The Primary Care Self-Assessment Exercise (SAE)

The Primary Care SAE is a self-paced, independent study tool profiling updated knowledge of PNP practice, clinical management and pharmacology. The SAE is developed by CPNPs®, pediatricians and pharmacologists following a comprehensive Primary Care SAE Curriculum.

Scroll down to learn all about this acclaimed learning activity to update your knowledge, and visit these quick links for even more details:

• Current & Future Topics
• Important Dates
• Fees
• SAE Updates

Is it required for Primary Care CPNPs®?

Yes. You'll need to complete two Primary Care SAEs in each of your 7-year cycles, and you'll decide which years of your 7-cycle to select these activities. Dually-certified CPNPs® are required to complete one Primary Care SAE per 7-year cycle.

What's included?

The Primary Care Self-Assessment Exercise (SAE) includes:

• Content outline and bibliography
• Over 100 multiple choice test questions
• Copies of the journal articles used as primary references for approximately 90% of the Primary Care SAE questions
• An answer sheet and return envelope

After you complete the SAE and send it back to us, we score it in June. Then in July, we mail those who pass a certificate for 18 hours of accredited continuing education (NAPNAP), an Individual Performance Report (IPR), plus a Critique/Answer booklet with rationale for all right and wrong answers. Those who did not pass will have an opportunity to re-take the answers they missed. Two of the 18 contact hours are pharmacology CE. See "What If I Don't Pass? below for full details on the re-take policy.

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 the following year. Here's how it works:

• You select an SAE option between October 1 to December 1.
• We mail your SAE in late December.
• You'll have until May 15th to return your answer sheet to us.
• If you miss this due date, you may still return your answer sheet along with the appropriate late fee. See the SAE calendar for more details.
• We then score your answers and mail your scores and corresponding documents in July.

How do I pass?

Participants in the Primary Care SAE must return the answer sheet for scoring and receive a minimum score of 70% or more in order to meet the annual Recertification Program requirement.

Passing CPNPs® are awarded 18 contact hours (NAPNAP) for successful completion of the Primary Care SAE. Two of the 18 contact hours are pharmacology CE. A certificate of continuing education is mailed along with an Item Performance Report (IPR) and a Critique/Answer Booklet with explanations for all right and wrong answers in July, after scoring of the answer sheet.

What if I don't pass?

CPNPs® who fail to achieve a passing SAE score (70%) will be given an additional opportunity to to successfully complete your SAE option by taking a short online retest of twenty questions created from the current SAE. Following the guidelines listed below will help to assure your completion of the SAE requirement:

• If you do not achieve the minimum score, you will be mailed instructions about a short online retest of twenty questions.
• An additional $30 administrative fee for re-scoring will be required and must be paid online using the link sent in your mailed instructions.
• The deadline to complete the SAE retest is August 1.
• Upon successful completion of the retest, we will send the Critique/Answer booklet and a CE certificate awarding 18 NAPNAP contact hours.
• If you fail to successfully complete this SAE requirement, your current Recertification Option will be changed to INACTIVE. Please note that Primary Care CPNPs are required to complete 2 Primary Care SAEs and 1 Pharmacology SAE in each of their seven-year cycles. Dually certified CPNPs (those who hold both Acute Care and Primary Care certifications) must complete 1 Primary, 1 Pharmacology, and 2 Acute Care SAEs.