CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse

The Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). This certification is for experienced emergency department RNs who want to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in pediatric emergency nursing. 

Pediatric emergency nurses are dedicated to the health and care of young people, ranging from infants to teenagers. Experience with these age groups and excellent communication skills are needed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young patients and their families.

Costs

The current exam fee is $370 and $230 for Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) members.

Eligible nurses must possess a current, unrestricted RN license in either the U.S., its territories or Canada. It is recommended that the RN have a minimum two years of experience before sitting for the exam, however, it is not a direct requirement. It is also strongly recommended that the Emergency RN complete ACLS, PALS and TNCC certificates prior to applying.

After determining that you have the experience and knowledge necessary to sit for the exam, you may apply to BCEN. Upon review of your license, you will receive authorization to schedule an exam. The exam may be completed at an approved testing center or by live remote proctor if certain requirements are met.

The CPEN certification is good for four years, after which the RN must complete the recertification process. An RN may recertify by retaking the exam or continuing education attestation. 100 contact hours must be completed within the 4-year certification period to recertify by CE.  All 100 contact hours must have been obtained on or before the day of the renewal submission. All CE hours must be at the nursing practice level, and 75 of the 100 hours must be of clinical content specific to the pediatric emergency care specialty area. 50 of the 100 hours must come from an accredited source, such as BCEN Learn, AACN, ANCC, ENA, etc.

Renewal Fees

$350 and $210 for ENA members

The BCEN offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Content Outline (contains the guidelines and policies regarding exams)

• Preparation Checklist

• Sample Questions

• Reference List

• Practice Exam (Cost: $40)

The BCEN also offers the following:

• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

• Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)

• Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN)

• Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)

• Burn Nursing Specialty Certification (CBRN)

• Emergency Department (ED)