CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse

  • Cost $300
  • Renews every year

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

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)

Course Format

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.

In Person

Applicants must schedule in-person testing with Prometric, a licensed testing center with over 300 locations nationwide. Download your Eligibility Letter with instructions on how to schedule your in-person exam, then set a date and time directly with Prometric.

Arrive 30 minutes early with the required IDs that match your name on the exam application, and take your exam. Unofficial pass/fail status is provided on-screen at the conclusion of the exam.

Online

Applicants may schedule an online exam with Examity, PNCB’s live proctoring partner. Download your Eligibility Letter with the instructions on how to schedule your online exam, then set a test date directly with Examity.

Certification

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.

Renewal

  • 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.

Continuing Education

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.

Other Resources

Related Certifications

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)

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Frequently asked questions

Can I earn a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) online?

Yes you can earn a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) online.

What organization offers the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)?

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).

What other certifications does the PNCB offer besides the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)?

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) also offers the following:

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

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

  • Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)

Who should earn the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification?

The PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification is appropriate for Registered Nurses working in the pediatric setting.

What's the renewal fee for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification?

The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification renewal fee is $85, and many employers will reimburse this cost.

What settings does a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) work in?

Certified Pediatric Nurses (CPN) may work in children's hospitals, community hospitals, schools, home health care, military facilities, specialty clinics, special needs daycares for children, public health agencies and primary care practices. CPNs can also be college or university faculty or administrators in children's or community hospitals.

Can an LPN/LVN sit for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam?

No, an LPN/LVN can't sit for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam. A registered nurse (RN) license is required to sit for the CPN exam.