PCNS - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- $275-$375
- Renews every 5 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist board certification (PCNS-BC) is a specialty credential for Registered Nurse Practitioners who provide care to children and families. This certification and credential are available for renewal only through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Advanced practice PCNS-BCs may perform the following duties related to the nursing care of children and adolescents:
Provide direct care
Lead education and research
Promote evidence-based changes in nursing practice
These pediatric nursing clinical experts work with patients under age 18 within the family, community and health system.
Certification
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists can no longer obtain the PCNS-BC certification. It is available for renewal only. The ANCC credential has been replaced by a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Renewal
The PCNS-BC certification is valid for five years.
The PCNS-BC certification by ANCC is only available for renewal. Nurses can renew this certification and credential every five years by maintaining their practice licenses and fulfilling the certification renewal requirements.
Renewal Fees
Non-members: $375
American Nurses Association (ANA) members: $275
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists members: $295
Steps to Renewal:
Earn CE for completed continuing education activities.
Add and track the activities in the ANCC online account.
Submit the renewal application online or by mail.
Other Resources
The ANCC offers general testing and renewal handbook.
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Frequently asked questions
What does ACNS-BC stand for in nursing?
The ACNS-BC acronym stands for Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Board Certified. Like the PCNS-BC certification, the ACNS-BC credential is only available for renewal. Graduate clinical nurse specialists cannot earn these distinctions any longer. New board exams have replaced the tests for these specialized certifications.
What other certifications does the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) offer besides the Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC)?
The American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) also offers the following:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC)
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
The Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) is only available for renewal.
What organization offers the Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC)?
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC) for renewal only.
What degrees might help further my career as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC)?
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists (PCNS-BC) may need a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to improve their chance of getting hired or further their careers. Certain degrees may even be required before entering the field.
How often do I need to renew my Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC) certification?
You must renew your Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS-BC) certification every five years.