Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) – CPNP-AC (PNCB)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care (CPNP-AC) certification certifies that an individual has the experience and advanced knowledge to work with pediatric patients with acute, critical and chronic illnesses. Nurses with this credential can work in a variety of healthcare settings. They work closely with a multi-disciplinary team in order to provide the best level of healthcare services for infants, children and young adults.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Understanding of how to complete a physical examination to identify acute and chronic conditions
- Knowledge of age specific screening
- Understanding of regular growth parameters and ideal nutrition during the growth stages
- Competency in performing development surveillance
- Knowledge of differential diagnoses
- Understanding of legal practices that are in accordance with regulatory guidelines
- Familiarity working with family and community-based resources
Exam Objectives
Download the exam objectives for the CPNP-AC (PNCB) certification.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current RN; applicant must be a graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing master’s or doctoral degree with a concentration in pediatric acute care as a NP or a formal dual primary/acute care program or applicant must be a graduate from a post master’s pediatric acute care NP certificate program; applicant must have 500+ supervised direct care clinical practice hours; applicant must complete 3 graduate-level courses in various topics. See link for specific course requirements
- Questions: 175 (150 scored)
- Time: 180 minutes
- Cost: $385
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every year
- Download the PNCB Handbook
Other relevant details: Exam is taken at a Prometric testing center
CPNP-AC (PNCB) Careers
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) Careers
Jobs you can get with a CPNP-AC certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $113,930*
National average per hour: $54.78*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CPNP-AC (PNCB) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Handbook/Outline
- Review study guides
- Complete sample questions
- Take practice tests
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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