Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist – PMHS (PNCB)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) certification certifies that an individual has the experience and advanced knowledge to work with pediatric patients that have mental and behavioral health issues. Nurses with this certification can provide intervention and collaboration of care for these patients.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Understanding of how to complete screenings, assessments and surveillance
- Knowledge of how to promote positive parenting and attachment
- Understanding of the DSM
- Competency in completing comprehensive developmental, behavioral and health histories
- 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.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current APRN (advanced practice registered nurse); applicant must have one of the following certifications: PNP, FNP, PMHCNS-BC, or PMHNP-BC; applicant must be a graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing master’s or doctoral program or hold a post-master’s certificate from an accredited college or university, with one of the following concentrations: Primary Care PNP, FNP, Family Psychiatric NP, Child/Adolescent Psychiatric CNS or Child/Adolescent Mental Health CNS; applicant must have 2,000+ clinical hours in pediatric development, behavioral and/or mental health within the last 5 years; applicant must complete 30 hours of DBMH CE or 1 graduate level course that is worth 2+ credits
- Questions: 150
- Time: 150 minutes
- Cost: $300, free retest available
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 3 years
- View Exam Readiness FAQ
Other relevant details: Exam is taken at a Prometric testing center
PMHS (PNCB) Careers
Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist Careers
Jobs you can get with a PMHS certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Advanced Practice Nurse
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 checklist
- 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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