PMHS - Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist
- Cost $300
- Renews every year
COURSE FORMAT
About
Eligible Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) can take the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) exam offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) to enhance their career opportunities. Certification validates their advanced skills, knowledge, and expertise in the early identification, intervention, and care of infants and children with mental and behavioral issues.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates include Pediatric Nurse Practitioners - Primary Care (PNP-PC), Pediatric Nurse Practitioners - Acute Care (PNP-AC), Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), Board Certifed Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists (PMHCNS-BC) and Board Certified Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP-BC).
Course Format
Exam Format
The PMHS certification exam includes 125 scored and 25 unscored multiple-choice questions. It focuses on developmental, behavioral, and mental health promotion, evaluation, diagnostic decision making, management, and the professional role.
Candidates should review the PMHS exam content outline, which describes all subject areas of the exam and question category. The PMHS exam is comprehensive and relies on the DSM-5 reference manual.
Exam topics include:
Developmental, behavioral, and mental health promotion - 31 questions
Evaluation - 30 questions
Diagnostic decision-making - 28 questions
Management - 29 questions
Professional role - 7 questions
Focus areas include:
Pharmacologic and Non-pharmacologic Management
Pharmacologic Agents
Therapies and Interventions
Screening and Assessment Tools
Universal Screening Tools
Risk-Related Tools - Behavioral and Mental Health
Candidates choose the best answer among the answer choices to test their ability to apply knowledge and critical thinking. They may take the exam in person at a Prometric Testing Center or take it via remote proctoring administered by Examity.
Determining Testing Windows
PMHS candidates can utilize the PMHS Certification Timeline to determine testing windows based on application deadlines. Candidates receive an Approval and Scheduling Notice that informs them of the testing window assigned to them based on when they applied. PNCB offers month-long testing windows in April, June, September, and November.
PMHS candidates may extend their testing window one time to the next testing window by requesting an extension within the PNCB Portal. The following policies apply when requesting a testing extension:
Online extension applications must be completed no less than five business days before the current testing window expires
An additional non-refundable registration fee applies
The extension begins once PNCB processes the application for an extension
Online extensions made after the testing window won’t be honored and the candidate must complete a new exam application
Candidates forfeits all fees and must reapply if they:
Don’t complete their exam application with all supporting documents within 12 months of submitting their payment
Don’t schedule an exam appointment within their assigned testing window
Don’t report for a scheduled exam appointment
Aren’t allowed to sit for their exam due to being more than 15 minutes late to their appointment
Aren’t allowed to sit for their exam because they don’t have appropriate identification
Don’t cancel their exam at least 5 days before the exam appointment
Doesn’t submit a withdrawal request to PCNB at least 16 days before their testing window expires
Doesn’t submit an online application to PCNB requesting an extension at least 5 days before their testing window expires
Completion Time: Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the PMHS certification exam
Cost: $300 (includes $130 non-refundable registration fee) / Re-exam free if taken in the next testing window or $225 if taken after the next testing window / Extensions $150 non-refundable
Exam Scoring
Candidates receive unofficial preliminary Pass/Fail notification immediately after the completion of the exam They receive official results within 2 to 3 weeks of testing.
PNCB emails a congratulatory letter with the candidate’s certification number. Candidates may access their wallet card through the PNCB Portal PCNB mails wall certificates within 4 to 6 weeks.
Candidates who fail receive a detailed exam performance that explains each major content area they didn’t pass. Unsuccessful candidates must submit a re-examination application and pay a retesting fee if they want to attempt the exam again.
However, PCNB waives the retesting fee if they apply to retest in the next available testing window. Candidates receive a promo code to use in lieu of payment. If they choose not to test in the next available window, the retest fee is $225. All subsequent attempts don’t include the free retest option and automatically incur the $225 retesting fee.
Scheduling the Exam
Once candidates receive their Approval and Scheduling Notice from PNCB containing their testing window and eligibility ID number, they may schedule their exam. They may:
Schedule the exam online through Prometric
Prometric sends a confirmation email and a reminder email 48 hours before the exam
Call Prometric at 866-496-9748 between 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET, except on holidays
When scheduling the PMHS exam, ensure you provide your correct eligibility ID number and exam name. Confirm you’ve chosen your preferred test date and location.
To reschedule or cancel an in-person exam, candidates must log in to their Prometric account or contact Prometric’s Candidate Services at 1-866-496-9748. Changes over the phone must be made with a person. Voicemails aren’t acceptable for scheduling changes. Prometric may charge an additional fee based on when candidates reschedule or cancel. Candidates must reschedule their exam within their assigned testing window. Prometric fees related to rescheduling or canceling a scheduled exam include:
16 or more days before the exam date: No fee
5 to15 days before the exam date: $25 per cancellation or reschedule.
