Acute Care PNP Exam
Pathway I and II Eligibility for Certification (CPNP™-AC)

What paperwork do I need to submit? Click here for our helpful chart!

Pathway I (Acute Care PNP Educational Program)

• 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 Master's and Post Master's (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 (Acute Care PNP Educational Program)

• 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

Pathways I and II link graduation from an acute care PNP graduate program to certification as an Acute care PNP. These 2 pathways have been reviewed by the Advanced Practice Advisory Panel of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and have been designated as having met the NCSBN's Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) criteria for certification programs.