Volunteer as an Item Writer
Thank you for your interest in joining the team of item writers who author questions (items) for PNCB exams and practice tests. This is a unique way to support PNCB certification and optimize care of the pediatric population. Item writing is a pivotal activity that can lead to other volunteer opportunities with PNCB.
Item Writer Benefits Include:
- Access to PNCB's e-library of select exam references (an important resource for completing item writing assignments)
- Contact hours awarded for quality completed annual assignments
- Resumé/CV-enhancing experience
- Mentoring feedback and rewarding collaboration
- Further refinement of writing skills
- Letter of Recognition to employers, 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 PNCB Item Writers.
- Maintain an active PNCB certification and work at least 16 hours per week in a role related to your PNCB 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 to prepare to write an item that will be submitted as part of the application. Complete these two mandatory tasks:
- 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 knowledge before starting to write an item.
- Reviewing the Item Writing Infographic.
Locate a credential-specific, PNCB-approved reference. A reference citation must be included to support the item.
Review the exam’s content outline and begin developing ideas for an item. Each item on a PNCB exam must align to a numbered task that exam’s content outline.
Write and submit 1 item as part of the online application. Ensure that the content is important enough to determine qualification for certification.
- Must be a multiple-choice question with only one correct answer.
- Apply all that was learned in Step 1 to finalize the item.
Your resume/CV is required as part of the application. Polish the resume/CV before submitting, and ensure that your current position is included.
Once ready to apply, complete the online application. The application is currently closed.
In the application, select preference for learning at the In-Person Workshop or via the Self-Paced Program.
PNCB will notify applicants of acceptance by the end of July. Selectees from around the country will be chosen based on a demonstrated ability to apply basic item writing concepts, as well as factors that help us to represent all PNCB certified nursing professionals.
Once Accepted:
Information will be sent detailing next steps:
- For the In-Person Workshop, participants will receive email instructions about arranging travel and completing pre-workshop activities to jump-start 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 4 or 5 additional items (depending on learning modaility, due by December 1, 2025).
- Year 2 and 3 of your 3-year term of service involves completing a similar item writing assignment. Based on PNCB's needs, the assignment may be focused on writing for the exam or for the practice test.
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