Becoming CAPA certified has been a very proud moment in my nursing career and something I immediately knew I wanted to pursue once I became eligible. As a perioperative nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs, I provide care to patients across multiple specialties in both the preoperative and postoperative phases. Earning this certification has allowed me to strengthen my clinical knowledge, build confidence in my practice, and validate the skills I use every day. I was incredibly grateful to receive a scholarship that covered the cost of the exam, making certification more accessible. To my knowledge, I am the first nurse on my unit to earn this certification, which makes this achievement even more meaningful. Certification has reinforced my commitment to providing safe, high-quality care to our nation’s veterans and to continued professional growth.
How did ABPANC's resources help you?
ABPANC’s resources played a key role in my success. In addition to receiving a scholarship, I utilized the CAPA practice exams and flashcards to reinforce key concepts and identify areas for improvement. I also used materials from the recommended study reference list. Following the 12-week study plan and CAPA Test Blueprint helped me stay organized and focused, allowing me to prepare consistently over three months.
Please share a story of the impact that certification has had on the quality of patient care you deliver.
Even just preparing for the CAPA exam has already impacted my patient care. The process strengthened my clinical knowledge, increased my awareness of best practices, and helped me think more critically in the perioperative setting. Now newly certified, I approach patient care with greater confidence and a stronger foundation, and I am hopeful this will continue to enhance the safety and quality of care I provide.
What advice do you have for candidates who did not pass their exam?
Approach the exam with a focused and strategic mindset. If you did not pass, take time to reassess your preparation and identify areas to improve. This is a rigorous certification, but it is absolutely achievable with consistency and the right resources. Focus on core content areas, use practice exams to guide your studying, and stay confident in your ability to succeed.
