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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: exam@pncb.org

About Recertification: recert@pncb.org

About No Pass, No Pay: npnp@pncb.org

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!