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Greetings! Welcome to the ultimate guide to pediatric nurse certification.
By reading this guide you will have all the information you need on the steps to get certified as a pediatric nurse.
In this article, the Nurse Code team goes through the following steps:
- understand the job
- Get a nursing degree
- gain care experience
- Taking the NCLEX-RN exam
- CPN Certification Requirements and Exam
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introduction

Nursing is more than a profession; It is a calling for those who aspire to become that type of Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Being a pediatrician requires a friendly person who is easy with children and makes them feel comfortable.

Whenever a child needs critical care, the parents are not the only people who play an integral role in their life.
Pediatric nurses have the specialized knowledge and skills to assist in the care of children from infancy through adulthood.
A pediatric nurse focuses on the care and treatment of children of all ages, but responsibilities may vary depending on the nurse's department or specialty.
You will likely encounter these specialized nurses in:
- Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU): Your day-to-day duties will include caring for children who require more frequent or more invasive monitoring, e.g. B. those with serious or life-threatening illnesses
- Intermediate Care Facility: A pediatric nurse is likely to encounter acutely ill children, but will need more frequent supervision—although the supervision required is greater than that in a general care ward, it is also less than that in a PICU
- Children's Rehabilitation Centers: Children's nurses working in children's rehabilitation centers provide combined rehabilitative and nursing patient care
The aim is to prepare a child and their family for the child's return home and re-entry into everyday life with a residual disability.
A professional pediatric nursing worker will have a challenging but rewarding career.
Although the primary skill and characteristic of pediatric nurses is a commitment to the healthcare of children, it is also imperative to understand the skills and nursing training required for this career.
Steps to becoming a certified pediatric nurse

Seekto become a pediatric nurse? Your journey has been broken down into the following steps:
To work in pediatric nursing, you must have the ability to connect comfortably with children and their parents.
Individuals who have a natural relationship with children and desire to play an integral role in their well-being and healthy development should consider a career in pediatric nursing.
It offers long-term satisfaction and meaning in your career.
Understand the profession (specialty) and review admission requirements

In a 2014 study by the Institute of Pediatric Nursing, 92 percent of pediatric nurses said they recommend others to join the profession because of the fulfillment of making a difference in young people's lives.
Where do pediatric nurses work?
The simple answer is where there are babies, children and teenagers.
When you have identified and committed to pediatric nursing as your calling in life, make a decision to earn the skills needed to become one.
Upon completion of your pediatric nursing program and specialized training, you will be ready to expand your career in an urban, suburban or rural setting and in a variety of settings.
These include:
- Freestanding Children's Hospitals
- Children's hospitals are attached to a large medical center
- Ambulatory care facilities
- Community Hospitals
- Large medical centers
- school setting
With the right education and training in pediatric nursing, you can work in a variety of settings where your skills, knowledge and experience are needed.
What does your working day as a pediatric nurse look like?
your day-to-day business Pediatric Nursing depends largely on the facility that employs you.
The job description may include:

- Develop effective care plans for infants, toddlers, children, and teens in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
- Soothe and comfort parents who are worried about their children and teach them how to take care of their children effectively
- Connect and communicate effectively with your pediatric patients to help them manage their illnesses, injuries, and treatments
- When you are hired as a school nurse, your day-to-day activities promote health care for students, faculty, and community members
The future looks bright for pediatric nurses. The BLS forecasts 9% employment growth for Registered Nurses from 2020 to 2030.
Get a nursing degree
The starting point for a career as a pediatric nurse is to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
To become one, you must enroll in either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
A Master of Science (MSN) is also acceptable.
The following avenues can help you earn a Registered Nurse degree:
- An Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN)
- Graduated as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Ein LPN zum Associate in Nursing Degree
- An LPN to BSN program
- An online RN to BSN program
- An Accelerated Nursing Program (BSN Degree)
The time it takes to graduate and start working as a pediatric nurse depends on factors such as the current level of education, possible credit points, etc.
Take the NCLEX-RN exam
It is a mandatory requirement for any prospective RN in the United States to sit and pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN).
It is a comprehensive exam open to students who have already completed a nursing program.
The test focuses on a nurse's knowledge of four specific nursing topics.
It includes:
- Safe and effective care environments
- Promotion and maintenance of health
- Psychosocial integrity and coping with stress in the nursing profession
- Physiological Integrity
Take the NCLEX-RN exam
Completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN does not qualify you to work as a Registered Nurse.
Depending on the federal state, you must meet the admission requirements of the Federal Nursing Office (BON).
After earning your license, you can start looking for your first job as an RN.
If your dream is to work as a pediatric nurse, you should seek a position in a health clinic or hospital that cares for children and younger patients.
Gain experience
Before you can obtain your accreditation as a pediatric nurse, you must provide evidence of previous childcare experience.
So you need to work in a facility where you can practice your specialty in pediatric nursing and gain experience caring for children.
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) is responsible for the oversight of pediatric nurses.
They have established primary pediatric hospital time requirements for RNs seeking certification to work as a pediatric nurse.
These include:
- No less than 1,800 hours clinical experience in pediatric nursing in two years (24 months)
- At least five years' experience as a registered pediatric nurse - an additional 3,000 hours of pediatric nursing plus at least 1,000 hours within the last 24 months
CPN Certification Requirements & Certified Pediatric Nurse, CPN Exam

