials for patients and
C. Psychosocial, Spiritual, and Cultural
  2. cachexia or wasting family
  1. Assess and respond to psychoso-
 3. dehydration G. Advocacy
cial, spiritual, and cultural needs
  4. electrolyte imbalance (e.g.,   2. Assess and respond to family   1. Monitor need for changes in levels
hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia) systems and dynamics of care
 5. fatigue   3. Identify unresolved interpersonal   2. Identify barriers to communication
 6. hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia matters   3. Facilitate effective communication
J. Immune/Lymphatic System   4. Facilitate effective communication between patient, family, and care
Apply the nursing process to the D. Grief and Loss providers
following actual or potential symptoms   1. Encourage life review   4. Make referrals to interdisciplinary
or conditions   2. Counsel or provide emotional team/group
  1. infection or fever support regarding grief and loss for   5. Support advance care planning
  2. myelosuppression (i.e., anemia, adults (e.g., advance directives, life
neutropenia, thrombocytopenia)   3. Counsel or provide emotional sustaining therapies)
 3. lymphedema support regarding grief and loss for   6. Assist the patient to maintain
K. Mental Status Changes children optimal function and quality of life
Apply the nursing process to the   4. Provide information regarding   7. Facilitate self-determined life
following actual or potential symptoms funeral practices/preparation closure
or conditions   5. Provide death vigil support   8. Monitor care for neglect and abuse
  1. level of consciousness   6. Provide comfort and dignity at time   9. Facilitate discussions about ethical
  2. agitation or terminal restlessness of death issues related to end of life
 3. confusion   7. Facilitate and coordinate support
5. Practice Issues  12%
 4. delirium at the time of death (e.g.,
A. Care Coordination
 5. hallucination pronouncement and notification for
family and coworkers)   1. Coordinate patient care with other
4. Patient and Family Care, Education, and   8. Facilitate transition into health care providers
Advocacy  24% bereavement services   2. Delegate tasks to assistive
A. Goals of Care   9. Participate in formal closure activity personnel and supervise outcomes
  1. Identify patient/family goals and (e.g., visit, call, send card)   3. Coordinate transfer to a different
expected outcomes E. Caregiver Support level of care within the Medicare or
  2. Develop a plan of care to achieve   1. Monitor primary caregiver Medicaid Hospice Benefit
goals and expected outcomes ­confidence and ability to provide   4. Coordinate transfer to a different
  3. Evaluate progress toward outcomes care care setting
and update goals

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 13

B. Collaboration
  1. Collaborate with attending/primary
care provider
  2. Evaluate eligibility for admission and
hospice recertification
  3. Encourage patient/family
participation in interdisciplinary
team/group discussions
  4. Participate in development of an
individualized, interdisciplinary plan
of care with the interdisciplinary
team/group
  5. Identify needs for volunteer services
C. Scope, Standards and Guidelines
  1. Identify and resolve issues related to
scope of practice
  2. Incorporate national hospice and
palliative standards into nursing
practice
  3. Incorporate guidelines into practice
(e.g., American Pain Society,
National Consensus Project)
  4. Incorporate legal regulations into
practice (e.g., OSHA, CMS, HIPAA)
  5. Educate the public on end-of-life
issues and palliative care
  6. Educate health care providers
regarding hospice benefits under
Medicare/Medicaid
  7. Participate in continuous quality
improvement activities
D. Professional Development
  1. Contribute to professional
development of peers, colleagues,
students, and others as preceptor,
educator, or mentor
  2. Identify strategies to address ethical
concerns related to the end of life
  3. Maintain professional boundaries
between patient/family and staff
  4. Incorporate strategies for self-care
and stress management into practice
  5. Participate in professional nursing
activities
  6. Maintain personal professional
development plan
  7. Maintain current knowledge of
trends in legislation, policy, health
care delivery, and reimbursement as
they impact hospice and palliative
care

