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. or Canada 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 or paper application form. Hours earned in a Versant pediatric residency program count.**

*This experience must have taken place in a U.S. or Canadian 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 or paper application. These hours count as part of your 1800-hour requirement.

After we receive your application, fees and required documentation, the PNCB will review all materials in a timely manner to determine eligibility status. Once eligibility is determined, you 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.