The Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam

This exam is for the nurse who has extensive experience in pediatric practice and who demonstrates knowledge and abilities related to pediatric nursing beyond basic RN licensure. An RN who passes this exam is called a Certified Pediatric Nurse and earns the CPN® credential, which they are entitled to use as long as they actively maintain their certification.

The role. Pediatric nursing includes health promotion, acute and chronic illness management and health restoration of infants, children, adolescents and their families. Pediatric nurses practice in a variety of settings and roles such as direct caregiver, educator, consultant, advocate or care coordinator. Pediatric nurses assess, analyze, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate outcomes.

The CPN® Exam is unique because role delineation updates reflect historic participation from Canadian pediatric nurses. To learn more about the CPN® role, please read about our 2001 Role Delineation Study and 2008 Role Delineation Study.

We invite you to explore the links at the left to learn more about the exam, its eligibility requirements, our exam tips and the benefits of certification. When you're ready to apply, select from the options below.

This exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Visit www.gibill.va.gov to learn about veteran exam reimbursement.

To Apply for the Exam

Select from the following links to apply:

Online Application for an On-site Paper-Pencil Exam

Online Application for a Computer-Based Exam

Online Application for Nurses Using a Charge Code This option is for RNs employed by hospitals that participate in pre-arranged invoicing or our Institutional Competency Assessment Plan (ICAP™).

To print out and complete a paper application for a non-charge code exam, visit our Forms page. Applicants with charge codes must apply online above.

To Apply for Re-Examination

Use our Online Re-application for Examination 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 our Online Application for 90-day Extension and follow the 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.

When a CPN® candidate is unable to test during their assigned 90-day testing window, they may pursue this option. The non-refundable fee for an extension is $130.

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. Click here for more information.

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 Prometric 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 Prometric.