CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse

The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). It provides respected, accredited board certification for Registered Nurses (RNs) with experience in pediatric nursing. The certification is designed to validate the knowledge and expertise of pediatric nurses beyond basic RN licensure. CPNs may have a range of educational backgrounds, from diplomas to doctorates in nursing. The CPN certification is recognized for advancing careers, increasing confidence, and as a personal accomplishment. 

Eligibility

• A current, unrestricted, and unencumbered RN license in the U.S., Canada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Either 1800 hours of pediatric clinical experience within the past 24 months or 5 years as an RN in pediatric nursing with 3000 hours in pediatric nursing, including at least 1000 hours in the past 24 months.

• Experience can be from various settings, including direct patient care, teaching, administration, clinical research, school-based care, home health care, or consultation in pediatric nursing.

Completion Time: 3 hours

Cost: 

• $300 includes a $100 nonrefundable registration fee

• $245 re-exam 

• $130 extension

• $45 discount for Society of Pediatric Nurses membership (initial exam only)

Exam Format

• Format: 175 multiple-choice questions, 25 unscored

• Questions are multiple-choice with one correct answer. 

• Content: Based on the CPN exam content outline

  • Health Promotion: 34 items (23%)

  • Assessment: 53 items (35%)

  • Planning and Management: 50 items (33%)

  • Professional Responsibilities: 13 items (9%)

• Exam window: 90-day period after approval of application

Test Results:

• Unofficial pass/fail status is provided on-screen at the end of the exam.

• Official results emailed 2-3 weeks after testing.

• The passing score on all versions of the exam is 400 based on a scaled scoring system of 200 (missed all questions) to 800 (answered all questions correctly).

• Unsuccessful test-takers may apply to retake the exam after receiving their official results, with a new 90-day testing window assigned.

Application Process

• Candidates must complete an online application for exam approval.

• Once approved, PNCB sends an Approval & Scheduling Notice with a 90-day testing window.

• Exams can be scheduled with Prometric for in-person testing or with Examity for Live Remote Proctoring.

• Annual renewal must occur each year between November 1 and January 31.

• Keep RN license current, active, and unencumbered.

• Complete 15 contact hours or PNCB-accepted equivalents annually.

• Document hours on the online My ReCErt Tracker application.

Renewal Fees

• Renewal Fees Nov 1 - Jan 31: $85

• Renewal Fees Feb 1 - Feb 28: $185

• Always check the website for current costs.

Applicants must complete 15 contact hours, including continuing education, continuing nursing education or continuing medical education hours. Alternately, they can earn 15 contact hours through PNCB-accepted equivalents, including:

• Clinical Practice Work Hours

• Professional Practice Learning

• Academic Credit

• Teaching

Applicants may also use PNCB's Record Review Year once per 7-year Recert tracking cycle. Contact hours may be obtained through a combination of options as long as the applicant earns 15 total credits in PNCB-approved activities. Activities must be relevant to pediatric nursing or professional development in nursing.

• CPN Exam Drill

• CPN Practice Test CPN-401 (50 questions with rationales)

• CPN Practice Test CPN-402 (50 questions with rationales)

• Candidate Handbook

• Exam Resources

Other certifications offered by the PNCB include:

• Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC)

• Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC)

• Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)

Three organizations offer pediatric nurse certification: 

1. Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PCNB)

2. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

3. National Certification Corporation (NCC)