If your completed application is received and processed between October 16th and April 15th

If your completed application is received and processed between April 16th and October 15th

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

2-3 weeks

You receive official exam results by email. Passing candidates also receive a wall certificate and information on staying certified.

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.