CPDN - Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse

The CPDN certification is provided by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT). 

This certification is for nurses experienced in the nephrology field and who are actively providing peritoneal dialysis services for the patient population. 

Peritoneal dialysis nurses (PD nurses) care for patients in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. Peritoneal dialysis is a way for patients living with stage 5 kidney disease to manage their disease process at home; however, they may occasionally have complications or be admitted to the hospital and need care. Peritoneal dialysis nurses are responsible for patient training, support and day-to-day management. Complex management includes monitoring for infections (peritonitis), monitoring fluid status and electrolyte levels.

Cost

The fee for a paper-based test is $225 and $250 for computerized testing. The international fee $250 for paper-based testing and computerized testing.

Once your experience has been verified, the applicant may register for the CPDN exam. The test measures nursing proficiency in skills, tasks and general areas of knowledge concerning peritoneal dialysis and care of the renal patient.  

The questions are allocated to four knowledge domains:

• Nursing process – 60%

• Administration – 10%

• Education – 20%

• Professional Development – 10%

The test has a 3-hour time limit and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to sit for the CPDN exam, nurses must be an RN in good standing with a valid license and obtain at least one year of experience in nephrology and current active participation in an End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facility.  

All experience must be verified by two signed and dated reference letters that include the applicant’s legal name and verify the total length of experience in nephrology, character and specific job duties.   

1. One letter must be from the applicant’s immediate supervisor.

2. The second letter must be from a professional in nephrology such as a physician, technician, nurse or dietician. 

Each CPDN is required to recertify every four years. Documentation is due to BONENT within 30 days of the certification expiration date to avoid revocation of the credential. 

There are three ways to recertify:

1. Obtain at least 40 contact hours. At least 30 of those 40 hours must be from Group A Nephrology-based programs. The other 10 hours can be from Group B – General Health programs. 
   The hours can be obtained from CE websites, seminars, webinars and other resources.  

2. Retake the examination. Must apply and pay annual fees and the exam fees. 

3. Use your one-time waiver.  This allows you to automatically recertify without having to accumulate 40 contact hours. It can only be used once in a lifetime.

Renewal Fees

• Annual Certification: $60 yearly or $210 every four years required to maintain CHT credential.

• If payment is not received by due date, there is a $10 late fee per year for the first three years. The late fee for the fourth year of certification is $20.

• Incomplete Recertification Application: Additional $65 fee

• Lapsed Certifications between 1 to 12 months: Additional $100 fee

• Expired Certifications between 13 months to 10 years: Additional $200 fee

The BONENT offers a study guide and a content outline to help prepare nurses for the CPDN exam.

Nurses can also earn the Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) certification offered by the BONENT.

The BONENT also offers the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT).