The Pediatric Nursing
Self-Assessment Exercise (SAE)

The Pediatric Nursing SAE is a self-paced, independent study tool profiling updated knowledge of pediatric nurse practice and is developed by Certified Pediatric Nurses.

Here's what you'll receive if you choose this SAE option for Recertification:

• A Content outline and bibliography
• The PN SAE, which includes 70 multiple-choice questions
• A reference manual with articles from leading journals to be used as primary references for all of the PN SAE items
• An answer sheet and return envelope (Paper Answer Sheet Method)
• Unlimited online access to answer the questions (Online Answer Method)

Please note that printed questions and corresponding resources (Reference Manual) will be mailed as usual regardless of the answer method you select.

Upon successful completion of the PN SAE you will receive:

• A pass/fail score report.
• An emailed Feedback Report (critiques) with in-depth explanations of all right and wrong answers.
• 15 contact hours of continuing education to validate your ongoing competency in pediatric nursing — an important way to meet state licensing requirements

Is it required?

Yes, for one year of each of your 7-year cycles.

When should I take it?

It's up to you. As long as you successfully complete one SAE per 7-year cycle, the choice is yours.

Can I take it more than once in a 7-year cycle?

Yes. A new edition is published every other year, so you may take the SAE multiple times as long as you do not repeat the same SAE.

When do I get the SAE? When is it due?

When you select this option for Recertification, you're making a commitment to complete the SAE by May 15th, after Recert enrollment is over. Here's how it works:

• You select the SAE option between October 1 and February 1.
• We begin mailing SAEs in November, depending on when you place your order.
• You'll have until May 15, 2010 (postmark date) to return your answer paper sheet to us -OR -
• You'll have until May 15, 2010 to complete your answers online (online answer method).
• If you miss this due date, you may still return your answer sheet along with a $50 late fee (paper answer sheet) or receive an extension using a special link (online answer method).
• You receive immediate results with online answering. Paper answer sheets are scored as they are received. Allow 4 weeks for us to process your score reports, answer/critique booklets, and CE certificates for those using the paper answer sheet method.

How does the Online Answer Method work?

The PNCB now offers a choice of two methods for answering the items in your SAE.

• Method 1: Answering items online (not recommended if you use dial-up Internet service)
• Method 2: Answering items using a paper answer sheet

Here's how it works... The SAE booklet and Reference Manual will be mailed to you for your review and reference as you complete the SAE items. However, if you choose the online method of answering SAE items, no paper answer sheet will be sent to you with your SAE materials. Instead of using a paper answer sheet, you will answer the SAE items online beginning October 15th. You will have unlimited access to the online answer method until May 15, 2010.

To do this, an SAE testing link and a user ID and password will be provided. Benefits of the online method of answering the items include:

• No need to fill in a paper answer sheet and return it to the PNCB
• You will be able to review the critique for each item immediately
• Scoring is available instantly after completion
• Opportunity for Retest available in a timely manner if you are unsuccessful the first time
• This option saves you $10 over the paper answer sheet option

SAE policies remain the same whether you choose to answer online (Method 1) or complete a paper answer sheet (Method 2):

• You will have unlimited access to the SAE beginning October 15, 2009, depending on when you order, through May 15, 2010.
• You will have an opportunity to pay a late fee and complete the SAE after the deadline.
• You must complete the SAE for scoring in order to receive recertification credit and continuing education award.
• CE certificates will be awarded for successful completion with a score of 70% or greater.

When you choose an SAE for your Recert option, simply select the answering method you would like to use when you order the SAE:

• Method 1: Answering items online (a user ID and password will be emailed to you beginning October 15th, along with a link to the SAE site.) No paper answer sheet will be included in your SAE materials.

• Method 2: Answering items using a paper answer sheet (a paper answer sheet, along with a return envelope will be enclosed with your SAE materials).

See our in-depth FAQ sheet for detailed information on this easy way to complete your SAE.

How do I pass?

You must return the answer sheet for scoring or complete the SAE online, depending on the answer method you selected, and receive a minimum score of 70% or more in order to meet the annual Recertification Program requirement.

Passing CPNs are awarded 15 contact hours (NAPNAP) for successful completion of this SAE. A certificate of continuing education is emailed along with a Feedback Report (critiques) with explanations for all right and wrong answers.

What if I don't pass?

Participants who fail to achieve a passing SAE score (70%) will be given an additional opportunity to successfully complete their SAE option with a free online retest. Detailed information will be provided to those who need to retest.

What if I have a question about an item on the SAE?

We offer an SAE Updates web page to address issues concerning test items. You can visit this webpage to see if your question is discussed there. If not, please email us at sae@pncb.org for assistance.

Item writers and Test Committee members are volunteers of the PNCB. There are no conflicts of interest to report. Conflict of Interest forms for SAE contributors can be accessed through the PNCB offices. List of current SAE contributors.