Applying for CCHP-N
Who Should Apply
The CCHP Board of Trustees has voted to expand the CCHP-RN program to include all levels of nursing practice, and, starting February 25, will begin offering a CCHP-N credential that replaces the CCHP-RN. The CCHP-N recognizes the shared core knowledge essential across all levels of nursing practice. This expansion reflects the vital contributions that LPNs and LVNs make in correctional health care—and throughout the broader health care system.
The current CCHP-RN exam is available through February 24, 2026. Beginning February 25, all applicants will take the CCHP-N exam and receive a CCHP-N upon passing. Upon recertification all CCHP-RNs will become CCHP-N.
Applicants must have:
- Current CCHP certification
- Current, active, full and unrestricted license or registration as a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, or Canada.
- Equivalent of two years full-time practice as a licensed nurse
- 2,000 hours of practice in a correctional setting within the last three years
AFTER THE APPLICATION IS APPROVED
Applicants will receive confirmation of their candidacy to take the CCHP examination after the application is approved. Incomplete applications will be kept on file for three months, after which time a new application and fees must be submitted. A candidate must take the exam within six months of the application approval date.
Register online for NCCHC and partner location exams by logging into your MyNCCHC account (see the Exam Calendar for sites), or sign up to take the exam at a Prometric test center or online.
APPLICATION / EXAMINATION FEE
The fee is $330 (if submitted by mail or fax, a $15 surcharge will apply).There are no refunds on the application fee.
There is no charge to take the exam the first time at an NCCHC conference or partner site. Candidates who opt to take the exam at a test center or online will be charged a $55 registration fee by Prometric.
Attention veterans: You may be eligible for reimbursement of the exam fee by the Veterans Administration. Learn more.
ADA REQUEST FOR TEST ACCOMMODATIONS
Please follow the instructions on this form to request testing accommodations.
APPLY NOW
Use our convenient online application (coming soon!) , (you must first log in to, or create your NCCHC account.) Or download the application for mail or fax ($15 surcharge applies).