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 14

SAMPLE QUESTIONS   6. The home health aide is responsible for all of the following
EXCEPT
  1. In which of the following types of family systems would the A. light housekeeping.
most difficult adjustments to the death of a family member B. personal care of the patient.
be expected? C. arranging ambulance transfer.
A. open D. participation in the plan of care.
B. enmeshed
  7. In a terminally ill patient, dysphagia is most likely to
C. disengaged
indicate
D. differentiated
A. starvation.
  2. A pain assessment scale is used to B. impending death.
C. poor pain control.
A. measure pain intensity.
D. temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
B. evaluate character of pain.
C. graph compliance with medication regimen.   8. For a hospice patient, palliative radiation therapy is
D. measure cultural differences in perceiving pain. most likely to be used to treat
  3. If the husband of a patient is concerned that his wife will A. hypercalcemia.
become addicted because she requires an increased B. bowel obstruction.
C. spinal cord compression.
dosage of morphine, the hospice nurse should explain that
D. malignant cardiac tamponade.
A. the increased morphine indicates death is
approaching.   9. If a patient with a history of breast cancer experiences
B. the doctor should be contacted to discuss a pain between the shoulder blades, it is most likely to
medication change. indicate metastases to the
C. addiction is unavoidable, but not harmful for the A. bone.
terminal patient. B. liver.
D. increased dosage is related to tolerance or disease C. brain.
progression not addiction. D. pancreas.
  4. The grief process can best be described as 10. A patient has been taking sustained-release morphine
A. an abnormal condition requiring extensive counseling. 30 mg every 12 hours for the past 3 weeks with partial
B. a time-limiting process occurring through specific relief from pleuritic pain. The physician discontinued
stages. the morphine and starts her on a nonsteroidal
C. an internal process unique to each person with anti-inflammatory. Twenty-four hours later the patient
variable time frames. has stomach cramps, diaphoresis, and nausea. Which
D. a universal experience involving shock, confusion, and of the following is the most likely explanation?
reinvesting in life. A. flu symptoms
B. bowel obstruction
  5. An 82-year-old patient with end-stage chronic obstructive C. morphine withdrawal
pulmonary disease (COPD) has decided against D. adverse reaction to the nonsteroidal
aggressive treatment for any exacerbation. The anti-inflammatory
patient requests that she take fewer pills and asks the
nurse to review her medication profile. The nurse’s
recommendation should be which of the following? ANSWER KEY
A. “You can stop taking your diuretic now that you are Content Cognitive
bed bound.” Question Answer _______ ________
________ _______ Area Level
B. “You should increase your vitamins with minerals to
keep your strength up.”  1. B 4B2 RE
C. “You should continue your steroids and theophylline  2. A 2A1 RE
as long as you can swallow.”  3. D 4F6 AP
D. “You can discontinue all your medications because  4. C 4C2 RE
they are no longer necessary.”  5. C 1B4 AN
 6. C 5A1 AP
 7. B 1A RE
 8. C 1B1 RE
 9. A 1B1 AP
10. C 2D1 AP

