Certification signals a professional’s commitment to high standards, competency, and patient-centered care. The main certifications in hospice and palliative care are ACHPN, CHPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, APHSW-C and CHPPN - explored in detail below.
Why Certification Matters
Palliative care and hospice certification goes beyond formal recognition - it adds credibility, enhances the quality of care, and represents a significant investment in professional growth. It signifies an in-depth understanding of end-of-life and serious-illness care, reinforcing the value of expert-guided, compassionate support.
Certification through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care. Institutions employing certified professionals benefit from enhanced service quality, reduced turnover, and increased patient and family satisfaction, while certified professionals experience greater job satisfaction and career advancement.
Eligibility & Certification Process
Eligibility often requires specific education, experience, and knowledge of the field, with standards varying by specialty. Obtaining certification involves meeting eligibility requirements, applying, studying, and completing an exam. Credentialing organizations like the HPCC offer exams that evaluate knowledge of palliative care standards and practices, with renewal required to maintain certification.
Certifications in Hospice & Palliative Care
Advanced Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse (ACHPN)
Tailored for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, focusing on complex symptom management, clinical decision-making, and leadership.
Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
Designed for registered nurses specializing in hospice and palliative care, validating expertise in symptom management, palliative care guidelines, and compassionate support.
Certified Hospice & Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN)
For licensed practical/vocational nurses, affirming their skills in delivering essential support and symptom management for patients in end-of-life care.
Certified Hospice & Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)
For nursing assistants providing direct care, recognizing competencies in patient care, emotional support, and practical skills in end-of-life settings.
Certified Hospice & Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN)
For registered nurses who work with pediatric patients, confirming expertise in managing the unique needs of children and their families facing serious illness.
Physician Certification
Hospice and palliative medicine was recognized as a subspecialty by the ABMS in 2006. Certification is offered through several ABMS member boards; since 2014, eligibility requires a 12-month accredited fellowship. More details are available on the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) website.
Physician Assistant Certification
Physician Assistants can earn the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Social Work Certification
The NASW offers the Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW) for bachelor’s-level and the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW) for master’s-level social workers. The HPCC also offers the Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker Certification (APHSW-C).
Chaplaincy Certification
Since 2014, chaplains can pursue the Board-Certified Chaplain – Palliative Care and Hospice Advanced Certification (BCC-PCHAC) through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI), addressing spiritual and existential needs in serious illness and end-of-life care.
Counseling Certification
Certification in thanatology, focusing on death and bereavement, is offered by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). Its Certification in Thanatology (CT) prepares professionals for grief counseling and bereavement support.
Certification Training Programs
Hospice and Palliative Review certification training programs equip nursing professionals with tools, resources, practice exams, and expert-led guidance. For nurse practitioners studying for the ACHPN exam, we offer a comprehensive ACHPN review course and question bank covering foundational and advanced topics with continuing education. For nurses studying for the CHPN exam, we offer a 1,400+ question expert-reviewed CHPN question bank.
Conclusion
Certification in hospice and palliative care opens doors to new opportunities, professional recognition, and the reward of providing compassionate, skilled support. Whether you’re an APRN, nurse, physician, social worker, or chaplain, certification represents a meaningful dedication to quality, empathetic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer contact hours for your courses and who approved the hours?
Yes, we offer Continuing Education (CE) hours for our ACHPN, CHPN, and CHPPN courses and question banks. These hours are perfect for anyone looking to earn or maintain their certification. Please note that for those taking the ACHPN track, the hours also include the required pharmacology hours.
Our nursing continuing professional development activities are approved by the Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
How long will I have access to my board review course materials and question banks?
Your access depends on the specific plan you chose when you signed up. Our packages are flexible to fit different study schedules, so terms can range anywhere from one month up to twelve months.
For the exact details on your access window, just take a quick look at the plan you purchased. We've designed these different timeframes so you can pick the one that best matches your exam date and gives you plenty of time to get through the materials.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in your board review courses?
There are no formal prerequisites for enrolling in any of our six board review courses. Our programs are open to all healthcare professionals looking to enhance their expertise in hospice and palliative care.
While anyone can enroll, each course is specifically designed to help the following professionals prepare for their respective certification exams:
- ACHPN: For Advanced practice registered nurses.
- CHPN: For hospice and palliative registered nurses.
- CHPPN: For pediatric hospice and palliative nurses.
- CHPLN: For hospice and palliative licensed practical/vocational nurses.
- CHPNA: For hospice and palliative nursing assistants.
- APHSW-C: For hospice and palliative social workers.
I just passed my exam! What should I do next?
Congratulations on reaching this significant professional milestone! We are thrilled to celebrate your success with you.
Whether you have successfully completed the ACHPN, CHPN, CHPPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, or APHSW-C exam, we invite you to share your achievement by contacting us at support@hospicepalliativereview.com. Your journey and success serve as a powerful inspiration to fellow professionals in the hospice and palliative care community who are currently working toward their own certifications.
How do I pay for the board review materials, and what options are available?
We offer a streamlined payment process for all six of our tracks: ACHPN, CHPN, CHPPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, and APHSW-C.
To suit your specific study needs, we provide three plan options: Starter, Essentials, and Comprehensive. Once you select your preferred plan and payment is made in full, you will receive immediate access to your resources via email, allowing you to begin your hospice and palliative care exam preparation.
Should I take a course if I am not planning to take a certification exam?
Absolutely. While our courses are excellent preparation for the ACHPN, CHPN, CHPPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, and APHSW-C exams, they are also designed for any clinician or professional who wants to deepen their expertise in hospice and palliative care.
Our materials provide high-quality, evidence-based education that is valuable for daily practice and professional development. Additionally, for those enrolled in the ACHPN, CHPN, or CHPPN tracks, the courses are an excellent way to earn Continuing Education (CE) hours even if you aren't currently seeking certification.
What topics are covered in the board review courses and question banks?
Is personalized support available during the board review process?
Yes. We offer one-on-one support to help you navigate your preparation with confidence. For a fee of $200, you can schedule a personalized session with a certified professional from our team.
Whether you are preparing for the ACHPN, CHPN, CHPPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, or APHSW-C, our team members are available to answer your specific questions, provide expert guidance, and help you refine your study plan.
These sessions are designed to ensure you are fully prepared and feel confident heading into your certification exam.