Less than 5 days before the exam date: $50 per reschedule
Candidates can’t reschedule on their exam day
Exam Day Instructions
Candidates should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before and no later than 15 minutes after their scheduled exam time. Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes late won’t be admitted, forfeit their fee, and must reapply.
Candidates must present two forms of identification, one with a current photo, to verify admission to the Prometric Testing Center. Both forms of identification must be current and include the candidate’s legal name and signature. Prometric doesn’t accept temporary forms of identification.
Acceptable forms of identification:
Primary identification, current with a photo:
Driver’s license or permit
State identification card
Passport
Military ID card
Secondary identification with a signature:
Employment ID card
Student ID card
Credit card or debit card
Candidates whose name changes before their scheduled exam must email PNCB a name change request with supporting documentation, such as a marriage license, court-approved name change, or divorce decree.
Candidates must schedule remote proctored exams through Examity’s dashboard. They also use this dashboard to reschedule or cancel exams if necessary. Before scheduling an exam, candidates must create a profile using the “My Profile” icon on the dashboard. For assistance, call 855-EXAMITY, email [email protected], or use through the Live Chat feature on the dashboard.
Scheduling a Remote Proctored Exam
Log in to Examity
Select “Schedule Exam” icon
Locate the exam in the drop-down menu
Select a date and time
Click “Schedule”
Confirm on-demand schedule is on if scheduling within 24 hours of the exam
Before Exam
Confirm system meets Examity’s technical requirements by running a computer check on the “My Profile” page
Disable popup blockers
Exam Day Instructions
To avoid disturbances, candidates must use their own computer and internet connection, preferably a wired internet. The computer must have a working camera, microphone, and speakers. Tablets and Chromebooks are unacceptable for taking the exam. Candidates should log in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled exam to connect with the proctor and troubleshoot any technical problems. To take the exam:
Return to the Examity dashboard
Click “Start Exam” icon
Click on the “Connect to Proctoring” button to launch proctoring session and begin test
Follow proctor’s instructions throughout the authentication process
Verify identity by holding photo ID in front of webcam
Review exam rules
Complete a 360-degree pan of the remote testing area, including all around the desk, workspace and room
Answer a previously selected security question
Enter biometric keystroke signature
Review and agree to the Examity User Agreement and exam rules
Click “Begin Exam” link
Rules for Taking a Remote Proctored Exam
Candidates must remain visible in the computer camera throughout the exam. Bathroom breaks aren’t allowed. Events that could cause termination of exam and invalidation of score include:
Additional devices in the remote testing room
Using a headset
Problems with personal identification
Unacceptable behavior, such as leaving the room or camera view
Environmental issues, such as improper lighting or reference materials displayed
Other minor events that cause immediate notification to PNCB include:
Feet or finger tapping
Noise unrelated to typing
Computer system errors
Unusual behavior
Not keeping eyes focused on computer screen
Explicit materials within view of proctor
Temporarily moving outside camera view
Certification
Eligibility
Professionals interested in the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist certification exam may apply to take the exam if they meet all the following requirements:
Graduate from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college/university with a master’s or doctoral nursing degree or a post-master’s certificate with a concentration in one of the following:
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP or PPCNP-BC)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C)
Child/Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health CNS (PMCNS-BC)
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP [Previously termed Family Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)]
Applicants educated before 1992, when a master’s degree in an advanced nursing practice role wasn’t required may still apply
Hold a current, valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered APRN license
Complete at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in pediatric development, behavioral, and mental health (DBMH) while licensed as an APRN within the last five years
PNCB offers a tracking form for clinical practice hours
Complete at least 30 hours of pediatric DBMH continuing education or one pediatric DBMH graduate-level course of at least two credits in the last 5 years
The Application Process
Confirm eligibility
Review the PNCB Exam Candidate Handbook
Submit an online application within PNCB account
Select Exam Applications to find the appropriate exam type
Use the PMHS Certification Timeline to review testing window dates and application deadlines
Request a final transcript from the school’s registrar's office or transcript service and send it directly to PNCB
A fee may be required
Transcript must include degree awarded, degree conferred date, the role (NP), and the population focus (Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Child/Adolescent Psychiatric CNS, or Child/Adolescent Mental Health CNS
Submit required documents, transcripts, and forms
Submit eligibility documents of either an unofficial transcript of one graduate-level DBMH course or certificates for 30 hours of DBMH CE
Pay the $300 certification exam fee
Track the application in real-time to ensure PCBN receives and reviews all necessary documents
Watch for Approval and Scheduling Notice from PNCB containing the testing window
Schedule the exam accordingly
Renewal
The Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist certification is valid for three years. Regardless of when a pediatric mental health specialist becomes certified, the expiration month and day is always February 28. Certificate holders must submit recertification applications between November 1 and January 31 before the expiration date on their current wallet card. There is a late fee of $100 if applicants misses the January 31 deadline for online renewal application and renews before February 28. PNCB sends postcard and email reminders unless the applicant opts out. For assistance with the recertification process call the PNCB office at 1-888-641-2767 or email [email protected].
