Effective through August 2010: The current CPNP-AC Exam Content Outline

Important Update: The PNCB is pleased to announce the completion of national role delineation research to update our Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC-PNP) national qualifying exam. During 2009-2010 more than 270 of the 760 nationally Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Acute Care (CPNP-AC) completed comprehensive practice analysis research to identify and update the essential competencies and tasks linked to CPNP-AC practice. Since our original Acute Care PNP role delineation research in 2004, the number of graduate nursing acute care PNP programs has more than tripled and now totals 22 graduate programs in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

Our practice analysis research is now complete and will precipitate a few changes to our current AC-PNP exam content outline. Exam development activities are now underway to launch Acute Care CPNP exam forms to represent our new content outline in September, 2010.

Review a profile of proposed changes to the content outline (effective September 2010)>>

View a PowerPoint presentation comparing data from our 2004 and 2009 role delineation research>>

Our new exam content outline (effective 9/10) highlights an increased focus on diagnostic assessment and clinical management of acute, chronic and critical health care problems, and lessens focus on exam items related to professional nursing issues.

We are excited about these important changes and thank the hundreds of practicing acute care PNPs who participated in this research for their dedication to quality care for children. If you have any questions, please contact service@pncb.org.