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Your Guide To
www.pncb.org
Why certify?
Nurses seek certification for different reasons:
 For Themselves
 Employment and Professional Culture
 Patient Outcomes / Public Accountability
Benefits for You
 Personal sense of accomplishment
 Increased confidence in clinical skills
 Respect from colleagues
 Links to more job satisfaction
 An edge on career advancement


Proof of professional growth
Meets a national standard for specialized
knowledge
Employment / Professional
 Special appreciation


Nurses Week, Certified Nurses Day
Recognition in patient areas
 Potential financial rewards


Bonuses
Salary differential
 Meets an objective, respected
third-party standard for the
profession
 Certified RNs = quality
indicator for Magnet®
Wall of Distinction at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center
For the Public
 Increases consumer confidence
 Promotes accountability
The public is becoming more and more
aware of nursing certification.
Nearly 8 out of 10 people surveyed in
2002 were aware that nurses could be
certified in a specialty area—in fact
more aware of nurse certification than
teacher or physician certification.
Harris Interactive, Inc. American Association of Critical Care Nurses Survey.
November 2002.
Impact on Patients & Advancement
Nurses who are nationally certified carry a body of
knowledge that directly impacts patient outcomes.
Patient outcomes are a large part of advancing on the
clinical ladder.
- Debbie White, MSN, MSA, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO
From State of Nursing Salaries: 2011
Who is PNCB?
 National nursing certification board established
in 1975 by:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse
Practitioners (NAPNAP)
 Largest certification board for nursing
professionals who care for pediatric
populations.
 Strengthening care for kids is at the heart of
everything we do!
PNCB vs. ANCC
$295 to test
About $60/yr to renew
Only certifies peds
specialties
2,945 tested in 2011
Specific CPN
credential
$395 to test
About $70/yr to renew
Certifies many
specialties
174 tested in 2011
Generic RN-BC
credential
PNCB certification is considered the gold standard for pediatric nursing.
PNCB’s exams are endorsed by the Society of Pediatrics (SPN),
the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP),
and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
CPN Exam Eligibility
The Certified Nurse Exam is for RNs with extensive
experience in pediatric practice and who demonstrate
knowledge and abilities related to pediatric nursing beyond
basic RN licensure.
To apply, you will need:
1. 1800 hours of pediatric clinical practice in the past 24 months
2. A current, active, unrestricted RN license in the U.S.,
Canada, or U.S. territory
Eligibility FAQs
Q: Do I need a BSN to take the exam?
A: No. You can hold a Diploma, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s
Degree in nursing.
Q: If I have 1800 hours of experience before I reach the 24-month
point, do I have to wait to apply?
A: No. This timeframe just makes sure the experience is recent.
Q: What counts for clinical practice hours?
A: Direct patient care, teaching, administration, clinical
research, school-based care, home health care, or consultation in
pediatric nursing.
PNCB Preparation Resources
1
Exam Content Outline
2
CPN Reference List
3
CPN Exam Prep
4
Test-taking Strategies Modules
Content Outline (or Test Blueprint)
 #1 most valuable tool for your study
 Describes all subject areas on the
exam and number of questions per
category
 Questions will not include true/false
or knowledge recall

Tests your ability to apply knowledge &
think critically

Goal = determine one best answer among
choices
 Access the content outline here
Reference List
 A list of over a dozen respected texts

Several are used by our test item writers
 Consider using 1 textbook you’re
familiar with
 Not inclusive of all resources that
could be used
 Access the reference list here
What texts are available where you work?
Are funds available to create a study library?
CPN Exam Prep
Optional online practice test
 50 questions
 See how questions are presented
 In-depth rationale for right and wrong
answers
 Score report can show weak areas and
help you focus studies
Not a study or review course.
See PNCB’s website for current pricing.
Test-taking Strategies Module
Optional online learning activity
 Exam preparation tips
 Strategies for answering multiplechoice exam questions
 Techniques to manage test anxiety
Not a study or review course.
See PNCB’s website for current pricing.
Preparation FAQs
Q: Do I have to take a review course?
A: PNCB does not require that you take a
review course.
Q: Does PNCB offer a review book or course?
A: No. Doing so would be a conflict of
interest, especially if a tester failed the
exam after paying for a PNCB review.
Q: Can PNCB recommend the best text?
A: PNCB can’t endorse specific texts or
review courses, but we recommend using
one peds nursing textbook you’re familiar
with.
Tip!
Know colleagues
who recently
passed? Ask what
texts or other
resources they
found most helpful.
Steps in Applying & Testing
1
Complete Online Application
2
Receive Eligibility Notification
3
Schedule Exam with Prometric
4
Take Your Exam
How do I apply?
Allow 15 minutes to complete the online
application. Have your RN license info handy.
 Go to www.pncb.org and access the CPN
application
 Create your account if new to the website
 Enter requested information

Basic info about you

RN licensure

Education and employment
 Pay the exam fee
Tip!
You will need to take
your exam within 90
days of applying.
Be sure you’re ready
to schedule your test
within that timeframe
when you submit the
application.
Eligibility Notification
This is your green light to schedule your exam!
 PNCB notifies you by email and postcard that
your application is approved

Check your spam folder for this important email
 You receive your 90-day testing window in
the eligibility notification

You must schedule your exam during that timeframe
and test
Scheduling Your Exam
 Soon after eligibility notification, visit
www.Prometric.com to schedule your
testing day and time
 Changing or cancelling test dates is
managed by Prometric
 Prometric charges PNCB a fee when a
tester doesn’t show, so please honor
your testing commitment
 A 90-day extension is available from
PNCB for a fee
Tip!
Even before you
apply, find the closest
testing center to you
at www.Prometric.com
Test Administration
 You will test at a proctored Prometric
Testing Center

Nearly 500 locations across the U.S.

