CAPA
Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA)
The CAPA certifies nurses in ambulatory perianesthesia care settings.
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CAPA Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) |
| Governing Body | ABPANC |
| Number of Questions | 185 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 450 scaled (200-800 scale) |
| Exam Fee | $350 ASPAN member / $424 non-member |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ABPANC official website ↗ |
CAPA Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area |
|---|
| Perianesthesia Nursing Practice |
| Anesthesia Concepts and Medications |
| Patient Assessment and Monitoring |
| Patient and Family Education |
| Professional Issues |
Domain areas are sourced from the ABPANC content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Anesthesia — 20%
- ✓ Physiology — 16%
- ✓ Perianesthesia Monitoring and Intervention — 30%
- ✓ Perianesthesia Care Considerations — 25%
- ✓ Professional Nursing Practice and Guidelines — 9%
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CAPA
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CAPA is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CAPA format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CAPA Frequently Asked Questions
What does CAPA stand for?
CAPA stands for Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA). It is administered by ABPANC.
Who administers the CAPA?
The Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) is administered by ABPANC. For official information, visit the ABPANC website.
How many questions is the CAPA?
The CAPA consists of 185 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CAPA?
The passing score for the CAPA is 450 scaled (200-800 scale), as set by ABPANC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CAPA exam cost?
The CAPA exam fee is $350 ASPAN member / $424 non-member. This fee is set by ABPANC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CAPA are scored?
185 multiple-choice questions: 140 scored, 45 unscored pretest questions being evaluated for future use. Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CAPA scored?
Scaled score of 450 on a 200-800 scale. The passing point is criterion-referenced (panels of CPAN/CAPA content experts rate each question); the raw score needed varies by form via equating, but the scaled passing point is always 450. No passing percentage is published. Always confirm the current standard with ABPANC before testing.
What does the CAPA cost?
Registration fee: $350 ASPAN member / $424 non-member; $350 international exam. Optional 'Test Assured' add-on $50. No separate application fee. $100 rollover fee if the application is rolled over. Fees are set by ABPANC and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What should I know about the current CAPA exam blueprint?
Source: ABPANC Certification Candidate Handbook (file Certification-Handbook-0924A.pdf, i.e. 09/2024 rev. A), the current handbook linked from cpancapa.org as of Aug 2026; the cover carries no printed date. Blueprint derives from the 2021 Role Delineation Study. CPAN and CAPA share the same five domains, structure, time limit, fees and passing standard, differing only in domain weights and question context. Registration windows Jan 1-Apr 30 and Jul 1-Oct 31; administration windows Mar 15-May 15 and Sep 15-Nov 15.
What is the ABPANC CAPA (Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurse) exam?
The CAPA from the American Board of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certification is a specialty exam for nurses caring for patients in ambulatory surgery and same-day procedure settings, specifically Phase II recovery and preoperative assessment. It focuses on patient education, discharge readiness, and managing the immediate post-anesthesia period in outpatient environments.
What are the eligibility requirements for CAPA?
Candidates must hold a current RN license, have 1,800 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice as an RN within the past 2 years, and have practiced for at least 2 of the last 3 years in perianesthesia nursing. The CAPA specifically requires Phase II (ambulatory/PACU) nursing experience, inpatient Phase I recovery alone does not qualify.
How hard is the ABPANC CAPA exam?
The CAPA is considered moderately challenging for nurses with relevant experience. Content covers anesthesia types and complications, nursing assessment, airway management, pain management, patient/family education, and discharge criteria specific to ambulatory settings. First-attempt pass rates for CAPA are generally favorable for well-prepared candidates.
How long should I study for the CAPA?
Most candidates study 4–8 weeks using the ASPAN Core Curriculum for PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice, ABPANC practice exams, and the PeriAnesthesia Nursing Standards. Review medications used in ambulatory anesthesia, malignant hyperthermia management, and discharge criteria for same-day surgery patients.
How does CAPA compare to CPAN?
CAPA and CPAN are sister credentials from ABPANC. CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse) covers Phase I inpatient PACU nursing, higher-acuity immediate post-anesthesia care including intensive monitoring and management of emergence from anesthesia. CAPA covers Phase II ambulatory and Phase III extended care. Nurses in facilities that provide both phases may hold both credentials.
How long is CAPA certification valid?
CAPA is valid for 3 years. Renewal requires a current RN license, maintenance of perianesthesia practice hours, and 60 CE hours in relevant content, or renewal by examination. ABPANC processes renewals through their online portal.
Does CAPA certification carry salary benefits?
CAPA certification is associated with clinical ladder advancement and salary differentials at many ambulatory surgery centers and hospital outpatient surgery departments. It demonstrates specialized competency in the growing ambulatory surgery market, where efficiency, patient safety, and discharge quality are organizational priorities.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA), a Nursing & Nursing School certification, administered by ABPANC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABPANC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ABPANC official website ↗ .