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Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care









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The Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC) certification is administered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). It targets advanced practice nurses specializing in pediatric acute care. The certification verifies expertise in managing complex pediatric health issues, enhancing career opportunities within pediatric healthcare.
Many test-takers also pursue the PNCB CPNP-PC certification alongside this exam.
The PNCB CPNP AC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 25 are pretest questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. A passing score is a scaled 400. All questions are formatted as multiple-choice with a single correct answer. For more details on exam scoring, refer to PNCB Exam Scoring.
To be eligible for the PNCB CPNP AC certification, candidates must hold a current, active RN license from a U.S. state, territory, or Canada. Required educational qualifications include graduation from an accredited nursing program with a focus on pediatric acute care. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours, although 600 are recommended. Required graduate-level courses include advanced physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. Detailed eligibility criteria are available on the PNCB website.
The cost for the PNCB CPNP AC exam is $407, which includes a non-refundable $134 registration fee. The re-exam fee is $288, and an extension fee is $155. Discounts are available for dual PC and AC PNP graduates. For more detailed cost information, check PNCB Certification Steps.
To register for the PNCB CPNP AC exam, candidates must:
The PNCB CPNP AC exam is administered by PSI. Candidates must present a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the exam application. Personal items such as electronics, notes, or bags are prohibited in the testing area. Scratch paper and pencils are typically provided at the center. It is advised to arrive 30 minutes early for the check-in process. For testing day policies, refer to PNCB Exam Administration.
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Key facts, pass rates, and resources to help you prepare smarter and pass with confidence.
Official Exam Information
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For the PNCB CPNP AC exam, it's essential to utilize the official resources provided by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Begin with the official PNCB study materials, which include a comprehensive content outline detailing the exam topics. The PNCB also offers a free ethics module, "Ethics in Testing: A Personal Responsibility," which is a prerequisite for completing your exam application. This module ensures that candidates understand the ethical considerations involved in the testing process.
PNCB provides online practice tests designed to mimic the actual exam conditions. These practice tests are invaluable for understanding the format of the PNCB CPNP AC questions and include in-depth rationales for correct answers, helping you identify areas where you may need further study. Engaging with these practice tests can help improve your familiarity with the exam structure, manage time effectively under the 3-hour limit, and increase your confidence.
While the exact number of study hours required can vary, a structured study timeline should be considered. Given the complexity of the exam, a preparation period spanning 8-12 weeks is recommended. Candidates should aim to dedicate 10-15 hours per week to their studies, breaking this into manageable daily sessions. Regular review of the exam content outline and consistent practice with test questions are crucial to success.
The PNCB CPNP AC exam covers several domains critical to pediatric acute care. Although specific percentage weights are periodically updated, general topics include advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology related to pediatric care. Candidates should ensure a thorough understanding of these areas to meet the exam's rigorous standards.
The PNCB CPNP AC certification exam costs $407, including a non-refundable registration fee. Despite the initial cost, the certification can significantly enhance career prospects. According to industry surveys from resources like PayScale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified pediatric nurse practitioners often experience a salary increase in the range of 10-20% compared to non-certified peers. The investment in certification can lead to better job opportunities, higher salary potential, and increased job security in a competitive healthcare field.
The SimplyTests PNCB CPNP-AC app is an excellent tool for exam preparation, offering:
Users of this app achieve pass rates that are 20-30% higher on average, making it an effective supplement to your study routine.
To maximize your chances of success on the PNCB CPNP AC exam, consider these strategies:
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