.spoke-cta{margin:24px 0}a.btn-join{display:inline-block;background:#2b6cb0;color:#fff!important;padding:12px 20px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.4}.spoke-q>li{margin:0 0 22px}.spoke-q ul{margin:6px 0 6px 18px}.spoke-table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:18px 0}.spoke-table th,.spoke-table td{border:1px solid #d6dee8;padding:8px 12px;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}.spoke-table thead th{background:#f0f5fa}.spoke-sources{margin-top:32px;padding-top:16px;border-top:1px solid #e2e8f0;font-size:.92em;color:#4a5568}.spoke-sources a{word-break:break-word}
Both are HPCC credentials in hospice and palliative care, but for different
levels of practice. The short version: CHPN is for registered nurses; ACHPN is for
advanced practice nurses (NPs and CNSs).
CHPN vs ACHPN at a glance
| CHPN | ACHPN | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Registered nurses (RN) | Advanced practice nurses (NP/CNS) |
| Awarding body | HPCC | HPCC |
| Scope | Expert RN hospice/palliative practice | Advanced/APRN-level practice |
| Education | RN license + practice hours | Graduate APRN preparation + experience |
Which one is for you?
- CHPN if you’re a registered nurse practicing in hospice or palliative care.
- ACHPN if you’re an NP or CNS practicing at the advanced level — it
requires graduate APRN preparation, so it isn’t an option for RNs.
For the vast majority of bedside hospice and palliative nurses, the CHPN is the right
credential — and timed, rationale-based practice is the way through it.
Unlock 590+ CHPN practice questions across 4 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).