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 15

SUGGESTED REFERENCES Matzo, M. and Sherman, DW. (Eds.). (2019). Palliative Care
Nursing: Quality Care to the End of Life (5th Ed.). New York,
The HPCC has prepared a list of references that may be helpful NY: Springer Publishing Company.
in preparing for the Certification Examination for Hospice
McPherson, M.L. (2018). Demystifying Opioid Conversion
and Palliative Registered Nurses. The reference lists contain
Calculations (2nd Ed.). Bethesda, MD: American Society of
textbooks that include information of significance to hospice Health-Systems Pharmacists.
and palliative nursing practice. Inclusion of certain textbooks
National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care (2018).
on the lists does not constitute an endorsement by the HPCC
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care (4th Ed.).
of specific professional literature which, if used, will guarantee
Pittsburgh, PA: National Consensus Project.
candidates successful passing of the certification examination.
Paice, JA. (Ed.); Ferrell, BR. (Series Ed.) (2015). Care of the
Test candidates are not required to purchase or review these
Imminently Dying. New York: Oxford University Press.
resources. HPCC does not endorse specific resources, and does
not receive compensation from the sale or use of any resources. Paice, JA. (Ed.); Ferrell, BR. (Series Ed.) (2015). Physical Aspects of
Care: Pain and Gastrointestinal Symptoms. New York: Oxford
To prepare for the examination, review the Detailed Content University Press.
Outline and develop a study plan based on your individual Quill, T. et al. (2014). Primer of Palliative Care (6th Ed.). Glenview,
knowledge strengths and weaknesses. It is good practice to use IL: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
a current, general resource for overall review, and supplement Stafford, C. (Ed.). (2012). Core Curriculum for the Long-Term
with resources on specific topics to address your individual needs. Care Nurse. Pittsburgh, PA: Hospice and Palliative Nurses
Association.
Wilson, BA., Shannon, MT. and Shields, KM. (2019). Pearson
Primary Reference List Nurse’s Drug Guide 2019. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
(Used for CHPN exam item validation) Education, Inc.
Berger, A., Shuster, J. and Von Roenn, J. (Eds.) (2013). Principles & Yarbro, C., Wujcik, D. and Gobel, B.H. (Eds.). (2018). Cancer
Practices of Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology (4th Ed.). Nursing: Principles and Practice (8th Ed.). Boston: Jones &
Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. Bartlett Publishers.
Cherny, N., Fallon, M., Kaasa, S., Portenoy, RK. and Currow, DC.
(Eds.) (2015). Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (5th Ed.).
New York: Oxford University Press.
Ferrell, BR., Coyle, N. and Paice, J. (Eds.) (2019). Oxford Textbook
of Palliative Nursing (5th Ed.). New York: Oxford University
Press.
Martinez, H. and Berry, P. (Eds.) (2015). Core Curriculum for the
Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse (4th Ed.) Dubuque, IA:
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Pasero, C. and McCaffery, M. (2010). Pain Assessment and
Pharmacologic Management. St. Louis: Elsevier.
Whitehead, P. and Dahlin, C. (2019). Compendium of Nursing
Care for Common Serious Illnesses (3rd Ed.). Pittsburgh, PA:
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.

Secondary Reference List

CMS Medicare Hospice Center, https://www.cms.gov/Center/
Provider-Type/Hospice-Center.html
Competencies for the Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse
(3rd Ed.). (2015). Pittsburgh, PA: Hospice and Palliative Nurses
Association.
Coyle, N. (Ed.); Ferrell, BR. (Series Ed.) (2016). Legal and Ethical
Aspects of Care. New York: Oxford University Press.
Coyle, N. (Ed.); Ferrell, BR. (Series Ed.) (2015). Social Aspects of
Care. New York: Oxford University Press.
Coyne, PJ., Bobb, B. and Plakovic, K. (Eds.). (2017). Conversations
in Palliative Care: Questions and Answers with the Experts. (4th
Ed.). Pittsburgh, PA: Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.

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 CHPN ® Computer Based Examination 16

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 HPCC Examination, page 17

2020 HPCC EXAMINATION APPLICATION

To apply online, visit advancingexpertcare.org/certification.
To apply using this form, provide the requested information and mail it to be RECEIVED by PSI by the paper application deadline. Applications
received after the deadline or postmarked on the deadline will be returned unprocessed. FAXED APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Read the Candidate Handbook before completing this application. Mail the completed application and payment made by credit card,
personal check, cashier’s check or money order payable to HPCC to: HPCC Certification Examination, PSI, 18000 W. 105th St., Olathe, KS
66061-7543.
1. Personal Information (please print using blue or black ink)
Last Name:

First Name:   Middle Initial: 

Former Name (if applicable):

Date of Birth (xx/xx/xxxx):

