Please review the criteria below to learn about the process and required documentation.
The PNCB revised these requirements to align with the 2008 APRN Consensus Model,
implemented nationwide to standardize the components of APRN education, certification and regulation.
To learn more, we encourage you to review the Nov-Dec 2009 article: Are You Ready for the Consensus Model? Implications of the Model Act on NP Practice available from
The American Journal for Nurse Practitioners at www.webNP.net.
The following eligibility requirements must be met before application:
• A current, active RN license issued by a US state, US territory, or Canada
• Graduation from an accredited college or university that offers a NLNAC or CCNE accredited formal nursing master's or doctoral degree with a
concentration in pediatric primary care as a nurse practitioner
OR
• Graduation from a formal post master's pediatric primary care nurse practitioner certificate program from an accredited college or university.
You will need to complete the following:
Step 1: Complete an online application with payment.
You must complete your exam application with all supporting materials within 12 months, or you will not be assigned a 90-day testing window.
Failure to establish a complete application within 12 months of receipt of payment will result in forfeiture of all fees and cancellation of your application.
Step 2: Provide documentation of completion of a formal Master's or Doctorate in Nursing from a graduate PNP Program or of a
formal post-master's certificate program as a pediatric primary care NP with our Documentation of Education Form.
This form must come directly from the institution.
Step 3: Provide an official transcript documenting completion of all of the requirements for a formal nursing master's
or doctoral degree program with a concentration in pediatric primary care or a formal dual primary/acute care program as a nurse practitioner. The transcript
must also contain the role (NP) and population (pediatric acute care or pediatric primary care) focus of the program. The official transcript must be
mailed to and issued to the PNCB directly from the registrar's office of the academic institution and must note specific date the Master's or Doctorate
degree was earned. Transcripts issued to students will not be accepted. The PNCB address is:
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 204
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Step 4: For formal Post-Master's PNP certificate graduates only. In addition
to submission of an official graduate transcript from the academic institution
you attended to earn your Master's or Doctorate in nursing, please submit
an official transcript from the academic institution you attended to
earn your formal Post-master's pediatric primary care NP certificate. This transcript must contain the following:
• Listing of all Post-Master's PNP coursework
• Date when the Post-Master's certificate was completed
• The role (NP) and population (pediatric primary care) focus of the program
The transcript must be mailed directly from the registrar's office to the PNCB. Transcripts issued to students will not be accepted.
If your academic institution does not include the above documentation in the transcript, then you must contact the College or University Registrar
and have them send an official letter containing the information listed above. Please contact the PNCB if neither the transcript nor the Registrar's
letter conforms to these requirements as required by the National Task Force Criteria and the NCSBN APRN Model Act/Rules and Regulations.
Special note for graduates of non-US based programs: All Post-Master's PNP Program applicants must possess a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program.
Additional documentation is required for candidates with a Master's or Doctorate from a non-US based graduate nursing program.
The PNCB requires information documenting the process utilized by PNP program faculty to determine the equivalency of a non-US based or
foreign transcript to a nationally accredited US Master's or Doctorate level nurse practitioner education. Candidates and PNP Program
faculty may contact the PNCB to learn more about this requirement.
Step 5: Provide two Skills Verification Forms.
Two forms must be submitted and signed by pediatric providers. One form must be signed by a certified nurse practitioner (NP) colleague, and one may be
signed by a certified nurse practitioner (NP) or physician colleague. If you need to re-apply for the exam, you will need to submit a new form if the one
on file is older than 12 months.
Step 6: Pharmacology Update Evidence. Completion of a Pharmacology update in the 24 months preceding your application is required.
If you have not completed a Pharmacology update, one of the below requirements must be completed to meet eligibility requirements:
Timeline: After we receive your application, fees, and required documentation, we review all materials to determine eligibility status. Determination of eligibility will be completed in a timely manner following receipt of all required materials. Once eligibility is determined, you will be notified by the PNCB via email and postcard informing you of your assigned 90-day testing period. Once notified of eligibility, you may make an appointment to sit for the exam.
The following materials must be received by our office to establish a complete application:
1. Complete application
2. Payment of all fees
3. Receipt of transcript(s)
4. Receipt of Documentation of Education Form
5. Receipt of Special Accommodations Form (if applicable)
6. Receipt of any other documents requested by the PNCB
You must complete your exam application with all supporting materials within 12 months, or you will not be assigned a 90-day testing window and will forfeit all paid fees.
Failure to establish a complete application within 12 months of receipt of payment will result in forfeiture of all fees and cancellation of your application.
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PNCB-certified nursing professionals work in a variety of roles and settings all over the United States and beyond.
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