Hospice Palliative Certification

CHPLN – Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse

About CHPLN Exam

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN®) credential, awarded by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), certifies licensed practical/vocational nurses in hospice and palliative care practice. It validates advanced knowledge and clinical judgment in delivering compassionate, patient‑centered care to individuals and families facing serious illness, including symptom management, comfort care, education, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Earning the CHPLN credential demonstrates commitment to high‑quality hospice and palliative nursing and professional excellence in licensed nurse practice.

  • Active Practical/Vocational Nursing License
  • A minimum of 500 hours in the last one year as a hospice and palliative licensed practical/vocational nurse. Or
  • 1000 hours in the last 24 months.

CHPLN Eligibility Requirements

CHPLN Exam Content & Focus Areas

  • Number of Questions: The CHPLN exam comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 135 are scored, and 15 are unscored pretest questions.
  • Exam Response Options: Each question offers four response options (A, B, C, D).
  • Testing Options: The exam is administered at designated testing centers, or via Live Remote Proctoring.
  • Time Allotted: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
CHPLN Outlines
Content Category
Percentage
Patient Care: End-Stage Disease Process
13.3%
Patient Care: Pain and Comfort Management
20%
Patient Care: Symptom Management
28.9%
Patient Care: Treatments and Procedures
8.9%
Care of Patient, Family, and Other Caregivers
11.1%
Patient and Family Education and Advocacy
9.6%
Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Practice Issues
8.1%

How to Apply for the CHPLN Exam?

To apply for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN) exam, follow these steps:

  1. Online Application: Submit your application through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) online application system.
  2. Application Submission: Complete the application by providing your personal and professional information.
  3. Scheduling the Exam: Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions to schedule your exam at an authorized testing center or through live remote proctoring, allowing flexibility in how and where you test.
  4. Preparation: Use targeted study resources  which is aligned with the CHPLN exam blueprint and reflects the scope and difficulty of the actual exam. The question bank covers all major exam domains and is regularly updated to remain consistent with current hospice and palliative social work standards.
CHPLN exam

Preparation and Resources

Our questions are developed based on authoritative hospice and palliative work references, providing candidates with thorough preparation grounded in reliable, professional resources.

  • Topics on Exam: The CHPLN exam blueprint assesses key knowledge and skills across domains such as patient care, pain, comfort, and symptoms management, treatment procedures, care of family and other caregivers, education and advocacy, and interdisciplinary and collaborative practice. Understanding these areas is essential for success. 
  • Review Course: Candidates may benefit from additional review courses offered by professional organizations or hospice and palliative care educational programs to strengthen foundational knowledge in exam content.
  • Question Bank: A comprehensive resource like CHPLN Question Bank is highly recommended. This question bank aligns with the CHPLN exam blueprint and is reviewed by experienced hospice and palliative social work professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance. Each question includes detailed rationales, and four predictor exams are provided to help candidates evaluate their readiness and confidence for exam day.

CHPLN Exam Practice Questions

Practicing sample questions is a crucial part of CHPLN exam preparation, helping you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. 

Access Sample Questions: Find sample questions in the question bank here CHPLN Practice Questions. These questions are crafted to reflect the level of application and difficulty found on the CHPLN exam.

Practice these questions in the interactive quiz software here for an engaging study experience, which will provide feedback at the end of the practice test. Practice questions here CHPLN Practice Questions.

CHPLN Certification

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$257 - Question Bank
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FAQs on CHPLN Certification

A: The CHPLN certification validates the expertise of licensed nurses who provide care in hospice and palliative settings, ensuring high standards in symptom management, care planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic support for patients and families.

A: Yes, the CHPLN exam can be taken via live remote proctoring, giving candidates the flexibility to complete the exam from home or another suitable location.

A: The CHPLN certification is offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).

A: HPCC also offers the following certifications:

  • APHSW-C: Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker - Certified
  • CHPNA: Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant
  • CHPPN: Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse
  • CHPN: Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse

  • ACHPN: Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse

A: The CHPLN certification must be renewed every four years.

A: Pass rates vary by year but average around 68%, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation.

A: The CHPLN candidate handbook is available on the HPCC website and provides complete information on eligibility, application procedures, exam content, and recertification

A: The CHPLN exam is offered year-round (March, June, September, December) through authorized testing centers or live remote proctoring, allowing candidates flexibility in scheduling.

A: The HPCC website provides access to all certification information, including candidate handbooks, application forms, and exam resources.