Volunteer as an Item Writer
Thank you for your interest in joining our team of item writers, who write questions (items) for our exams and practice tests. This is a unique way to support your PNCB certification and optimize care of the pediatric population. This role is a gateway for other volunteer opportunities with PNCB.
Item Writer Benefits Include:
- Access to PNCB's e-library of select textbooks during your service (an important resource for completing item writing assignments)
- Contact hours awarded for quality annual assignment submissions
- Resumé enhancing experience
- Mentoring feedback and rewarding collaboration
- Further refinement of your writing skills
- Letter of Recognition to your employer, by request
- Potential invitation to a PNCB committee (e.g., Exam, Pediatric Updates)
Item Writer Learning Programs:
- In-Person Workshop: Review a sample workshop agenda here.
- Self-Paced Learning: Review a sample schedule for self-paced learning here.
Requirements:
- Review the full role description for the PNCB Item Writers.
- Hold an active PNCB certification and work at least 20 hours per week related to your PNCB held credential.
- Cannot be a current author of or contributor to exam preparation or review materials (e.g., books, online modules, review courses).
- For CPNP-AC and CPNP-PC applicants: must have a minimum of 1-year work experience relevant to your PNCB credential.
How to Apply:
Learn about item writing basics (mandatory) to prepare for writing the question you'll submit with your application. Essentials for preparing to write a sample question for your application includes learning about item writing basics by:
- Completing PNCB’s free CE module: Item Writing 101.
- Already completed this module? Email volunteer@pncb.org to request access to it again so you can refresh your knowledge before starting your question.
- Reviewing our Item Writing Infographic.
Locate a PNCB-approved reference for your credential-specific item. You’ll need to provide a reference citation to support your question.
Review the exam’s content outline and begin developing ideas for a question. Each item on a PNCB exam must align to an area of that exam’s content outline.
Write 1 question to submit with your online application that you consider important enough for determining qualification for certification.
- Must be a multiple-choice question with only one correct answer.
- Apply what you learned in Step 1 to polish your final version.
Polish your resume/CV and ensure that your current position is included (submission required with application).
I am ready to apply! Take me to the application which is open now through May 15, 2024, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
In the application, indicate your preference for learning at our In-Person Workshop or the Self-Paced Program. We will do our best to honor your first choice.
PNCB will notify applicants of acceptance by the end of June. A diverse group of selectees from around the country will be chosen based on demonstrated ability to apply basic item writing concepts.
Once Accepted:
You’ll be sent details about your next steps:
- For the In-Person Workshop, participants will receive email instructions about arranging travel and completing pre-workshop activities to jump-start your item writing, and final travel/lodging details. Travel-related expenses are paid by PNCB.
- For the Self-Paced Learning Program, participants will receive access to learning activities and an item writing assignment with timelines.
- Year 1 of being an item writer includes support for completing an item writing assignment of 6 additional items (due by December 1, 2024).
- Year 2 and 3 of your 3-year term of service involves completing an item writing assignment of a similar size. Based on PNCB's needs, your assignment may be to write for the exam or for the practice test.
Make a difference by supporting your profession!