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) is the leader in pediatric nurse certification.
In addition to the certification program, they strive for optimal outcomes in children's health.
They promote and uphold integrity, quality, innovation, advocacy and respect for Registered Nurses who have committed to specializing in pediatrics.
Before you can obtain a license to work as a pediatric nurse, you must sit an exam administered by the central licensing body for pediatrics, the PNCB.
They offer a PNCB exam which consists of 175 multiple choice questions and has to be completed in three hours.
To qualify for the CPN exam, you must have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education (contact hours) in pediatric nursing within the past three years.
Additional requirements may include academic credits, faculty, presentations, publications, and professional services.
Those who pass the exam earn the PNCB's qualification, called a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).
Start your career

Working as a pediatric nurse requires additional skills and attributes beyond those of a registered nurse.
Aspiring pediatric nurses need compassion, empathy, and a high level of ability to handle emergencies calmly and professionally.
Diploma

Pediatric nursing can be a rewarding profession.
As a pediatric nurse, you'll help shape the lives of future generations through comprehensive critical care, and pediatric nurse certifications are part of that journey.
Therefore, taking CPN courses and meeting other requirements for the national certification exam are required.
A nurse's competency, knowledge, and critical thinking skills are validated through certification.
frequently asked Questions

What is CPN in Nursing?
The Pediatric Nursing Certification is a specialty certification for registered nurses in pediatrics. This certification confirms a high level of knowledge and skill in this area of nursing practice. It indicates that you have expertise beyond the RN license. Board certification is recognized by employers, peers, patients and their families.
What qualifications do you need to be a pediatric nurse?
Pediatric RNs must have an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You must also earn the Certified Pediatric Nurse certification in order to practice. The requirements for this certification include clinical practice in providing primary pediatric care and acute care to children.
How much does CPN cost?
Aspiring Pediatric Nurses pay $300 to take the CPN exam for the first session. SPN members who take the initial exam with No Pass, No Pay pay $255. Fortunately, PNCB allows a retest. To be eligible for a retest, you must pay $245.
How long is the CPN certification valid?
The PNCB has established several eligibility requirements for those wishing to establish and earn the CPN title. Once you have successfully taken and passed the exam, you will receive the Pediatric Nursing – Board Certified (RN-BC) qualification. This pass is valid for5 years.
Who Offers Pediatric Nursing Certifications?
Three leading organizations in the United States offer pediatric nursing certification exams. These include the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PCNB), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Each examination center has an examination. They have established recertification requirements and eligibility criteria to qualify for the exam.
What does the CPN exam look like?
The CPN exam consists of 175 questions that candidates should answer within 3 hours. Candidates are expected to describe their knowledge and skills in pediatric nursing. The exam is similar to the NCLEX in that the questions are multiple choice.
What is a Certified Pediatric Nurse?
A board-certified pediatric nurse is a competent and licensed RN who has expertise in pediatric care. While they may work in a variety of settings, a CPN's job includes assessing patients, evaluations, and facilitating short/long-term care. The PNCB licenses a CPN.
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FAQs
Is the pediatric nurse certification exam hard? ›
The CPN Exam is relatively difficult with a first-time pass rate of 78% in 2021. Keep studying and testing your knowledge with practice questions to address weak points in knowledge areas.
How many questions are on the certified pediatric nurse exam? ›The CPN exam contains 175 multiple-choice items. Of these, 150 are scored questions and 25 are non-scored pretest questions. Pretest questions are dispersed throughout the exam and are not distinguishable from scored questions. Total testing time is 3 hours.
How many questions do you need to pass CPN? ›According to the PNCB Exam Candidate Handbook, pass/fail determination is based on a scaled score that ranges from 200 (0 items correct) to 800 (all items correct). In order to receive a passing score, candidates must receive a score of at least 400. The 2021 CPN Exam pass rate for first-time testers was 78%.