3 hours testing time

175 multiple-choice questions

A tutorial on using the computer is
provided
 Pass/fail status received before leaving the
center (official mailed results 2 to 3 weeks)
Test Administration Tips
 Arrive at least 30 minutes early
 Bring required, unexpired IDs matching your
name on your application
 You will be scanned by a metal detector
 Some Prometric centers offer a 30-minute
“Test Drive” for a fee to experience check-in
and testing computer
 You are allowed to take breaks, but they count
as part of your testing time.
 Watch Prometic’s check-in video for more
details. PNCB does not require finger tip scans.
Testing FAQs
Q: Is the CPN exam like the NCLEX?
A: While there are similarities (e.g., testing on a computer in a
secure, proctored environment), there are also differences.
The CPN exam only asks multiple choice questions, while
NCLEX contains alternate item formats (fill in the blanks, hot
spot items, etc.). With the CPN exam, you can also return to
questions and change an answer before final submission.
PNCB does not use adaptive testing, which can vary the
number of questions a testers sees, and ends when
competence is determined. The CPN exam does not end until 3
hours are up, or unless you submit answers before that time
limit.
More Testing FAQs
Q: Is there a penalty for incorrect answers?
A: No, so it is better to answer every item rather than skip any.
Q: How is the exam scored?
A: The number of questions that must be answered correctly to
pass is decided by a psychometrician and an expert panel of
CPNs. Each question is evaluated for difficulty. Each test form
is analyzed for the passing cut point. A scaled score is then
determined to put all exam forms and scores in the same frame
of reference. PNCB uses a range from 200 (0 correct) to 800 (all
correct) with 400 being the passing cut-point for the exam.
Q: What is the passing rate?
A: For 2013, 73% of RNs testing passed.
After the Exam
Passing testers
 Receive pass packet by mail in 2-3 weeks
 Celebrate your achievement!
 Wear your lapel pin
 Frame your certificate
 Let your leadership know
 Ask if CPN can be added to your name badge
 Get familiar with the Recertification process
Unsuccessful testers
 Score report mailed in 2-3 weeks
 Reduced fee to retest (free for No Pass, No Pay hospitals)
 No waiting period to retest
CPN Champions Program
CPNs who encourage colleagues to certify can
apply for this special volunteer role with benefits:
 Special gear and tool kit
 Recert gift certificate
 Network with Champions across the U.S
Champions share materials and report on efforts
 2-year term with potential for reappointment
 1 Champion per location; more for larger
hospitals
Apply at www.pncb.org/volunteer.html
Maintaining Certification
All certification boards require a
renewal process.
Recertification or “Recert”
documents that you’re keeping
your practice and knowledge
current.
CPNs recertify annually.
How do I recertify?
Follow these steps to maintain your CPN certification:
Mark calendar
Get to know Recert
Earn CE
• Check your online wallet card and mark your calendar. You will
recertify between October 1 and January 31 prior to your online wallet
card’s expiration date.
• Learn about what’s needed for your Recert: Spring is a good time to visit
www.pncb.org and understand options and requirements. Keep your RN
license current.
• Earn continuing education: You need 15 contact hours or accepted
equivalents each year. Your clinical work hours can count for 5 contact hours.
PNCB’s site lists free/low-cost online CE sources. Does your employer offer CE?
Load as you go
• (Optional Benefit) Add completed CE to My Recert Tracker: This free tool
at PNCB’s site lets you archive contact hours and other activities right after
completing them. It’s easy and convenient, but not required.
Recertify
• Recertify online: Visit www.pncb.org between October 1 and January 31 –
you pick the day – and tell us what you accomplished, update your info, and
pay your fee.
Recert FAQs
Q: Why annual recertification?
A: Annual keeps costs low, contact info up to date, and CE
requirements manageable.
Q: What are accepted equivalents for CE?
A: Academic credit, precepting, authorship, posters, clinical work
hours, or committee participation can count for 5 contact hours. We
call these Professional Practice Learning (PPL). You can use 1 PPL
per Recertification. See www.pncb.org for full details.
Q: What if I didn’t have a chance to earn CE?
A: Visit www.pncb.org for free and low cost CE online resources.
And once every 7 years, you can select Record Review Year. You
simply update your profile and pay a lower fee. Your certification is
maintained this way. Very helpful if you have a major life event.
Questions?
We’re here to help!
Exam questions:
exam@pncb.org
About Recertification:
recert@pncb.org
About No Pass, No Pay:
npnp@pncb.org
Or call us at 888-641-2767
Free Resources from PNCB



Unit meetings?
Skills fairs?
Certified Nurses Day or
Nurses Week events?
Order free materials here
PNCB even sends free small
giveaways to support your
events!
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Thank you
We wish you much success in your future
professional development!
www.pncb.org