As of January 1, 2030, all CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC candidates must have graduated within five years from their PNP program that met the exam eligibility criteria. Please use the below information as a guide.
CPNP-AC Exam Eligibility
Learn about eligibility requirements and any supporting documents before you apply.
- Avoid application delays: Transcripts are required for all CPNP applicants. See transcript requirements and address.
- Have a disability covered by the ADA Act and need accommodations during testing? Indicate your need for accommodations on the online application and promptly submit the Special Accommodations Form.
- Questions about the DNP impact on certification eligibility? Read PNCB’s statement on DNP Impact on Certification to learn more about this evolving topic.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
1. Licensure |
Current, active, unencumbered RN license issued by a US state, US territory, or Canada and meet educational requirement below |
2. Education |
Graduation from an accredited college or university that offers an ACEN, CCNE, or NLN CNEA accredited nursing master's or doctoral degree with a concentration in pediatric acute care as a nurse practitioner or formal dual primary/acute care program OR Graduation from a post master's pediatric acute care nurse practitioner certificate program from an accredited college or university |
Education Notes
The didactic and clinical education listed below must be completed within the educational program(s) which provides the final transcript used to meet PNCB’s certification exam eligibility requirements.
- A minimum of 500 (PNCB strongly recommends 600) supervised direct care clinical practice hours in acute care pediatrics. For more information on what is considered acute care, please see NONPF's Statement on Acute Care and Primary Care Certified Nurse Practitioner Practice (2012). Direct patient care clinical hours may include student provision of care delivered to the patient through telehealth and global health experiences. Simulation is not direct patient care and may not be included in the 500 direct patient care total. Simulation can be used to fulfill clinical practice hour requirements for those hours above the 500 direct care clinical practice hours.
- And completion of three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in:
- Advanced physiology/pathophysiology, including general principles or concepts across the lifespan.
- Advanced health assessment, which includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, concepts and approaches.
- Advanced pharmacology, which includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutics for all broad categories of agents.
