CPN Study Guide

The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Exam and the Pediatric Nurse Certification Exam offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) grants successful test takers the Certified Pediatric Nurse title.

Candidates who wish to sit for the CPN Exam must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the PNCB.

* Nurse must have an active and unencumbered RN license issued in the US or Canada.
* Must have accumulated at least 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical practice in the past two years. The experience must be earned within US or Canadian borders.

The CPN Exam covers assessments, health promotion, management, and professional roles as a CPN. Candidates are expected to know their content areas very well, as questions may be culled from many different topics.
The PNCB offers a few ways to take the CPN. Candidates can take the computer-based exam for $295. This fee includes a $100 registration fee that’s non-refundable. Those who do not pass the computer-based exam the first time can retest for $245. They also offer a paper and pencil exam for $295. The time constraints on this exam are very stringent. The paper and pencil exam is offered at health conferences throughout the year and at specific dates.

The PNCB is administered at computer based testing centers located throughout the US. Candidates are asked to arrive at least a half hour early on their exam date. They will be required to show at least two forms of ID, one being a photo ID and both having a signature.