The Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Exam

The primary care CPNP® role is designed to meet the specialized physiologic and psychological needs of children in the areas of health maintenance and promotion and management of disease process. The CPNP®-PC provides wellness management of children incorporating competencies related to health promotion, protection, and disease prevention. The treatment focus of pediatric nurse practitioner practice is to maximize wellness and assist children and families in the prevention and management of common pediatric acute and chronic conditions.

For more about this role, the DNP and more, visit our CPNP®-PC Resource Page.

The PNCB's Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner exam content outline reflects the completed 2007-2008 Primary Care PNP role delineation research that describes the role responsibilities and clinical activities of Primary Care PNPs throughout the United States. To read highlights from this study and exam changes, see our press release and 2008 CPNP®-PC Exam PowerPoint.

Our updated Primary Care CPNP® Exam content outline became effective October 17, 2008. Click to view our current Primary Care CPNP content outline.

This exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans can now be reimbursed for the cost of their certification examination. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information.

To Apply for the Exam:

Please be sure to review our links to the left, including our CPNP-PC Exam Tips and Application Checklist, then click the link below to apply. The PNCB requires a completed application with payment as the first step in applying to take the Exam. We will be unable to match your supporting documentation without the receipt of application and payment.

Application for Computer-Based Exam

To print out and complete a paper application for the above, visit our Forms page.

To Re-Apply for the Exam:

Use our online Re-application for the Exam 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 Application for 90-Day Extension and follow the procedures below.

Extension of a 90-day testing period is a one-time only option. Candidates must complete the application for extension 5 business days before termination of the 90-day testing period. The new testing period begins once your application for an extension is processed and does not grant you 180 days to take the exam. The exam extension fee is not refundable under any circumstances.

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.