PMHS Certification Timeline

When is the exam offered? When are the application deadlines?

From the application process to recertification of your credential, use this chart to plan your journey to becoming a PMHS, like these volunteer members of the 2016 PMHS Standard Setting Committee

Additional PMHS Eligibility Pathways Available!
PNCB now offers more options to meet PMHS exam eligibility, including an option for faculty and those completing certain specialty programs. The traditional eligibility pathway is still available. Explore the 3 exam pathways. 

PMHS Certification Timeline

This exam is offered in month-long testing windows. Scroll down to see current and future testing window information. Please contact PNCB at exam@pncb.org with any questions. 

Testing Window Dates Deadline for Complete Application

April

Apply October 16 through March 15

June

Apply March 16 through May 15

September

Apply May 16 through August 15

November

Apply August 16 through October 15

Use this timeline to plan ahead

Activity Time

Plan Your Certification Journey

Varies by Candidate

How many weeks of study do you need? How quickly does your school send transcripts? Are you ready to test in May or November, depending on when you apply? Consider these questions as you explore the process below.

Apply Online

15 Minutes

Complete the application with payment. If you indicate an ADA need on your application, arrange for your Special Accommodations Form to be sent to PNCB.

Request Transcript 

Varies by school

Arrange for transcript(s) to be sent directly from your school to PNCB. Follow these guidelines. Ask your school for a time estimate.

CPNP-PC candidates: Email exam@pncb.org to verify if your transcript is on file.

PNCB Review for Eligibility Approval

As Received

Your complete application is reviewed for approval after receipt of all supporting documents (online application with payment, transcript(s), ADA special accommodations form if indicated on your application). Get real-time application status updates.

PNCB Sends Scheduling Notification

Within 2 Weeks after Eligibility Approval

  • Watch for your eligibility email notification from PNCB. You are assigned a testing window and are ready to schedule your exam with Prometric.
  • Download your official eligibility letter with scheduling instructions at My Documents.

Schedule Your Exam

Within 2 Weeks of Notification

Testing center seats can fill quickly. Schedule your test with Prometric now. You will take the exam during your assigned testing window. 

Take Your Exam

Within Your Testing Window

Honor your test appointment so you don't forfeit fees. Arrive 30 minutes early with proper IDs. You will receive pass/fail status information prior to leaving the test center. See below for details.

PNCB Emails Official Results

Candidates receive official results by email 2-3 weeks after testing. You also receive on-screen notification of unofficial, preliminary pass/fail status immediately after completing the computer-based exam.

Candidates receive official exam results by email in 2-3 weeks. Passing candidates also receive a wall certificate in 6-8 weeks.  

Plan Recertification

Within 6 Months and Ongoing

Learn how to stay certified. Seek out continuing education opportunities so you can use them to recertify. Log completed activities at My ReCErt Tracker to pre-load them for recertification.

Faces of Certification

PNCB-certified nursing professionals work in a variety of roles and settings throughout the US and beyond. Share your photo today!

Tyneisha Orr, CPNP-PC Children's Hospital & Medical Center Omaha, NE
Amairani Jimenez, CPN Tripler Army Medical Center Honolulu, Hawaii
Gia Nguyen, CPNP-AC St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Arlington, VA
View more Faces of Certification