Certification
One way for hospice and palliative care professionals to recognize our expertise is through certification. This involves a process that validates and evaluates one’s expertise in a specialty area. While licensure assures minimal competency to practice in a field, certification indicates mastery of a defined body of knowledge.
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) offers specialty certification to hospice and palliative nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. We currently offer six hospice and palliative certification exams for advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, pediatric hospice and palliative nurses, licensed/vocational nurses, nursing assistants, and social workers. We also maintain the certified hospice and palliative care administrator and the certified in perinatal loss care credentials. Nearly 14,500 health care professionals hold HPCC credentials that establish a professional commitment to safe, ethical, and evidence-based care. Find out more about our credentials below.
Our Credentials
Maintained Through Recertification
HPCC Resources
Access downloadable forms and guidance for certification and recertification-related processes.
Access Now
Latest News
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HPCC Announces APHSW-C® Accreditation
On June 10, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs for its Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker–Certified (APHSW-C®) program.
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Retirement of Virginia Marshall, HPNA, HPNF, HPCC Chief Executive Officer
With deep appreciation, gratitude, and bittersweet reflection, we announce the upcoming retirement of Virginia (Ginger) Marshall, MSN, ACNP-BC, ACHPN®, FPCN®, who will step down as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF), and the Hospice and Palliative Credentialling Center (HPCC) effective March 20, 2027.
Quick Links
- Why Certification?
- Role Delineation
- Continuing Competence
- LearningBuilder
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
- Fraudulent Use Statement
Testing Windows and Deadlines
- December 1 – Application Start Date
- February 15 – Online Application Deadline
- March 1 – Application Start Date
- May 15 – Online Application Deadline
- June 1 – Application Start Date
- August 15 – Online Application Deadline
- September 1 – Application Start Date
- November 15 – Online Application Deadline
reTEST Assured Program
Taking an examination can be stressful, and while the majority of our candidates are successful on the first try, some are not. To relieve a bit of stress, HPCC has implemented the reTEST Assured Program, which offers any candidate who was unsuccessful, the opportunity to retake an exam for $135. The reTEST Assured Program must be used in one of the three test windows immediately following the exam window in which the candidate was unsuccessful. Learn more here or send your questions to hpcc@gohpcc.org.
Scholarships
The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF) provides scholarships to nurses nationwide to cover the cost of certification fees and are valid for those earning a new Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) certification or those who are renewing their current HPCC certification. HPNF accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Certification Verification Tool
This is a free resource created to assist those looking to verify a professional’s HPCC certification status. Names of individuals currently certified by HPCC are available through the link below.
Purchase a Pin
Showcase your Accomplishment with a certification pin. Visit the HPCC Pin Store and get yours today!