Applicant Email Address:

Your HOME Information
Address Line 1:

Address Line 2:

City:

State/Province:   Zip/Postal Code:

Country:
Home Phone: Cell Phone:
 
2. I am a:
  New Applicant (not currently certified at this level)
  Reapplicant (previously attempted this examination and have not previously held this certification)
  Applicant for Renewal (currently certified at this level)
 I am including a Special Examination Accommodations Request. Please include completed form at end of handbook.
3. Eligibility and Examination Fees
Persons applying for a certification examination who are current HPNA members PRIOR to applying for the Certification Examination are
entitled to the HPNA member discounted examination fee as a membership benefit. Must include HPNA membership to receive discount.
HPNA membership number ____________________.
HPCC certification number (for renewal) ____________________.

Initial Certification Renewal of Certification

HPNA Member Non-HPNA Member HPNA Member Non-HPNA Member
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Examination  $345  $465 Refer to Page 10 Refer to Page 10
Registered Nurse Examination  $295  $415 Refer to Page 9 Refer to Page 9
Pediatric Registered Nurse Examination  $295  $415 Refer to Page 9 Refer to Page 9
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Examination  $250  $345  $225  $320
Nursing Assistant Examination  $185  $225  $170  $200
Perinatal Loss Care Examination  $295  $415  $260  $380
Payment Information: Please indicate your method of payment.
  Check or money order (personal or cashier’s check payable to HPCC) 
  Credit card: If payment is made by credit card, please provide the following information.
  MasterCard    VISA    AMEX    Discover

Account Number      Expiration Date (MO/YR)      Security Code

Name as it Appears on Card Signature

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HPCC Examination, page 18

Demographic Information – Please complete the following demographic questions. Select only one response for each question, unless
directed otherwise.
  1. Which best describes the nature  5. What is your practice setting?   9. Primary age group served: 19. Employment Status:
of your practice?

1 Non-hospice – community- 1 Adult 1 Full time employee
1 Hospice based clinical 2 Pediatric 2 Part time employee
2 Palliative 2 Non-hospice – acute care 3 Both 3 Self employed
3 Both facility 4 Not employed/seeking
3 Palliative – acute care facility 10. Gender:
  2. Total number of years in your
4 Palliative – community-based M Male 20. Primary facility location?
profession:
clinical F Female 1 Rural
1 0-2 years
 Hospice – acute care facility
5 T Transgender 2 Suburban
2 3-5 years
6 Hospice – community-based 
O Other 3 Urban
3 6-10 years clinical N Prefer not to disclose
4 11-15 years 21. What is your primary license?
7 Academic or research setting
5 16-20 years 8 I do not see patients 11. Your Race: 1 Certified nursing assistant

6 21-25 years 1 Black or African American 2 Licensed practical/vocational

7 26-30 years   6. What best describes your practice? nurse
2 American Indian or Alaska
8 More than 30 years 
1 Administrative Native 3 Physician
2 Clinical 3 White or Caucasian 4 Affiliated profession (Social
  3. Total number of years in hospice
and palliative care: 3 Education 4 Asian Worker, Counselor, Child Life
4 Research 5 Native Hawaiian or other Specialist, Chaplain)
1 0-2 years
Pacific Islander 5 Advanced Practice Registered
2 3-5 years   7. What best describes your current
6 Other Nurse (CNM, CNS, CRNA, CNP)
3 6-10 years occupation?
7 Choose not to identify 6 Registered nurse
4 11-15 years 1 Allied Therapist
7 Psychologist
5 16-20 years 2 Chaplain 12. Your Ethnicity: 8 Not licensed/does not apply
6 21-25 years 3 Child Life Specialist 1 Hispanic or Latino
7 26-30 years 4 Clinical Nurse Specialist
2 Not Hispanic or Latino 22. If you selected Advanced Practice
8 More than 30 years Registered Nurse, please indicate
5 Counselor
the type:
6 LPN/LVN 13. Credentials:____________________
  4. Which of the following is your 1 Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
primary employer? (check one) 7 Nurse Practitioner
______________________________ 2 Clinical nurse specialist
 1 Hospice facility
8 Nursing Assistant
(CNS)
2 Home healthcare agency 9 Physician 14. Employer Name (required): If you 3 Certified registered nurse
3 Hospital or acute care facility 
10 Psychologist
are not currently employed, please anesthetist (CRNA)
 4 Long-term care facility

