Browse the categories below and click the questions for answers. If you don't see your question here, use our search feature at the top right of this page or email pncb@pncb.org.
Exam Eligibility & Application
• I graduated from a PNCB Recognized Program.
What are the eligibility requirements?
• Do I need a Master's in nursing to take
the CPNP® Exam?
• I was educated as a family
nurse practitioner. May I take the CPNP® exam?
• If my university isn't a PNCB Recognized Program, how can it be approved?
• I am a nationally certified
FNP, currently licensed in my state as an APRN and I practice as an acute
care PNP. Am I eligible to sit for the Acute Care CPNP® Exam?
• I am enrolled in
a primary care PNP program as a first year student. I really want to function
as an acute care PNP. How can I get access to the exam?
• Do Acute/Chronic
and Critical Care PNP programs count as Acute Care PNP programs?
• I am an NP working in an emergency
room. Will I be eligible for this exam?
• I am a Primary Care CPNP
and hope to achieve Acute Care PNP certification. Will I be able to maintain
both certifications?
• My state currently does not require
the Acute Care CPNP® Exam. Why should I get this certification?
• I graduated from an Acute Care
PNP program over ten years ago. I am not sure faculty can attest to the NP
competencies or verify my hours of clinical practice? What do I do?
• Why must the PNCB complete program review of my graduate
acute care PNP program to determine my eligibility for the Acute Care CPNP Exam?
• May I mail my transcript personally?
• What transcript(s) are required to apply for the exam?
• What is the registration process for year-round testing?
• How long does it take to determine exam eligibility?
Primary Care vs. Acute Care Roles
•How do I distinguish between the Acute Care role and the Primary Care role?
Preparing & Studying
•How do I study for the exam? Can you recommend a particular review course or book?
Taking the Exam
• Do I need computer knowledge to take the exam?
• How long is the exam?
• When will I receive my exam results?
• Will I be able to take the exam at the
time and place I want or need?
• I have a disability-related need and may
require special accommodations to take the exam. What do I do?
Exam Policies & Procedures
• If I take the exam and am unsuccessful,
may I take the exam again? If so, how long must I wait in order to re-exam?
• What if I am unable to take the exam once
I have applied?
• May I extend or have my 90-day testing
period reassigned?
• What if I do not show up to take the exam
at my assigned date and time?
• Once my exam is scheduled with Prometric, may
I reschedule within my 90-day testing period?
• What circumstances would cause me to forfeit
the exam fee?
Verification of Certification
Maintaining Certification Through Recertification
If I successfully complete the exam, what are the requirements to maintain national certification?
Visit Recertification for full details on requirements, options, and deadlines for our annual Recert program.
Name Changes
• What if my name has changed since I graduated?
Duplicate Lapel Pins & Certificates
• I've lost my lapel pin. How do I get another?
• I would like a duplicate wall certificate. Can you mail me one?
I graduated from a PNCB Recognized Program. What are the eligibility requirements?
Those graduating within the past 24 months can take the exam using Pathway I eligibility. Candidates graduating more than 24 months ago will use Pathway II eligibility. Please see the appropriate pathway for you to review documentation requirements.
Do I need a Master's in nursing to take the CPNP exam?
A Master's in nursing is required for national nursing certification as an advanced practice nurse practitioner. Candidates who do not hold a Master's degree in nursing will not be eligible for this exam.
My educational preparation is as a family nurse practitioner. May I take the CPNP exam?
No, not unless you can document additional academic PNP education such as a Post-Master's PNP certificate. If you are interested, please contact the program director of a recognized PNP program to discuss a Post-Master's certificate or additional academic preparation. Your educational program does not include curriculum or pediatric clinical hours to equal that of a PNP Program.
If my university is not on the listing of PNCB Recognized Programs preparing PNPs, how can it be approved?
Have your program director call the Executive Director of the PNCB for specific information. The PNCB provides ongoing review of graduate PNP programs throughout the year.
I am a nationally certified FNP, currently licensed in my state as an APRN and I practice as an acute care PNP. Am I eligible to sit for the Acute Care CPNP® Exam?
Unfortunately not. Your FNP preparation does not include curriculum or pediatric clinical hours to equal that of a PNP program. You will need to complete a PNCB-recognized Acute Care PNP educational program in order to be eligible for the exam.
I am enrolled in a primary care PNP program as a first year student. I really want to function as an acute care PNP. How can I get access to the exam?
To be eligible for the Acute Care CPNP® Exam, you will need to graduate from a PNCB recognized Acute Care PNP graduate educational program. Click here for a current list of programs recognized by the PNCB. In order for the graduates of an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner program to be recognized by the PNCB as qualified to sit for the exam, the program must complete the program review process.
Do Acute/Chronic and Critical Care PNP programs count as Acute Care PNP programs?
