Certification for Hospice and Palliative
LICENSED PRACTICAL/VOCATIONAL NURSE

The National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN®) is composed of advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, a licensed practical/vocational nurse,  a nursing assistant, a nurse certified in another specialty, an administrator, and a non-nurse consumer  member.  Board members represent a wide variety of geographic areas, practice settings, and educational backgrounds.  The NBCHPNÒ is responsible for the development and oversight of certification for the specialty of nursing in hospice and palliative care.

How is hospice and palliative nursing practice defined?
Hospice and palliative nursing practice is the provision of nursing care for the patient and their family with the emphasis on their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs when experiencing a life-limiting illness. This is accomplished in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team in any setting. 

Who is eligible for certification?  
Practical/Vocational Nurses that hold a current, unrestricted practical/vocational nurse license in the United States or its territories may sit for the examination.  NBCHPNÒ recommends that candidates have at least 2 years of experience in hospice and palliative nursing practice to consider themselves eligible for certification as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN^®).

What credential is granted for certification?  Candidates that sit for and pass the LP/VN certifcation exam are granted the CHPLN^® credential (Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse)

Why seek certification? 
Certification validates an individual nurse’s competence and knowledge in the specialized area of hospice and palliative care.  Certification in nursing is highly valued and provides formal recognition of having achieved a standard of knowledge in the specialty.

What content is covered in the exam? 
The exam consists of 150 items (questions) distributed across 8 domains of practice for the care of an adult patient and family as shown in the detailed content outline located in the Candidate Handbook.

What is the cost of certification? 
Persons applying for the certification exam who are current HPNA members PRIOR to applying for the NBCHPN exam are entitled to the HPNA member discounted exam fee as a membership benefit. 

Click here for a list of certification fees

How often must I renew my certification? 
Certification is valid for a period of four (4) years at which time the candidate must retake and pass the current Certification Examination for the Hospice and Palliative Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse. 

How do I apply? 
A candidate can apply for the LPN certification exam online through, www.nbchpn.org or by mailing their application to the testing company, AMP.  The certification examination is offered at over 160 AMP test center locations.

The Certification Handbook and application for the written exam are available by using the links below,  or by calling the testing agency, Applied Measurement Professionals at 1-888-519-9901. 

More information on certification in hospice and palliative nursing can be obtained by contacting the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses by email at nbchpn@hpna.org or by phoning the National Office at 412-787-1057.

Handbook and Application