Certified Corrections Nurse – CCN (ACA)

By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019

Certification Description

The Certified Corrections Nurse (CCN) certification certifies that a nurse has the knowledge to work with legal offenders and staff, in a correctional environment. Nurses with this certification may be responsible for implementing agency procedures and policies.

The CCN certification may lead to a higher paying job within the correctional nursing field.

Skills Focus

The certification focuses on the following areas:

• Ability to be comfortable working with offenders
• Knowledge of diversity within the correctional populations
• Understanding of emergency response procedures and personal liability
• Competency with performance-based standards
• Knowledge of medical and legal terminology
• Familiarity with American with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Prison Litigation Reform Act
• Proficiency working with mental health assessments and crisis interventions

Exam Objectives

Download the exam objectives/content outline

Exam Details

• Issuing Organization: American Correctional Association (ACA)
• Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN, LPN or LVN license; applicant must have at least 1 year of experience working in a correctional nursing position; other requirements may apply
• Questions: 200
• Time: 240 minutes
• Cost: $180 for ACA members and $225 for non-members
• Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
• Download the Certification Handbook

Other relevant details: N/A

Certified Corrections Nurse Careers

Jobs you can get with a CCN certification (additional requirements may apply):

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Correctional Nurse
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Salary (Base Level)

A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salaries for the Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.

• National average per year: $71,730
• National average per hour: $34.48

Learn more

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary

• National average per year: $46,240
• National average per hour: $22.23

Learn more

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Exam Preparation

• Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook
• Use flash cards as a study aid
• Consider webinars offered by the ACA
• Take a self-assessment
• Complete practice exams

Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.