Institutional Competency Assessment Plan (ICAP™)

Over 95% of all pediatric nurses who certify choose the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) because we've been leading the way in pediatric nursing competency assessment since 1977. Our new Institutional Competency Assessment Plan (ICAP™) benefits you, your nurses and ultimately your patients. Here's how:

We don't charge the hospital or nurse for unsuccessful exams.

ICAP hospitals and their nurses benefit from something that's never been done before… If a nurse does not pass our Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®) Exam, neither the nurse nor the hospital is charged the exam fee. This unique benefit applies whether a nurse tests through our On-site paper-pencil exam or through computer-based testing. And with PNCB’s On-site Testing, employers do not pay fees to administer the exam. Learn More>>

We offer more than the CPN® Exam.

We can package current and future CE opportunities with the CPN® Exam to fit your hospital's needs. Our CPN Exam Prep, a practice exam worth 5 contact hours, can be beneficial to your nurses even if you offer a review course. Learn More>>

We connect you with new hires... for free!

Our Job Connect will feature a link to your job search site. Nearly 20,000 pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners are currently certified by the PNCB. And if you seek Acute Care PNPs, the PNCB alone certifies this specialized role. Learn More>>

We know pediatrics.

Our respected certification exams and recertification programs are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the Society of Pediatric Nurses. Learn More>>

What's Required?

To participate, we ask that your hospital enroll a minimum of 15 exam candidates and host two PNCB On-site exams per 12-month period. Read the ICAP Agreement to Participate>>

To learn more:

The links above and at left provide detailed information about this unique competency assessment program. There are no hidden administrative fees or long-term agreements to sign. Our mission is to promote excellence in healthcare for children by offering the highest quality credentialing services, and we hope to welcome your institution as an ICAP participant soon!

Contact icap@pncb.org for more information or to begin providing our innovative "no pass, no pay" benefit to your nurses today!