CPNP-PC
PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Primary Care (CPNP-PC)
Certifies NPs in primary care of pediatric patients.
Nursing Specialty Exam Prep is in development. Notify us of your interest at hello@c3rt.com.
CPNP-PC Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Primary Care (CPNP-PC) |
| Governing Body | PNCB |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 400 scaled (200-800 scale) |
| Exam Fee | $407 initial / $288 re-exam |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | PNCB official website ↗ |
CPNP-PC Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area |
|---|
| Health Promotion, Maintenance and Disease Prevention |
| Assessment and Diagnosis |
| Management of Health Conditions |
| Pharmacology |
| Professional Issues |
Domain areas are sourced from the PNCB content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Health Maintenance and Promotion — 30% (45 items)
- ✓ Assessment and Diagnosis — 35% (52 items)
- ✓ Management — 30% (45 items)
- ✓ Leadership, Ethics, and Practice Management — 5% (8 items)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CPNP-PC
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CPNP-PC is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CPNP-PC 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.
CPNP-PC Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPNP-PC stand for?
CPNP-PC stands for PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Primary Care (CPNP-PC). It is administered by PNCB.
Who administers the CPNP-PC?
The PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Primary Care (CPNP-PC) is administered by PNCB. For official information, visit the PNCB website.
How many questions is the CPNP-PC?
The CPNP-PC consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CPNP-PC?
The passing score for the CPNP-PC 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 CPNP-PC exam cost?
The CPNP-PC exam fee is $407 initial / $288 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 CPNP-PC 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 CPNP-PC scored?
Criterion-referenced, Angoff-based standard. PNCB scaled score scale 200-800 with 400 as the cut point across all forms. The number of correct items required varies slightly by form. No percentage is published. Always confirm the current standard with PNCB before testing.
What should I know about the current CPNP-PC exam blueprint?
Source: 2023 CPNP-PC Detailed Content Outline, posted May 2023 / effective Oct 2023 (2022-23 Job Task Analysis) — current as of Aug 2026. Four top-level content areas only.
How hard is the PNCB CPNP-PC (Primary Care) exam?
The CPNP-PC from PNCB is considered moderately challenging. It covers primary care for children from birth through young adulthood, well-child care, development screening, immunizations, common illness management, behavioral health, and preventive care. Candidates from strong primary care PNP programs with clinical depth in well-child and outpatient pediatric management typically pass on the first attempt.
What are the CPNP-PC eligibility requirements?
Candidates must hold a current RN license and have completed an accredited primary care PNP program at the master's or doctoral level. Programs must be specifically designed for primary care pediatric NP preparation. Initial certification does not require post-graduation hours beyond program clinical requirements.
How long should I study for the CPNP-PC?
Most candidates study 6–10 weeks using PNCB practice exams and NAPNAP PNP review courses. High-yield areas include developmental milestones (Denver II/ASQ), immunization schedules (CDC/ACIP), management of common childhood illnesses, behavioral and mental health disorders (ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum), and anticipatory guidance across the pediatric developmental continuum.
How does CPNP-PC compare to CPNP-AC?
CPNP-PC is for primary outpatient care of healthy and mildly ill children, while CPNP-AC is for hospitalized and critically ill pediatric patients. Candidates must match their certification to their NP educational track, primary care PNP programs prepare for CPNP-PC; acute care PNP programs prepare for CPNP-AC.
What career opportunities does CPNP-PC open?
CPNP-PC qualifies NPs for pediatric primary care in private pediatric practices, FQHCs, school health programs, and public health settings. In full practice authority states, CPNP-PCs can operate independently as primary care providers for pediatric patients.
How long is CPNP-PC certification valid?
PNCB certification is valid for 7 years. Renewal requires a current RN license, documented pediatric primary care NP practice hours, and CE hours in relevant content, or renewal by re-examination.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Primary Care (CPNP-PC), 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 ↗ .