CPN and RN-BC: What's the Difference?
Most nurses choose PNCB's Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential because nursing care for children and adolescents is the sole focus of everything we offer and it shows in the quality of our exams.
CPNs provide leadership on our Board of Directors and committees, and we were the first nursing certification organization to offer a no-risk testing program to benefit RNs and employers: No Pass, No Pay.
We feel that nurses should select the exam that will best attest to their knowledge and skills as expert pediatric nurses, and we truly believe that our certification is overwhelmingly sought because of the value and validation it offers to pediatric nurses. Our recertification fees are among the most affordable in nursing certification.
Make an informed choice with this comparison chart. PNCB is happy to answer your questions about what sets us apart. Contact info@pncb.org so we can help.
| Question | Comparison |
|---|---|
What credential is earned? |
PNCB: Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) ANCC: Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC) |
What is the certifying body? |
CPN: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) RN-BC: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) |
How many nurses actively hold each credential as of December 31, 2019? |
CPN: 32,174 RN-BC: 2,345 |
How many nurses tested in 2019? |
CPN: 4,442 RN-BC: 248 |
Is the certification endorsed by a pediatric specialty organization? |
CPN: Yes, by the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) RN-BC: No |
Is the certification program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)? |
CPN: Yes RN-BC: Yes |
Is the certification accepted for Magnet® recognition status? |
CPN: Yes RN-BC: Yes |
How does the organization support the pediatric profession? |
CPN:
RN-BC: Has not recently exhibited or sponsored events at the Society of Pediatric Nurses |
Exam Eligibility Criteria & Testing Details
| Question | Comparison |
|---|---|
How many practice hours are needed to apply? |
CPN:
RN-BC: 2,000 in the past 36 months |
What clinical practice is accepted to apply? |
CPN: Clinical, management, education, or consultation RN-BC: Clinical or direct clinical supervision only |
How many contact hours are required to apply? |
CPN: None RN-BC: 30 hours in the past 3 years |
How many questions are on the exam? |
CPN: 175 RN-BC: 175 |
How long is the exam testing time? |
CPN: 3 hours RN-BC: 3.5 hours |
What is the 2019 pass rate? |
CPN: 79.53% - first time pass rate RN-BC: 84% |
Are free sample questions offered? |
CPN: Yes RN-BC: Yes |
Is a practice test available? |
CPN: Yes - $35 for 50 questions, 2 modules available RN-BC: No |
What is the wait time to re-apply if unsuccessful? |
CPN: 2-3 weeks RN-BC: 60 days |
Pricing
| Question | Comparison |
|---|---|
How much does it cost to apply? |
CPN:
RN-BC:
|
Is an employer support benefit available? |
CPN:
RN-BC:
|
Staying Certified
| Question | Comparison |
|---|---|
How long is certification valid? |
CPN: 1 year RN-BC: 5 years |
How much does it cost to recertify? |
CPN: $50-65 depending on option RN-BC: $350 ($200 for ANA Members; ANA Membership ~$290/Year) |
What are my options to recertify? |
CPN: 15 contact hours or accepted equivalents (e.g., academic credit, clinical practice, lecture, authorship, posters, committee leadership, record review year) RN-BC: 150 contact hours or accepted equivalents. Options include professional development + practice, or professional development + testing |
Are free contact hours offered? |
CPN: Yes, for anyone RN-BC: Yes, for ANA members |