11 Registered Nurse enter ‘none.’___________________

4 Certified nurse practitioner

5 Academic institution 
12 Social worker
______________________________ (CNP)
 6 Self (private practice)   8. What is the highest academic level ______________________________
7 Private physician practice you have attained?
8 Correctional facility 15. Employer Street Address:_________
1 High school

9 Ambulatory care/out patient 2 Nursing assistant education ______________________________

care facility program ______________________________
 Government (fed, state,
10 3 Nursing diploma from an
military, VA, NIH, etc.) accredited nursing school/program 16. City:__________________________

11 Association/non-profit 4 Associate degree in nursing


12 Private or public company 17. State:_________________________
5 Bachelor’s degree (nursing)
6 Bachelor’s degree (non-
18. Zip Code:_____________________
nursing)
7 Master’s degree (nursing)

8 Master’s degree (non-nursing)

9 Doctoral degree (nursing)

10 Doctoral degree (non-nursing)

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 HPCC Examination, page 19

Attestation and Signature (Sign and date in ink the statement below.)
I certify that I have read all portions of the Candidate Handbook and application, and I agree to all terms of the HPCC processing
agreement. I certify that the information I have submitted in this application and the documents I have enclosed are complete and correct
to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that, if the information I have submitted is found to be incomplete or inaccurate, my
application may be rejected or my examination results may be delayed or voided, not released or invalidated by HPCC.

Audits of HPCC Applications – To ensure the integrity of eligibility requirements, HPCC will audit a percentage of randomly selected
applications each year. Candidates whose applications are selected for audit will be notified and required to provide documentation of
their professional license and verification of practice hours.

Please check below to confirm you currently meet the eligibility requirements for the examination you are registering for:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Examination

 I am currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States, its territories or the equivalent in Canada.
 Nurse Practitioner     Clinical Nurse Specialist 
 I have worked as an advanced practice registered nurse in hospice and palliative care for at least 500 hours in the most
recent 12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to submission of this application.

Registered Nurse Examination

 I am currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States, its territories or the equivalent in Canada.
 I have worked as a registered nurse in hospice and palliative care for at least 500 hours in the most recent 12 months or
1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to submission of this application.

Pediatric Registered Nurse Examination

 I am currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States, its territories or the equivalent in Canada.
 I have worked as a pediatric registered nurse in hospice and palliative care for at least 500 hours in the most recent
12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to submission of this application.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Examination

 I am currently licensed as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in the United States or its territories.
 I have worked as a licensed practical/vocational nurse in hospice and palliative care for at least 500 hours in the most
recent 12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to submission of this application.

Nursing Assistant Examination

 I have fulfilled the eligibility requirement of 500 hours in the most recent 12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent
24 months prior to submission of this application in hospice and palliative nursing assistant practice under the supervision
of a registered nurse.

Perinatal Loss Care Examination

 I hold a professional degree and I am currently licensed in the United States or its territories as
 Registered Nurse  Physician  Psychologist  Counselor
 Child Life Specialist  Social Worker  Chaplain
 I have fulfilled the eligibility requirement working in my profession and the area of perinatal loss and/or bereavement support
for a minimum of two years in the past three years prior to submission of this application.

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HPCC Examination, page 20

Within the last five (5) years:

Yes No

  Have you ever been sued by a patient?

