Primary Care PNP Exam Administration

The National Primary Care CPNP Exam is delivered by computer at over 150 AMP Assessment Centers geographically located throughout the United States. Computer knowledge is not required to take a computer-based exam. Before the exam begins, a customized introductory lesson is provided that explains the procedure used to select an answer and move from question to question. This introductory lesson does not reduce your assigned testing time. In order to facilitate disability-related needs, we work with AMP to arrange specific accommodations. The need for special accommodations must be indicated during exam application.

Once eligibility is determined, you will be notified by AMP with both an email and postcard. Notification of eligibility is also sent by PNCB via email and postcard to inform the candidate of their assigned 90-day testing period.

Once notified of eligibility the candidate may make an appointment to sit for the exam. To obtain a desired time and place within a testing period, it is recommended that an appointment be made as soon as possible. Many other groups use AMP for testing. Waiting to make an appointment may jeopardize scheduling needs. The examinations are administered by appointment only Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Available dates will be indicated when scheduling an examination. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Primary Care CPNP® Exam contains 200 multiple-choice items. Of these, 180 questions are preselected as scored questions and 20 are non-scored pretest questions. Total testing time for the exam is 3 hours, 30 minutes.

After a candidate sits for the exam, they will receive a personal exam score report before leaving the testing center. The personal exam report will inform the candidate of their exam status: pass or fail.

Within 3 weeks the candidate will receive official notification from the PNCB of their status as a CPNP®. Documents will include an official certificate with an assigned certification number, a certification identification wallet card and a PNCB lapel certification pin . Information regarding requirements for annual recertification will also be included. Unsuccessful candidates may repeat the PNP Primary Care exam 3 times before validation of further training, education, or review is required. There is no waiting period before applying for reexamination. PNCB's eligibility requirements must be met at time of application. On receipt of an application and reexamination fees, a new 90-day testing period will be assigned.

PNCB and AMP are responsible for the validity and integrity of the scores they report. On occasion, occurrences, such as computer malfunction or misconduct by a candidate, may cause a score to be suspect. PNCB and AMP reserve the right to void or withhold examination results if, upon investigation, violation of its regulations is discovered.