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Your Guide To
Why certify?
Nurses seek certification for different reasons:
For Themselves Employment and Professional CulturePatient Outcomes / Public Accountability
Benefits for You
Personal sense of accomplishment
Increased confidence in clinical skills
Respect from colleaguesLinks to more job satisfactionAn 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 & AdvancementNurses 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-BCVice President and Chief Nursing OfficerSaint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MOFrom 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 testAbout $60/yr to
renewOnly certifies
peds specialties2,945 tested in
2011Specific CPN
credential
$395 to testAbout $70/yr to
renewCertifies many
specialties174 tested in
2011Generic RN-BC
credentialPNCB 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 months2.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
Exam Content Outline1
CPN Reference List2
CPN Exam Prep3
Test-taking Strategies Modules4
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 multiple-choice 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
Complete Online Application1
Receive Eligibility Notification2
Schedule Exam with Prometric3
Take Your Exam4
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 websiteEnter 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 testersReceive pass packet by mail in 2-3 weeksCelebrate 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 testersScore report mailed in 2-3 weeksReduced 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 kitRecert gift certificate Network with Champions across the U.SChampions share materials and report on efforts 2-year term with potential for reappointment1 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.
Recertify
Load as you go
Earn CE
Get to know Recert
Mark calendar • 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? • (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 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.
How do I recertify?
Follow these steps to maintain your CPN certification:
Recert FAQsQ: 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: [email protected]
About Recertification: [email protected]
About No Pass, No Pay: [email protected]
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 youWe wish you much success in your future professional development!