Fees and Procedures

Fees for Computer-Based Exams:

• Computer-Based Exam - First Application: $295, which includes a $100 nonrefundable registration fee.
• Computer-Based Exam - Reapplication: $245, nonrefundable.
• Testing Period Extension (One time only): $130.

Unsuccessful candidates may repeat the CPN® Exam provided they meet the PNCB's eligibility criteria at the time they apply for re-examination. The candidate must wait to reapply until they receive their official PNCB exam results. A new 90-day testing period is assigned.

If you paid for the exam within the past 24 months and have taken the exam unsuccessfully within the past 12 months, you will be able to select the re-apply option at a reduced cost. If you have exceeded this timeframe, you will need to apply for the initial exam option.

Fees for Conference Paper-Pencil Exams:

• Conference Exam - First Application: $295, which includes a $100 nonrefundable registration fee.
• Conference Exam - Reapplication: $245, nonrefundable.
• Testing Period Extension (One time only): $130.

The CPN® paper-pencil exam is offered at selected pediatric nursing conferences during the year. A check, money order, or credit card payment should be made payable to PNCB. Payment of total fees is due at time of application.

Exam Policies:

Your candidate handbook explains all policies concerning the topics below. For computer-based testing, also visit our fee and refund policy page.

• Exam Withdrawal or Cancellation
• Failure to Show ("No Show")
• Testing Period Extension (One time only)
• Exam Rescheduling
• Exam Fee Refund

For procedures and policies on any of the above, please refer the computer-based testing candidate handbook.

Please note: For testing period extensions, at no time will your testing period be more than 90 days. Once you apply for the extension, your 90-day testing window will begin soon after your request for an extension is approved. Many people incorrectly interpret this to mean that applying for an extension grants them 180 days to take the exam. To extend your testing period, click here.

PNCB Certificant Code of Ethics

To support excellence in nursing practice, the PNCB assumes that every nurse certified by this organization will uphold and adhere to the Certificant Code of Ethics.

Appeals:

An appeals process is available to candidates who wish to contest an adverse decision or proposed action affecting his or her application for certification, exam results or recertification. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors hears all candidate appeals. All proposed remedies and decisions of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors are final.

Procedure: A request for review and consideration an adverse action (e.g. exam failure) must be submitted in writing to the PNCB Director of Customer Service within 20 business days following the date of the adverse decision (post-marked) to the individual. All requests for appeal should clearly outline all reasons and rationale for appeal. Individuals seeking appeal of any decision should attempt to provide all necessary data in support of the appeal and set forth any new or additional information to be considered by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors will hear all appeal requests within 20 business days of receipt of the appeal request. The Executive Committee will investigate the appeal request, seeking opinions from psychometric and testing experts, attorneys and other resources as necessary. Specific requests for review of exam results will be managed among PNCB professional staff and psychometric consultants to the PNCB. Based on this investigation, the Executive Committee may decide to uphold an initial decision or may take other appropriate action with regards to the appeal request. The Executive Committee will notify all individuals in writing of the decision of the Executive Committee within 15 business days following the date of the appeal review. Notification will be sent by registered or certified mail.

All PNCB policies, requirements and fees are subject to change without notice.