CPN
PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
Certifies RNs in general pediatric nursing practice.
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CPN Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) |
| Governing Body | PNCB |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 400 scaled (200-800 scale) |
| Exam Fee | $309 initial / $252 re-exam |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | PNCB official website ↗ |
CPN Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 29% |
| Illness and Disease Management | 27% |
| Child and Family Psychosocial Health | 22% |
| Professional Issues | 22% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the PNCB content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Health Promotion — 23% (34 items)
- ✓ Assessment — 35% (53 items)
- ✓ Planning and Management — 33% (50 items)
- ✓ Professional Responsibilities — 9% (13 items)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CPN
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CPN is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CPN format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CPN Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPN stand for?
CPN stands for PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN). It is administered by PNCB.
Who administers the CPN?
The PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is administered by PNCB. For official information, visit the PNCB website.
How many questions is the CPN?
The CPN consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CPN?
The passing score for the CPN is 400 scaled (200-800 scale), as set by PNCB. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CPN exam cost?
The CPN exam fee is $309 initial / $252 re-exam. This fee is set by PNCB and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CPN are scored?
175 multiple-choice items; 150 scored, 25 non-scored pretest items dispersed throughout and indistinguishable from scored items. Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CPN scored?
Criterion-referenced, Angoff-based standard. PNCB reports scaled scores from 200 (0 items correct) to 800 (all items correct), with 400 as the cut point: 'the passing score across all forms is 400.' The underlying number of correct items required varies slightly by form. No percentage is published. Always confirm the current standard with PNCB before testing.
What does the CPN cost?
Initial exam $309 (includes a $103 nonrefundable registration fee). Re-exam $252. Testing-window extension $134. SPN (Society of Pediatric Nurses) member benefit: $45 discount on the initial exam only. Employer 'No Pass, No Pay' program available separately. Fees are set by PNCB and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What should I know about the current CPN exam blueprint?
Source: PNCB CPN Detailed Content Outline, posted May 2022 / effective Oct 2022 / updated Aug 2022 (2021-22 Job Task Analysis) — still the current outline linked from PNCB CPN Exam Resources as of Aug 2026. Only four top-level content areas are published (subcategories exist beneath each); there is no 5-8 domain breakdown. Fees verified live on pncb.org Aug 2026.
How hard is the PNCB CPN (Certified Pediatric Nurse) exam?
The CPN from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board is considered moderately to highly challenging. It covers pediatric nursing across the full range of inpatient and outpatient settings, growth and development, immunizations, common pediatric illnesses, pediatric pharmacology, family-centered care, and chronic disease management in children. First-attempt pass rates are generally favorable for nurses with 2+ years of pediatric experience.
What are the CPN eligibility requirements?
Candidates must hold a current RN license and have a minimum of 1,800 hours of pediatric nursing practice within the past 24 months. Experience can be in any setting where the primary patient population is pediatric, inpatient, outpatient, or community.
How long should I study for the CPN?
Most candidates study 6–10 weeks using PNCB CPN practice exams and the Society of Pediatric Nurses pediatric nursing review resources. Key content areas include child development milestones, immunization schedules, management of common pediatric conditions (asthma, otitis media, pneumonia, diabetes), and family-centered care principles.
What career value does CPN provide?
CPN is the leading general pediatric nursing credential and is recognized by children's hospitals, pediatric units, and outpatient pediatric practices. It supports clinical ladder advancement and Magnet hospital quality metrics. CPN-certified nurses advance into charge nurse, educator, and pediatric specialty roles.
How does CPN compare to CPEN?
CPN covers general pediatric nursing across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. CPEN (BCEN) is specifically focused on pediatric emergency nursing in emergency department settings. Nurses in pediatric EDs typically pursue CPEN; nurses on general pediatric inpatient units pursue CPN. Both are valued credentials in their respective practice areas.
How long is CPN certification valid?
CPN is valid for 7 years. Renewal requires a current RN license, documented pediatric nursing practice hours, and CE hours in pediatric nursing content, or renewal by re-examination.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), a Nursing & Nursing School certification, administered by PNCB. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by PNCB. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the PNCB official website ↗ .