Pediatric Nurse Certification Exam Prep

What is the maximum time allowed to complete the exam?

• 4 hours

• 3 hours

• 2 hours

• 1 hour

Will you see pictures or graphics on the exam?

• No, never

• Yes, but they may not be a part of every exam form in use

Answer explanation

Yes, you may see pictures (images) or graphics on your exam, although they may not be a part of every exam form in use at any given time.  Images and graphics are used when they will be helpful in presenting information for the test-taker, such as tables to provide patient data (e.g., vital signs, laboratory results, growth charts) or a radiographic image, such as for questions in the CPNP-PC or CPNP-AC exams. Tip! PNCB Practice Tests are written with the same style and structure used for writing actual certification exam questions. This means they are a good representation of what candidates will encounter; you will find images and tables in our practice tests. 

Do questions containing lab values have reference ranges?

• Yes, always

• Reference ranges are not typically provided

Answer explanation

There may be a rare exception, but largely, no—reference ranges are not typically provided in exam questions. When a question contains laboratory values, PNCB, and the volunteer item writers and exam committee members have confirmed that normal or abnormal results would be apparent to a knowledgeable, prepared exam candidate. 

Should you memorize the vaccine schedules for the exam?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

No, candidates are not expected to memorize vaccine schedules as PNCB and its committees of volunteer item writers recognize how often immunization schedules change. However, candidates are expected to have knowledge about core principles about immunology, safe vaccine use, or well-known vaccines for certain age groups.  

When will you receive your exam results?

• You receive initial results immediately after testing. Official results will be mailed 2-3 weeks after testing

• 3-4 weeks after testing

• You must call PNCB to receive results

Answer explanation

Official pass/fail notification of your exam results are emailed approximately 2-3 weeks after the testing date, in most cases. No results are given by phone. 

Do you need to know every medication name in brand and generic form?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Exam-takers should know common, generic medication names applicable to pediatric practice. When medication names are needed or cited in an examination question, PNCB may provide both the generic and brand names when appropriate.

What is the total number of questions on the exam?

• 175

• 150

• 100

• 200

Answer explanation

The exam includes 175 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 questions are scored questions and 25 are unscored pretest questions. You will not know which questions are scored or unscored when you take the exam. You may take up to 3 hours to complete the exam. 

How long does it take to determine eligibility to sit for the exam? 

• Generally within 3 weeks after the PNCB receives all necessary documentation

• Generally within 1 week after the PNCB receives all necessary documentation

• Generally within 5 weeks after the PNCB receives all necessary documentation

Answer explanation

Once the PNCB receives all documentation (online application, fees, transcript(s) and documentation of PNP education form [if required]) a letter of eligibility will be emailed to you generally within 3 weeks. Determination of eligibility will be completed in a timely manner following receipt of all required materials. 

 

 

What is the scheduling process for testing? 

• After your application is reviewed and once you receive emailed notification of eligibility from PNCB, you can make your appointment to sit for the exam

• You can make your appointment to sit for the exam immediately after graduation

• You can make your appointment to sit for the exam any time during the last semester of your program

Answer explanation

After your application is reviewed and once you receive emailed notification of eligibility from PNCB, you can make your appointment to sit for the exam. The "letter of eligibility" will indicate your testing window which is assigned as each candidate's eligibility record is established with Prometric. Specific instructions will be provided detailing the process of scheduling a testing time within your testing window. 

 

May I mail or email my transcript personally? 

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

No. All transcripts must be sent directly to PNCB from the Registrar's office of the educational institution or by a transcript service such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. Electronic transcripts are now accepted. Please see the transcripts webpage for details.