The curriculum of the educational program you attended will need to be reviewed by the PNCB's Program Review Committee in order to determine if the curriculum was primarily designed to prepare you to function as an acute care PNP. It is expected that many of the current Acute/Chronic PNP Programs and Critical Care PNP programs will meet the necessary requirements for recognition by the PNCB.
View a current list of programs recognized by the PNCB>>
As a graduate from a recognized Acute Care PNP program, you will have access to the Acute Care CPNP® Exam through Pathway I (graduating within the past 24 months) and Pathway II (graduating more than 24 months ago). Please review the appropriate eligibility pathway for you to see full requirements.
I am an NP working in an emergency room. Will I be eligible for this exam?
The curriculum of the educational program you attended will need to be reviewed by the PNCB's Program Review Committee in order to determine if the curriculum was primarily designed to prepare you to function as an acute care PNP.
I am a Primary Care CPNP
and hope to achieve Acute Care PNP certification. Will I be able to maintain
both certifications?
Yes, you will be able to maintain both primary care and acute care certification
through the PNCB. The recertification process will include a minimum of
four Self Assessment Exercises offered by PNCB within a seven-year cycle
(one in primary care, one in pharmacology, and two in acute care).
For the remaining three years of your seven-year cycle, you may take additional SAEs or select from our contact hour
documention options.
My state currently does not require
the Acute Care CPNP® Exam. Why should I get this certification?
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has recommended that all
states require nurse practitioners to have congruence between education,
national certification and clinical practice. While some states may not
require national certification for licensure, you are encouraged to add
this credential to attest to your competence as an acute care PNP.
I graduated from an Acute Care
PNP program over ten years ago. I am not sure faculty can attest to the NP
competencies or verify my hours of clinical practice? What do I do?
The PNCB staff will work with you and the faculty in your program to complete
the program review process in order to determine your eligibility for
the Acute Care CPNP® Exam.
Why must the PNCB complete program review of my graduate acute care PNP program to determine my eligibility for the Acute Care CPNP Exam?
The Acute Care CPNP® Exam is a reflection of the national education and practice
standards for the acute care PNP role. The PNCB is dedicated to ensuring
that all exam candidates have been educated in graduate programs that
meet these national standards. These standards are described in the documents
listed below. The PNCB was an active participant in the development of
these documents.
• National
Competencies for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners published by NONPF
(June, 2004)
• The national Acute
Care PNP Exam content outline published by the PNCB
• National educational standards for Acute Care PNP graduate programs
published by the PNCB and endorsed by the AFPNP and NONPF, included in the
PNCB Acute Care PNP Program Review Application.
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May I mail my transcript personally?
No. All transcripts must be mailed directly from the Registrar's office of the educational institution to the PNCB.
What transcript(s) are required to apply for the exam?
An official MSN transcript, which includes the seal and evidence of PNP curriculum completed from the Master's program or Post-Master's program only (if applicable) is required.
What is the registration process for year-round testing?
Once the candidate receives notification
of eligibility, an appointment may be made to sit for the exam. The "letter
of eligibility" will indicate the candidate's assigned 90-day testing
period which is assigned as each candidate's eligibility record is established
with Prometric. Specific instructions will be provided detailing the process
of scheduling a testing time within the 90-day eligibility period.
How long does it take to determine eligibility in order to sit for the exam?
Once the PNCB receives all documentation
(online application, fees,
transcript(s) and documentation of PNP education form)
a letter of eligibility will be mailed to you. Determination of eligibility
will be completed in a timely manner following receipt of all required
materials. A verification of eligibility to sit will be sent, if requested.
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How do I distinguish between the Acute Care role and the Primary Care role?
The PNCB's role delineation research regarding the acute care PNP role determined that
there was indeed shared content between primary care and acute care pediatric nurse practitioners.
This shared content centers around knowledge and skills associated with well child growth and development
and chronic care issues. The essential focus of care for the Acute Care PNP is restorative care.
Acute Care CPNPs respond to rapidly changing clinical conditions, including the recognition and management
of emerging health crises, organ dysfunction and failure. The descriptions below should assist you to determine
if your practice includes a majority focus on the primary care or the acute care needs of the child and their family.
Acute Care PNP
The CPNP acute care role is designed to meet the specialized physiological and psychological needs of children with complex acute and chronic health conditions. CPNP-AC's respond to rapidly changing clinical conditions, including the recognition and management of emerging health crises, organ dysfunction and failure. In accordance with this practice focus, CPNP-AC role activities encompass a wide range of NP practice strategies including contributions to the management of children's illness/health states, the client nurse relationship, the teaching - coaching function, the professional role, managing and negotiating health care delivery systems, monitoring and ensuring quality of health care practice, providing family-centered care, and demonstrating cultural competency. The short-term goal of care is stabilization of the child, minimizing complications and providing physical and psychological care measures. The long term goal of care is to restore maximal health potential through implementation of NP strategies to reduce health risks. The continuum of care spans the geographical settings including but not limited to emergency departments, hospitals, subspecialty clinics and intensive care units.
