Eligibility Requirements for Acute Care CPNP^® Certification

Eligibility pathways I and II link graduation from a PNCB Recognized Acute Care PNP Graduate Program to certification as an Acute Care PNP. These two pathways have been reviewed by the Advanced Practice Advisory Panel of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and have met the NCSBN's Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) criteria for certification programs.

Pathway I

• Application (online or paper) and payment submitted to the PNCB
• Acute Care PNP graduate program completion through Master's in Nursing, Post Master's or Doctorate in Nursing within the past 24 months
• Final Transcript of Masters and Post Masters (if applicable) mailed from educational institution
• Documentation of Acute Care Education Form mailed from educational institution
• Active RN license
• Documentation of current PALS (a photocopy of both sides of your card)
• Successful exam

Pathway II

• Application (online or paper) and payment submitted to the PNCB
• Acute Care PNP graduate program completion through Master's in Nursing, Post Master's or Doctorate in Nursing more than 24 months ago
• Final Transcript of Master's and Post Master's (if applicable) mailed from educational institution
• Documentation of Program Education Form mailed from educational institution
• Active RN license
• Documentation of current PALS (a photocopy of both sides of your card)
• Documentation of current clinical skills through the Acute Care Skills Verification Form (with signature verifying person signing has worked with applicant)
• Documentation of 1000 acute care clinical hours within the past 2 years
• Successful exam