These are just a few of the ways leaders in the specialized field of pediatric nursing have described our rigorous certification programs. We remain the largest independent pediatric nursing certification organization in the country, with all of our programs recognized by every employer and state board of nursing in the nation. Over 95% of all pediatric nurses who certify choose the PNCB. And they stay certified... 93% of all Certified Pediatric Nurses recertified for 2009.

Here's why...

Exam Longevity. Our story begins in 1975 when we began development of a certification program for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Two years later we launched the Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP®) Exam, which continues to be the certification exam of choice for graduating PNPs. In 1989, we responded to a nationwide survey of pediatric nurses who indicated both a need and a desire to participate in certification by launching the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®) Exam. Today, over 10,000 nurses hold CPN® certification.

Keeping the Focus on Pediatrics. The PNCB is the certification of choice because pediatric nursing remains the sole focus of everything we offer. The late Donna Wong, a pioneer in the field of pediatric nursing, was one of the influential leaders in the development of our exam in 1989. Since the CPN® exam's inception, more general practice pediatric nurses have selected PNCB's CPN® certification than any other organization's credential.

Strong Exams. Our role delineation research ensures that our exams reflect current practice. Over 2,800 pediatric nurses participated in our 2008 study. Exam questions are written and reviewed by pediatric nurses who are subject matter experts.

Your Interests = Our Interests. The PNCB is governed by a multidisciplinary board made up of pediatric nurses, PNPs, and pediatricians. Representatives from the Society of Pediatric Nurses, the Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of Pediatrics are present on our board. We understand the needs of pediatric patients and the nurses who care for them.

Quality Recertification. The PNCB's annual recertification program keeps costs low for nurses and supports lifelong learning, a characteristic shared by those who seek certification. You are already staying current in your field; annual Recert simply documents your growth. As mentioned above, 93% of all PNCB-certified nurses recertified for 2009.

Rigorous Accreditation. The PNCB is a member of the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). ICE is the largest organization in the United States focused on the development of quality standards for certification organizations. The CPN® exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a commission of ICE. The NCCA was the first organization to offer accreditation to nursing certification organizations, and the PNCB was the first nursing certification board to be accredited by the NCCA. NCCA accreditation remains the frontrunner for healthcare certification organizations.

And a Mission You Can Count On. Your needs—and those of your patients—are always foremost in our thoughts as we manage the present and look to the future because at the PNCB, we will always make it our mission to promote worldwide excellence in healthcare for children through the highest quality credentialing services.

We feel that nurses should select the exam that will best attest to their knowledge and skills as expert pediatric nurses, and we truly believe that our certification is overwhelmingly sought because of the value and validation it offers to pediatric nurses. If you have questions about any PNCB program, please contact us at info@pncb.org so we can help!