CPNP-PC Certification: How to Get Certified in 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What are the benefits of obtaining CPNP-PC certification?

Earning the CPNP-PC credential does more than validate expertise. It opens doors to leadership, professional recognition, and opportunities to shape pediatric care.
Here are its top benefits:

Enhanced Compensation

One of the strongest benefits of earning the CPNP-PC certification is the potential for higher earnings. CPNP-PCs earn an average annual salary of about $116,800. Primary care practitioners often see stronger compensation in recognition of their broad scope and demand in outpatient settings. 

Increased Hiring Confidence

Certification is a powerful signal to employers of advanced knowledge and commitment to the profession. The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) shows that 86% of nurse managers prefer hiring certified nurses when qualifications are otherwise equal. A CPNP-PC credential can give candidates a competitive edge in recruitment.

Access to Professional Discounts and Resources

Beyond salary and recognition, CPNP-PC certificants gain access to a variety of discounts and resources that support lifelong learning and practice. For example, certificants can receive discounts on specialized fellowships, study tools, and branded professional gear. These benefits can significantly reduce costs for essential resources, making it easier for practitioners to stay current and supported in their roles.

Professional Recognition and Advocacy Opportunities

Obtaining the CPNP-PC certification brings access to professional development opportunities. Certified practitioners can apply for PNCB awards and scholarships, and participate in initiatives like Faces of Certification. This can pave the way for leadership positions and even allow them to reach a clinical nurse leader salary.

How do I apply for CPNP-PC certification?

Applicants for CPNP-PC certification must complete a clear process that verifies their education and clinical experience. Following the proper steps ensures their eligibility is recognized efficiently:

• Check Eligibility: Applicants must hold an active U.S. RN license. They also need a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited master’s, doctoral, or post-master’s certificate in pediatric primary care. Some of the easiest NP schools to get into offer programs with 500 supervised clinical hours and courses in advanced physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology.

• Submit the Application: Candidates apply online through PNCB. The exam fee is $395, which includes a $130 non-refundable portion. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school before the application is considered complete.

• Track and Complete the Timeline: PNCB reviews applications within 2-3 weeks. Approved candidates receive a 90-day testing window to schedule the exam with PSI. Failure to test within this period results in forfeited fees.

• Take the Exam: The exam is taken in person at PSI testing centers in the U.S. It lasts 3 hours and includes 175 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 25 unscored. A valid government-issued ID must be presented on test day.

• Receive Results and Credentials: Results are sent by email within 2-3 weeks. Successful candidates earn the CPNP-PC credential, receive a digital wallet card, and have their certification verified with their state board of nursing.

What is the cost of the CPNP-PC exam in 2025?

As of 2025, the initial exam fee for the CPNP-PC certification is $395, which includes a $130 non-refundable registration fee. This is the total amount applicants need to pay when submitting their application.

Should a candidate need to retake the exam after an unsuccessful attempt, the re-examination fee is $280. This fee is non-refundable. If additional time is needed to schedule the exam beyond the original testing window, a non-redundable extension fee of $150 applies.

What topics are covered in the CPNP-PC exam?

The CPNP-PC exam is structured around four major content domains. Each domain reflects the actual responsibilities of pediatric primary care practice, with weightings that show how much emphasis is placed on different areas. 

Understanding these topics is key to efficient preparation and can help those looking for the quickest way to become a nurse focus their study time effectively.

Here are the major subject areas covered in the exam:

• Assessment and Diagnosis – Covers patient history, physical exams, and interpretation of diagnostic tests.
• Management – Focuses on treatment planning, prescribing, and ongoing care of acute and chronic conditions.
• Health Maintenance and Promotion – Includes anticipatory guidance, growth and development, immunizations, and screenings.
• Leadership, Ethics, and Practice Management – Addresses professional role, ethical standards, and practice management skills.

What is the format of the CPNP-PC exam?

The CPNP-PC exam is delivered in a fixed-length, multiple-choice format. It consists of 175 items total: 150 scored questions and 25 pre-test (unscored) questions mixed throughout the exam. Candidates have three hours to complete all items.

The 150 scored questions determine the exam result and reflect the core knowledge and skills needed for safe pediatric primary care practice. The 25 pretest (unscored) questions are used to evaluate their effectiveness for future exams. Unscored items are randomly placed throughout the test and cannot be distinguished from scored ones. Candidates must answer every question as if it counts toward the final score.

To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a scaled score of 400. Scores are reported on a scale ranging from 200 (lowest) to 800 (highest). A score of 400 represents the minimum level of knowledge required for safe practice, as set by PNCB’s standard-setting process.

For comparison, other professional exams—such as the ALA-accredited Master of Library Science degree credentialing pathway—also rely on rigorous standard-setting to establish a benchmark for safe and effective practice in their respective fields.

Are there online courses available for CPNP-PC preparation?

Many online courses help candidates prepare for the CPNP-PC exam. Accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or similar bodies, these courses are evidence-based and peer-reviewed. They also count toward continuing education and support state licensure requirements.

