Eligibility Requirements for CPN® Certification

For admission to the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®) Exam, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

1. Completed application, and
2. Current, active, unrestricted, Registered Nurse (RN) license in the U.S., Canada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands at the time of application, and
3. Documentation of 1800 hours* of pediatric clinical practice within the past 24 month period as an RN in a pediatric nursing specialty on your online application form. Hours earned in a Versant pediatric residency program count.**

*This experience must have taken place in a U.S., Canadian, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands facility/location. Practice hour requirements must be met at time of application. Pediatric nursing experience includes direct patient care, teaching, administration, clinical research, school-based care, home health care, or consultation in pediatric nursing.

**If you completed a Versant Pediatric RN Residency, you will document hours earned on your online application. These hours count as part of your 1800-hour requirement.

After we receive your online application and payment, the PNCB will review all materials in a timely manner to determine eligibility status. Once eligibility is determined, candidates will be notified by the PNCB by email and postcard notifying the candidate of their assigned 90-day testing period so that the nurse can make an exam appointment. On-Site candidates will receive an email and postcard notification informing them of their assigned testing date and location.