Beyond the blueprint: Early outcomes from the CHEST Critical Care APP certification exam

In critical care, confidence is built one decision at a time. It is shaped by long shifts, complex cases, and the responsibility of caring for patients at their most vulnerable. For many advanced practice providers (APPs), professional certification represents far more than a credential; it is a reflection of commitment, growth, and pride in practice.

The 2025 CHEST Critical Care APP certification exam marked another meaningful step forward in the evolution of advanced practice in critical care. Strong participation, high pass rates, and thoughtful candidate feedback provided insight into why APPs pursue certification, how they experience the process, and how the program can continue to grow.

This summary offers a snapshot of the 2025 exam cycle, combining data with the voices of the clinicians behind it.

Why APPs pursue certification

When applicants were asked why they chose to pursue the CHEST Critical Care APP Certification, their responses reflected a shared professional mindset rather than a single motivation. Certification was not viewed as a formality but as an intentional step toward professional excellence.

Many candidates described seeking validation of their knowledge and skills in an environment where complexity and acuity demand constant growth. Others emphasized lifelong learning, viewing certification as a way to remain engaged, current, and challenged in their practice. Advancing the APP profession itself was another common theme, with certification seen as a way to strengthen the credibility and visibility of APPs within interdisciplinary teams.

Leadership, recognition, and career advancement also played important roles. For some candidates, certification represented an opportunity to influence practice, mentor colleagues, or pursue new professional roles. Underlying these motivations was a strong sense of personal pride, the satisfaction of meeting a high standard, and knowing that achievement carries meaning.

One applicant summarized this perspective powerfully:

“As a critical care NP, I strive to be a lifelong student and to continually elevate my practice. Pursuing this certification will be a reflection of that professional drive to practice at the highest level, provide the best care for my patients, and set myself apart from my peers.”

Another applicant highlighted credibility and patient safety as key drivers:

“I would like to take the CHEST exam to enhance professional credibility among colleagues and to continue to contribute to patient safety and best patient outcomes. I believe this is a great learning opportunity and will also give me personal satisfaction in my career development by passing this test.”

Together, these voices underscore an important reality: APPs pursue certification not only for themselves but for their patients, their teams, and the profession as a whole.

Who took the exam in 2025

A total of 172 APPs sat for the 2025 CHEST Critical Care APP certification exam, representing a broad range of professional backgrounds and experience levels.

Nurse practitioners comprised the majority of test takers, with 130 candidates accounting for 76% of the total group. Physician assistants/associates made up the remaining 42 candidates, representing 24%.

Most candidates brought substantial clinical experience to the exam; 110 test takers (64%) reported having six or more years of experience. Another 53 candidates (31%) had three to five years of experience, while a smaller group of nine candidates (5%) were early in their careers, with six months to two years of experience.

This distribution highlights that while many APPs pursue certification after establishing themselves clinically, there is also growing interest among early career clinicians who view certification as a foundation for long-term professional development.

Exam performance and outcomes

Overall exam performance in 2025 reflected a high level of preparation among candidates. Of the 172 test takers, 154 passed the exam, resulting in a 90% pass rate. Eighteen candidates (10%) did not pass.

This strong pass rate suggests that exam content aligns well with real-world critical care practice and that candidates are approaching the certification process with seriousness and intent. For those who passed, the result often carried emotional weight in addition to professional significance.

One candidate shared their reaction directly with CHEST staff after receiving results:

“Thank you for letting me know! This is so awesome, I am so proud to have passed this exam. Thank you, thank you!”

Moments like this serve as a reminder that certification represents a personal milestone, reflecting years of dedication, study, and clinical experience. See who is in our inaugural class of certificants by visiting chestnet.org/APP-exam.

The role of subject matter experts

The strength of the CHEST Critical Care APP certification exam is rooted in the expertise of those who guide its development. In 2025, the program was supported by 12 steering committee members, 19 contributors involved in certification development, and 14 subject matter experts who participated in standard setting.

These clinicians brought deep experience and diverse perspectives, ensuring that the exam remains rigorous, relevant, and reflective of contemporary critical care practice.

Looking ahead

The inaugural round of the CHEST Critical Care APP certification exam tells a clear story: APPs are seeking meaningful validation, value lifelong learning, and want credentials that reflect the realities of modern critical care.

Strong performance outcomes, positive candidate experiences, and thoughtful feedback demonstrate a program that is both effective and responsive. With continued attention to quality, education, and engagement across career stages, the CHEST Critical Care APP Certification is well positioned to support the next generation of APP leaders.

In a field defined by complexity and constant change, one thing remains steady: APPs continue to raise expectations for themselves and their profession, and this certification serves as a benchmark toward excellence in critical care practice.

This article was originally published in the Spring 2026 issue of CHEST Physician.