Here are some accredited CPNP-PC prep options:

• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Review Course: NAPNAP is a nationally recognized professional organization for pediatric nurse practitioners. Their Primary Care CPNP review course is available live online or on-demand and awards up to 15 continuing education (CE) hours accredited by the ANCC.
• Fitzgerald Health Education Associates Pediatric NP Review Fitzgerald’s review programs are ANCC-accredited continuing education providers. Their pediatric primary care NP board review course is offered online and includes exam-focused content plus CE credits that count toward license renewal.
• BoardVitals Pediatric NP Qbank While primarily a practice question bank, BoardVitals is also an ANCC-accredited provider of nursing CE. Their CPNP-PC question bank includes over 1,150 board-style practice questions and provides CE hours upon completion.

Online preparation courses are growing in accessibility—similar to other professional upskilling markets, where individuals can even pursue high paying tech jobs no degree through targeted certification programs instead of full academic degrees.

What job roles can I pursue with CPNP-PC certification?

With a CPNP-PC certification, nurses can pursue a range of pediatric-focused roles across diverse care settings. Common career roles for CPNP-PC holders include:

• Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner These professionals work in pediatric clinics, community health centers, private practices, and school-based health settings. Their responsibilities include well-child exams, immunizations, preventive care, and managing common pediatric illnesses.
• Providers in Underserved and Rural Areas CPNP-PCs are in high demand in underserved communities due to pediatric practitioner shortages. They fill critical care gaps in rural locations and federally qualified health centers, which are among the best places to work as a nurse.
• School-Based and Nurse-Managed Clinic Practitioners Many CPNP-PCs practice in nurse-managed health centers and school-based clinics. These settings focus on preventive care, wellness promotion, and managing chronic pediatric conditions. CPNP-PCs play key roles in delivering holistic health services to children.
• Telehealth and Community Outreach Providers As telemedicine expands, pediatric primary care specialists are increasingly employed in virtual care roles. They deliver consultations, triage, and follow-up care remotely. Pediatrics in primary care helps broaden pediatric healthcare access, especially in underserved or remote regions.
• Educators, Supervisors, and Mentors Certified PNP-PCs are valued for leadership roles such as preceptorships or supervising junior staff in clinical settings. This experience aligns with what a nurse educator does: training and mentoring other nurses.

How often do I need to recertify for CPNP-PC?

Recertification for the CPNP-PC credential is required annually. According to PNCB's policies, certificants must complete and submit a recertification application between November and January 31 to maintain their credential.

The process includes:

• Documenting 15 contact hours relevant to CPNP-PC practice
• Maintaining an active, unencumbered RN (or APRN) license, and
• Paying the applicable recertification fee

In addition to the annual recert, there are longer-term requirements that span a 7-year Recert Tracking Cycle. Within this period, certificants must complete:

• 15 hours of pediatric pharmacology, and
• 4 PNCB Pediatric Updates modules (two must be in primary care, and two elective)

The continuing education structure mirrors other health professions where specialization requires ongoing updates. For instance, speech-language pathologist assistants now face questions like whether can SLPAs do teletherapy, underscoring how licensure and recertification processes continue to adapt to modern practice settings.

What are the continuing education requirements for CPNP-PC recertification?

To maintain CPNP-PC certification, professionals must complete 15 contact hours of continuing education each year. The activities must be relevant to pediatric primary care and accredited by recognized organizations.

In addition to the annual requirement, candidates must also complete four PNCB Pediatric Updates modules over a seven-year period, each providing 7.5 contact hours upon successful completion.

Practice hours are not mandatory for recertification. However, up to 400 clinical practice hours can count toward the 15 contact hours. For example, 200 hours equal 5 contact hours, and 400 hours equal 10 contact hours.

Here’s What Professionals Have to Say About Their CPNP-PC Certification

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How does CPNP-PC differ from CPNP-AC certification?

The CPNP-PC and the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care (CPNP-AC) certifications differ mainly in scope of practice and patient population focus. The CPNP-PC is designed for nurse practitioners who provide long-term, comprehensive, and preventive care to children from birth through young adulthood. 

In contrast, the CPNP-AC focuses on managing critically ill, acutely injured, or medically complex pediatric patients.

How difficult is the CPNP-PC exam compared to other pediatric certifications?

Among PNCB’s pediatric certifications, difficulty can be gauged by looking at first-time pass rates. In 2023, the CPNP-PC exam recorded a pass rate of 81.49%. In contrast, the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care (CPNP-AC) was lower at 66.67%, while the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) was slightly higher at 82.35%.

First-time pass rates are a reliable gauge of difficulty because they reflect how well-prepared candidates perform without prior experience taking the test. A higher pass rate indicates that more candidates are able to meet the standard on their first attempt. By this measure, the CPNP-PC exam is moderately rigorous.

Is CPNP-PC certification recognized internationally?

The CPNP-PC certification is issued by the PNCB and is primarily recognized within the United States. Its recognition is limited. Some countries may view it as a valuable credential, but it does not automatically grant the right to practice abroad.

For nurses aiming to work outside the U.S., the certification can still strengthen their professional profile. However, they would typically need to meet local licensure and credentialing requirements.

How does CPNP-PC certification affect salary expectations?

A CPNP-PC certification places practitioners at the higher end of pediatric NP pay. CPNP-PCs earn an average annual salary of about $113,490. Salaries for CPNP-PCs can reach over $125,000 for experienced practitioners. This shows a clear financial progression tied to specialization and years of practice.