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.
- 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 |