What is the pass rate for the CPN exam? ›The Certified Pediatric Nurse credential is earned after taking a secure, proctored exam. The first-time pass rate was 78% in 2017.
What is the hardest nursing certification to get? ›Emergency nursing is considered one of the most difficult fields of nursing, and certification in this specialty is highly desirable.
What is the hardest nursing class to take? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
NCLEX-RN candidates can fail the NCLEX and retest up to eight times each year in most states. Some states limit the number of times a candidate may retest before a refresher course is required. If you failed the NCLEX, it is best to contact your state Board of Nursing to verify guidelines for repeat testing.
Is passing nursing exam hard? ›Rather than using memorization skills, logic and critical thinking skills are required to succeed on this exam, making it more comprehensive and challenging. So, if you find yourself asking, "How hard is the NCLEX-RN? - The short answer is, it's very hard.
How many times can you take the CPN exam? ›Support CPN testing with no risk and no minimums... and Recert fees too! Nurses get 2 attempts per contract year to pass the CPN exam. If they don't pass on either attempt, PNCB absorbs the failed exam fees.
How many questions do you have to get right to pass cen? ›How many items do I need to answer correctly to pass my exam? For CEN: of the 150 scored items, candidates must answer 106 items correctly to achieve a passing score. Please note: The passing score is not based on a curve; it is based upon your individual performance on the exam.
How long is CPN good for? ›
CPN recertification is annual. This keeps costs and requirements manageable. Practice hours are not required for recertification.
How long is the CPN test? ›Check your readiness & prepare. The exam is 3 hours long and asks 175 multiple-choice questions based on the exam content outline, an essential study reference. We offer these resources to help you prepare.
What do I need to bring to CPN exam? ›To enter a Prometric Testing Center for your exam, you must present two forms of ID, one with a current photograph. All documentation must be in your legal name. You can opt to use 2 primary forms of identification instead of 1 primary and 1 secondary.
How many questions are on the credentialing exam? ›A: There are 160 multiple-choice question/answer items on the computer-based exam. They are based on professional situations in which a dietary manager would need to make a decision or solve a problem. You will see one question per page and have three hours (180 minutes) to complete the exam.
What is the pass rate for pediatric nurse practitioner exam? ›19,673 currently certified 82% first-time pass rate for 2020 98% renewal rate for 2021 96 PC PNP programs 153 CPNP-PCs celebrated 40 years of certification in 2021 4,053 currently certified 76% first-time pass rate for 2020 99% renewal rate for 2021 47 AC PNP programs and 21 Dual AC/PC PNP programs 177 CPNP-ACs ...
What is the easiest nursing license to get? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
An LPN or LVN program usually takes around a year to complete, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). What makes an LPN or LVN preparation program the easiest type of nursing education you can pursue is its focus on training for basic nursing services only and its quick completion time.
Is nursing school harder than med school? ›However, don't take it for granted that nursing school will be much easier than medical school, especially in an accelerated format. Both offer a unique set of challenges and demand the utmost in student commitment and work rate.
Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›- MAINE. ...
- ALASKA. ...
- Georgia. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Hawaii. ...
- South Carolina. ...
- Kentucky. ...
- Summary. There are a few cases when temporary licenses can be obtained through the state board of nursing.
Many nursing schools require a minimum grade of roughly 80% to actually pass, as well. By the time you realize you aren't doing well enough to be successful in the course, the choices can be pretty limited. Failure happens all the time. It happens every day...
Will the NCLEX change in 2023? ›
The Next Gen NCLEX will also have a new scoring method. Currently, the NCLEX items are scored as either all incorrect or all correct. Using a scoring model that accounts for multiple answers will allow for partial credit. It will go into effect in April 2023.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 3 times? ›If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 6 times? ›Too many failed attempts could mean you need to take a refresher course. If you fail the NCLEX-RN, you can retake the exam. However, some states limit the number of times you can retest before taking a refresher course or going back to nursing school.
