CPNP-AC Pathway I
Eligibility Requirements

Please review the CPNP-PC eligibility criteria below to become familiar with the process and required documentation.

Pathway I - For PNPs Who Graduated in the Past 24 Months

In addition to possessing and documenting a current, active RN license issued by a US state, US territory, or Canada and graduation from an approved Master's, Post-Master's or Doctorate Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program, you will need to complete the following:

Step 1: Complete an online application with payment.

Step 2: Provide documentation of completion of a PNCB Recognized PNP Program with our Documentation of PNP Education Form. This form must come directly from the institution.

Step 3: Provide an official transcript documenting completion of all of the requirements for the Master's, Post-Master's or Doctorate in nursing graduate PNP program. The transcript must also contain the role (NP) and population (pediatric acute care or pediatric primary care) focus of the program. The official transcript must be mailed to and issued to the PNCB directly from the registrar's office of the academic institution and must note specific date the Master's, Post-Master's or Doctoral degree was earned. Transcripts issued to students will not be accepted. The PNCB address is:

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 204
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Step 4: For Post-Graduate PNP Program graduates only. In addition to submission of an official graduate transcript from the academic institution you attended to earn your Master's or Doctorate in nursing, please submit an official transcript from the academic institution you attended to earn your formal Post-Graduate PNP certificate. This transcript must contain the following:

• Listing of all Post-Graduate PNP coursework
• Date when the Post-Graduate program was completed
• The role (NP)and population (pediatric acute care or pediatric primary care) focus of the program

The transcript must be mailed directly from the registrar's office to the PNCB. Transcripts issued to students will not be accepted.

If your academic institution does not include the above documentation in the transcript, then you must contact the College or University Registrar and have them send a official letter containing the information listed above. Please contact the PNCB if neither the transcript nor the Registrar's letter conform to these requirements as required by the National Task Force Criteria and the NCSBN APRN Model Act/Rules and Regulations.

Special note for graduates of non-US based programs: All Post-Master's PNP Program applicants must possess a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program. Additional documentation is required for candidates with a Master's or Doctorate from a non-US based graduate nursing program. The PNCB requires information documenting the process utilized by PNP program faculty to determine the equivalency of a non-US based or foreign transcript to a nationally accredited US Master's or Doctorate level nurse practitioner education. Candidates and PNP Program faculty may contact the PNCB to learn more about this requirement.

Step 5: Documentation of current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Please fax a photocopy of both sides of your card to the PNCB at 301-330-1504.

Timeline: After we receive your application, fees, and required documentation, we review all materials to determine eligibility status. Determination of eligibility will be completed in a timely manner following receipt of all required materials. Once eligibility is determined, you will be notified by the PNCB via email and postcard informing you of your assigned 90-day testing period. Once notified of eligibility, you may make an appointment to sit for the exam.

Application Status

The following materials must be received by our office to establish a complete application:

1. Complete application
2. Payment of all fees
3. Receipt of transcript(s)
4. Receipt of Documentation of Education Form
5. Receipt of Special Accommodations Form (if applicable)
6. Documentation of current Pediatric Advanced Life Support
7. Receipt of any other documents requested by the PNCB

You must complete your exam application with all supporting materials within 12 months, or you will not be assigned a 90-day testing window and will forfeit all paid fees. Failure to establish a complete application within 12 months of receipt of payment will result in forfeiture of all fees and cancellation of your application.