The Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Exam

The Acute Care CPNP® role is designed to meet the specialized physiological and psychological needs of children with complex acute and chronic health conditions. Acute Care CPNPs® 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.

For the distinction between this and the primary care CPNP® role, click here.

For questions about the DNP and certification, see the PNCB's statement on PNP Certification and the DNP and the NP Roundtable's DNP Education, Certification and Titling: A Unified Statement

Our Acute Care CPNP® Program meets the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's APRN criteria for certification programs. Click here to view this documentation.

The Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans can now be reimbursed for the cost of their certification examination. For more information, call 1-888-GI Bill (442-4551) or visit the VA Web site at www.gibill.va.gov.

To Apply for the Exam:

After exploring the links to your left for eligibility requirements, an application checklist, and exam tips, please select from the options below. The PNCB requires a completed application with payment as the first step in applying to take the Exam. We will be unable to match your supporting documentation without the receipt of application and payment.

Application for Computer-Based Exam

To print out and complete a paper application for the above, visit our Forms page.

To Re-Apply for the Exam:

Use our online Re-application for the Exam if you paid for the exam within the past 24 months and have taken the exam unsuccessfully within the past 12 months. If you have exceeded this timeframe, you will need to apply for an initial exam above.

To Apply for an Extension:

If you are unable to test during your assigned 90-day testing window, use the link and procedures below. Candidates must complete the application for extension 5 business days before termination of the 90-day testing period. The exam extension fee is not refundable under any circumstances.

Application for 90-Day Extension

Extension of a 90-day testing period is a one-time only option. The new testing period begins once your application for an extension is processed and does not grant you 180 days to take the exam.

The extension can be made ONLY if your testing period HAS NOT expired.

Step 1: If you have already scheduled a testing date and time, it is your responsibility to cancel your appointment with AMP per their cancellation schedule (2 full business days before scheduled exam).

Step 2: On receipt of request and fee, the PNCB will notify you of your newly assigned 90-day testing period. You may then schedule your new testing appointment with AMP.