Primary Care PNP
The CPNP primary care role is designed to meet the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of children in the areas of health maintenance and promotion and management of disease process. The CPNP-PC provides wellness management of children and their families incorporating competencies related to health promotion, protection, disease prevention and the treatment focus of pediatric nurse practitioner practice to maximize wellness and assist children and families in the prevention and management of common pediatric acute and chronic conditions. The goal of care is to achieve optimum quality of life and/or prevent a condition or illness from occurring. Activities of the Primary Care PNP in this role include conducting wellness-focused history and physical examination, ordering, performing and interpreting age-appropriate screening test; prescribing vaccines and medications; and developing a wellness management plan. In the role of health maintenance and management, the primary care PNP diagnoses and manages common pediatric problems of pathophysiological and pathopsychological origins. The CPNP-PC prescribes a comprehensive therapeutic treatment plan including pharmacological strategies, patient and family education and admission to the emergency room or hospital. The functions of the primary care PNP are conducted through clinical practice, teaching, consultation and/or referrals. The PNP-PC role contributes to the well being of children and families through the client-nurse relationship, teaching coaching function, professional role, managing and negotiating health care delivery systems, monitoring and ensuring the quality of health care practice, providing family centered care and demonstrating cultural competency. The CPNP-PC practices in a variety of health care settings including, but not limited to, the home, ambulatory and school based clinics, private practice and subspecialty clinics.
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How do I study for the exam? Can you recommend a particular review course or book?
The PNCB cannot endorse a particular text or review course, but visit our
Resources Page for possible suggestions and a list of questions to consider when selecting courses or books.
The PNCB now offers a learning activity called PEDs Exam Prep: Acute Care that can help you become familiar with the presentation and structure of actual CPNP Exam questions. Users also
earn continuing education hours upon completion of this unique practice testing tool.
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Do I need computer knowledge to take the certification exam?
No. Computer knowledge is not required to take a computer-based exam at Prometric. Before the exam begins, a customized introductory lesson is provided that explains the procedure used to select an answer and move from question to question. This introductory lesson does not reduce your assigned testing time.
The exam includes 175 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 questions are preselected as scored questions and 25 are non-scored pretest questions. Total testing time is 3 hours.
When will I receive my exam results?
Exam results are received immediately after taking the exam. No results are given over the telephone or Internet.
Will I be able to take the exam at the time and place I want or need?
Probably. However, in order to obtain a desired time and place within your testing period, an appointment must be made as soon as possible. Many other groups use Prometric for testing. Waiting to make your appointment may jeopardize your scheduling needs.
I have a disability-related need and may require special accommodations to take the exam. What do I do?
In order to facilitate disability-related
needs, we work with Prometric to arrange specific accommodations.
Indicate your need for special accommodations when you apply for the exam and print our
Request for Special Exam Accommodations Form, then complete and mail it to the PNCB office.
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If I take the exam and am unsuccessful, may I take the exam again? If so, how long must I wait in order to re-exam?
What if I am unable to take the exam once I have applied?
What if I do not show up to take the exam at my assigned date and time?
Once my exam is scheduled with Prometric, may I reschedule within my 90-day testing period?
What circumstances would cause me to forfeit the exam fee?
May I extend or have my 90-day testing period reassigned?
For procedures and policies on any of the above, please refer to your candidate handbook.
Please note: For testing period extensions, at no time will your testing period
be more than 90 days. Once you apply for the extension, your 90-day testing window will begin soon after
your request for an extension is approved. Many people incorrectly interpret this to mean
that applying for an extension grants them 180 days to take the exam. To extend your testing period, click here.
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What must I do to have a verification of my certification sent to my employer or state board of nursing?
Upon your initial certification and each time you recertify, the PNCB provides a free verification to the state board of nursing* you provide to us as part of your application/enrollment process. To request verification of certification for other state boards or an employer, see our verification webpage for details.
*For verification after each time you recertify, Colorado, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, and Vermont Boards of Nursing have asked to be excluded from this process. You may still request that verification be sent to these states by emailing verif@pncb.org.
What if my name has changed since I graduated?
Legal documentation of name change is needed if the name on the application is different from the name on the transcript. Legal documentation includes a copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree and our Name Change Attestation Form. These may be mailed or faxed (1-301-330-1504) to our office. Name change issues must also be resolved before testing time.
I've lost my CPNP® lapel pin. How do I get another?
Simiply email us and we'll be glad to send out a replacement.
I would like a duplicate CPNP® wall certificate. Can you mail me one?
We'll be glad to send you another copy. Click here to order a duplicate.
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PNCB-certified nursing professionals work in a variety of roles and settings all over the United States and beyond.
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