Pediatric Pharmacology Self-Assessment Exercise (SAE)

The 2009-2010 Pediatric Pharmacology SAE is a self-paced learning activity for independent study developed in response to requests from CPNPs® who are required by state law to have pharmacology continuing education credits. This unique SAE is written by CPNPs®, pediatricians and pharmacologists and follows a comprehensive Pediatric Pharmacology SAE Curriculum. The Pharmacology SAE may help you meet requirements for prescriptive privileges in your state.

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

Quick links about our nationally acclaimed Pediatric Pharmacology SAE:

• 2009-2010 Pharm SAE Reference List
• The New Online Answer Method and Online Answer Method FAQs
• Topics
• Dates
• Fees
• SAE Updates

Is it required for Primary Care CPNPs®?

Yes. You'll complete this activity once in a 7-year cycle.

You may choose to take it more than once in a 7-year cycle as long as you are selecting a new edition of this SAE. We publish a new Pharm SAE every other year.

What's included?

CPNPs® choosing the Pediatric Pharmacology SAE will receive:

• A content outline and bibliography.
• A test booklet of approximately 100 multiple choice questions.
• Unlimited online access to answer the questions (Online Answer Method)
• An answer sheet and return envelope (Paper Answer Sheet Method)
• The latest edition of Lexi-Comp's Pediatric Dosage Handbook.
• 15 Pharmacology contact hours approved by NAPNAP

Please not that printed questions and corresponding resources (Pediatric Dosage Handbook) will be mailed as usual regardless of the answer method you select.

After you successfully complete the SAE using the online answer method, you receive via email a Feedback Report (critiques) and your CE certificate for 15 hours of continuing education (NAPNAP).

After you successfully complete the SAE using the paper answer sheet method, you are emailed a Feedback Report (critiques) and your CE certificate for 15 hours of continuing education (NAPNAP).

Those who did not pass will have an opportunity to re-take the answers they missed. See What If I Don't Pass? below for more information.

Online Answer Method vs. Paper Answer Sheet Method

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.

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 do I pass?

Participants in the Pharmacology SAE must submit their answers through either the online answer method or the paper answer sheet method. You must receive a minimum score of 70% or more in order to meet the annual Recertification Program requirement.

Passing CPNPs are awarded 15 contact hours (NAPNAP) for successful completion of the Primary Care SAE. A certificate of continuing education is provided along with a Feedback Report (critiques) after scoring. Please allow 4 weeks for processing.

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.