PMHS Exam Eligibility
Learn about eligibility requirements and any supporting documents before you apply.
- Avoid application delays: Transcripts are required for all applicants, including those holding the CPNP credential. If you think PNCB already has your transcript on file, please confirm this by emailing transcripts@pncb.org. See transcript requirements and address.
- Have a disability covered by the ADA Act and will need accommodations during testing? Indicate your need for accommodations on the online application and promptly submit the Special Accommodations Form.
- Not certified by PNCB? Documentation of current, active certification is required. Email a copy of your certification wallet card or certificate to exam@pncb.org.
- Ready to apply? Click here.
Tips for calculating the 2,000 pediatric developmental, behavioral, or mental health (DBMH) hours required within a 5-year timeframe:
We realize DBMH hours can vary per week. The estimates below can help. They are based on 52 weeks of practice per year. Use our optional tracking sheet which shares more tips.
- To complete 2,000 hours in 5 years means approximately 8 hours of peds DBMH per week.
- To complete 2,000 hours in 4 years means approximately 10 hours of peds DBMH per week.
- To complete 2,000 hours in 3 years means approximately 13 hours of peds DBMH per week.
- To complete 2,000 hours in 2 years means approximately 20 hours of peds DBMH per week.
- To complete 2,000 hours in 1 year means approximately 39 hours of peds DBMH per week.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
1. Licensure & Certification Requirement Special note: If not certified by PNCB, documentation of current, active certification is required. Email a copy of your certification wallet card or certificate to exam@pncb.org. |
Current, active, unencumbered APRN license issued by a US state, US territory, or Canada, and current certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the role and population foci of one of these certifications:
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2. Education Requirement |
Graduation from an accredited college or university that offers a ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing master's or doctoral degree, or a post-master's certificate from an accredited college or university, with one of the following concentrations:
If you don’t have a master’s degree or above in nursing but you meet the following requirements, you may still apply if currently certified and licensed in the role/population foci described under #1 above and if educated prior to 1992 when a master’s degree in an advanced nursing practice role was not required. |
3. Practice Requirement - note expanded timeframe to count hours
|
A minimum of 2,000 hours of pediatric developmental, behavioral, and mental health (DBMH) clinical practice experience (with or without preceptor) while holding an APRN license in the past 5 years - optional tracking sheet |
4. CE or Coursework Requirement - note expanded timeframe to count earned CE or credits |
Either 30 hours of pediatric DBMH CE or 1 graduate level pediatric DBMH course of at least 2 credits in the past 5 years |