Renewal Requirements
Maintain any advanced certifications (NP or CNS) required for PMHS eligibility
Maintain a current, valid, and unencumbered APRN license
Complete 45 continuing education contact hours in pediatric DBMH
Review the Recertification Guide for complete details of renewal requirements.
Cost
15 DBMH/Psychopharm hours
Early (November): $45
Standard (December 1 - January 31): $65
Late (February 1-28): $165
15 DBMH/Psychopharm hours that includes at least one Psychopharmacology module from the PNCB:
Early (November): $45
Standard (December 1 - January 31): $65
Late (February 1-28): $165
Record Review - allowed once every 7-year recertification cycle:
Early (November): $45
Standard (December 1 - January 31): $65
Late (February 1-28): $165
Continuing Education
Use ReCErt Tracker throughout the year to archive contact hours and other activities. Pediatric mental health specialists may reference the tracker when filling out their recertification applications. Recertification requires 45 continuing education (CE) contact hours in pediatric DBMH. CE must:
Be earned within the 36 months preceding renewal
Include 15 contact hours of pediatric psychopharmacology
Accredited CE or CME from online modules, conferences, or journals
Max of 10 contact hours from academic credit consisting of fully pediatric psychopharm content
Include 30 hours of accredited CE/CME contact hours or other equivalents accepted by PNCB
Max of 15 pediatric DBMH contact hours may be Professional Practice Learning (PPL) related to PMHS certification
1 PPL equals 5 contact hours
Max of 10 pediatric DBMH contact hours may be academic credit relevant to pediatric behavioral/mental health or pediatric psychopharmacology that resulted in a grade from college/university/institution
1 semester or quarter hour of academic credit equals 10 contact hours
PNCB offers a psychopharmacology module and several other pediatric modules worth 7.5 contact hours for $85 per module.
Other Resources
The PMHS Readiness Checklist helps candidates determine when they’re ready to take the exam.
PNCB has a 50-question practice test with in-depth rationales for answer choices. The practice test costs $35 for unlimited attempts for 150 days. It offers a short list of sample questions on its resources page.
The PMHS Detailed Content Outline provides a test blueprint, including a breakdown of the types of questions included in the exam.
PNCB offers a free PowerPoint for Test-taking Strategies to better understand exam preparation tips, multiple-choice strategies, and techniques to manage test anxiety.
The Ethics in Testing: A Personal Responsibility Toolkit teaches candidates about allowed and prohibited behaviors and practices regarding sharing exam questions. Utilizing this resource also qualifies for one continuing education credit.
PNCB also provides an extensive list of respected resources to aid in studying the exam material.
Related Certifications
To be eligible for PMHS certification, candidates must have a current, unrestricted APRN license and certification in one of the following practice roles:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners - Primary Care (PNP-PC)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners - Acute Care (PNP-AC)
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP-BC)
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C)
Board Certifed Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists (PMHCNS-BC)
Board Certified Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP-BC)
Other certificates related to pediatric nursing include:
Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is a specialty accreditation designation for RNs with a diploma, associate's degree, BSN, MSN, or a higher nursing degree.
The CCRN (Pediatric) certification accredit nurses that provide direct care to acutely/critically ill pediatrics patients.
CCRN-K (Pediatric) certifies nurses influencing the care delivered to acutely/critically ill pediatrics patients but don’t provide direct patient care.
CCNS (Pediatric) is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) accreditation for those specializing in caring for acutely/critically ill pediatric patients.
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC) accredits Master’s or DNP level primary care pediatric nurse practitioners.
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC) provides certification to acute care pediatric nurse practitioners holding a Master’s, DNP, or postgraduate certificate.
ACCNS-P (Pediatric) is an entry-level advanced practice accreditation for graduate-level clinical nurse specialists providing advanced nursing care to pediatric patients across the continuum of care.
Frequently asked questions
What topics are covered on the PMHS exam?
PMHS exam topics include:
Developmental, behavioral, and mental health promotion (25%)
Evaluation (23%)
Diagnosis decision-making (23%)
Management (23%)
Professional role (6%)
How many questions are on the Pediatric Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) exam?
The PMHS exam consists of 150 questions.
Can I renew my PMHS certification by retaking the exam?
No. Recertification requires documentation of maintaining competency in the practice, such as CE/CME contact hours, Professional Practice Learning, or academic credits.
When do I recertify my PMHS credential?
PMHS recertification occurs during open enrollment between November 1 and January 31 before the expiration date on the certification card. All certifications expire on February 28.
Do I need to submit documentation of completed CE certificates?
No, you don’t need to submit documentation of completed CE credits. However, you must provide proof if audited.
What other certifications does the PNCB offer besides the PMHS?
What organization offers the PMHS?
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers the PMHS.