  Have you ever been found to have committed negligence or malpractice in your professional work?
  Have you ever had a complaint filed against you before a governmental regulatory board or professional organization?
  Have you ever been subject to discipline, certificate or license revocation, or other sanction by a governmental regulatory
board or professional organization?
  Have you ever been the subject of an investigation by law enforcement?
  Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled nolo contendere to a felony or misdemeanor, or are any such
charges pending against you?

I further affirm that no licensing authority has taken any disciplinary action in relation to my license to practice in the aforementioned or
any other state, and that my license to practice has not been suspended or revoked by any state or jurisdiction.
No refunds will be issued once payment is processed.

Name (Please Print) Signature Date

HPCC reserves the right to contact you for further information as deemed necessary.

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 HPCC Examination, page 21

TRANSFER OF APPLICATION
Directions: Use this form to transfer your application to the next testing window (one time only). Complete all requested information.
This form and $100 fee must be received by PSI no later than thirty (30) days following the last day of the original testing window.
Note: Refer to Transfers section, page 3, for the details.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last Name              First Name                    MI

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Street Address or PO Box

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City                    State            Zip Code

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address (required)

Fee: $100
Payment Method: Acceptable forms of payment include personal check, money order, cashier check or credit card. Please check
appropriate box and complete credit card information if necessary:
  personal check   money order   cashier check
Payment Information: If payment is made by credit card, please provide the following information.

  Credit card:  
  MasterCard    VISA    AMEX    Discover
Account Number _______________________________________________________________________________  

Expiration Date (MO/YR)___________________________________ Security Code__________________________

Name as it Appears on Card _____________________________________________________________________

Signature______________________________________________________________________________________

I agree to pay above amount according to card issuer agreement.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature Date

Please mail form with payment to:

HPCC Certification Examination
PSI
18000 W. 105th St.
Olathe, KS 66061-7543
Or fax to: 913-895-4650

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HPCC Examination, page 22

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 HPCC Examination, page 23

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL

EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please complete this form and provide the
Documentation of Disability-Related Needs on the next page and submit it with your application at least 45 days prior
to your requested examination date. The information you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your
need for accommodation in testing will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Candidate Information
Candidate ID # ______________________    Requested Test Center:_________________________________

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial, Former Name)

Mailing Address

City State Zip Code

Daytime Telephone Number Email Address

Special Accommodations
I request special accommodations for the examination below:
 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
 Registered Nurse
 Pediatric Registered Nurse
 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
 Nursing Assistant
 Perinatal Loss Care

Please provide (check all that apply):

______ Reader
______  Extended testing time (time and a half)
______  Reduced distraction environment
______  Please specify below if other special accommodations are needed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Comments:__________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE READ AND SIGN:

I give my permission for my diagnosing professional to discuss with PSI staff my records and history as they relate to the requested
accommodation.

Signature:________________________________________________________________ Date:______________________________

Return this form to:

PSI, 18000 W. 105th St., Olathe, KS 66061-7543, Fax 913-895-4650.
If you have questions, call Candidate Services at 833-256-1422.
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HPCC Examination, page 24

DOCUMENTATION OF
DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS

Please have this section completed by an appropriate professional (education professional, physician, psychologist,
psychiatrist) to ensure that PSI is able to provide the required accommodations.

Professional Documentation
I have known __________________________________________________ since _____ /_____ /_____ in my capacity as a
                                          Candidate Name                                     Date

__________________________________________________________.
                              My Professional Title                               

The candidate discussed with me the nature of the test to be administered. It is my opinion that, because of this candidate’s
disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangements listed on the Request for
Special Examination Accommodations form.

Description of Disability:_______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed:________________________________________________________  Title:________________________________________

Printed Name:________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number:________________________________   Email Address:_____________________________________________

Date:____________________________________________   License # (if applicable):______________________________________

Return this form to:

PSI, 18000 W. 105th St., Olathe, KS 66061-7543, Fax 913-895-4650.
If you have questions, call Candidate Services at 833-256-1422.

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