Is nursing harder than NCLEX? ›Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
Which state pays nurses the most? ›In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
How to pass nursing school easily? ›- Time Management. To be successful in nursing school, you must manage your time appropriately. ...
- Get Organized. ...
- Use Mnemonics. ...
- Study Everyday. ...
- Complete Practice Questions. ...
- Participate in a Study Group. ...
- Focus on course objectives when studying. ...
- Know your learning style.
The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®)
The CPN exam validates knowledge and expertise of pediatric nurses beyond basic RN licensure. Eligible RNs may have a diploma, associate's degree, BSN, MSN, or higher nursing degree and must meet one of two pediatric nursing experience eligibility pathways.
Adult nurses usually have a good understanding of disease pathophysiology, and how one body system affects another. Pediatric nursing is usually more straightforward. Children typically have fewer allergies, limited to no medical history, no surgical history, and a single medical problem with an associated etiology.
How often can you take OCN exam? ›Candidates who fail an ONCC examination on the first attempt may apply for a retest, but may not take the same examination more than once during a 90-day test eligibility period.
What does CEN mean in nursing? ›A certification, like the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is an earned credential that demonstrates the individual's specialized knowledge and skills. Certification is awarded by a third-party organization, such as Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.
How many nurses have all 5 BCEN certifications? ›
By year-end, over 100 nurses hold all five certifications. a total of 58,923 active BCEN credentials. Many aspiring ED nurses start the process of earning their BCEN EDvantage certificate. Several complete the program and utilize their new knowledge and skills while pursuing ED positions.
How many questions do you need to pass pediatric CCRN? ›For the Pediatric CCRN exam, the cut score is 86. In order to be certified, you must get at least 86 questions correct out of the 125 questions that are scored.
How to get a CPN number for free 2023? ›The truth is that there is no legitimate way to obtain a CPN because CPNs are not issued or recognized by any official government entity. As described above, the only way to get a CPN is to purchase a stolen or Social Security number.
What happens if you get caught with CPN? ›If you commit wire fraud, a federal crime, your credit score will be the least of your problems. Getting caught using a CPN will often flag the person as a criminal and prevent you from getting loans.
Are CPN worth it? ›Scam artists market CPNs as a way to hide bankruptcies or poor credit—or to use in place of an SSN when applying for new credit. But don't fall for it. Your credit reports will still show any debts and bankruptcies. And misrepresenting your SSN on a credit application is a federal crime.
What is the CPN exam? ›The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam offers respected, accredited board certification for RNs with experience in the specialty. CPN certification can open doors to advancement, increase confidence, and provide a personal sense of accomplishment.
How long does it take for CPN results? ›Exam Scoring and Re-Examination
Official pass/fail notification of your exam results are emailed approximately 2-3 weeks after the testing date, in most cases.
The early cases of chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN) occur as focal to multifocal areas of tubule basophilia with or without hyaline (protein) casts. Figure 2 Kidney - Nephropathy, Chronic progressive in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study.
Is it easy to get a CPN? ›The truth is that there is no legitimate way to obtain a CPN because CPNs are not issued or recognized by any official government entity. As described above, the only way to get a CPN is to purchase a stolen or fake Social Security number.
What are the benefits of getting CPN? ›Benefits of CPN Certification
Board certification may benefit nurses with increased compensation, enhanced career mobility, and recognition of validated expertise by employers, colleagues, and patients and their families. Download CPN resources.
What is a CPN package? ›
A credit privacy number, also referred to as a CPN, is marketed as a nine-digit personal identifying number that you can use, in lieu of your social security number, to help protect your privacy on certain credit documents.
What are the four levels of credentialing? ›Four levels of credentialing are offered – Provisional, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Eligibility for each is based upon minimum requirements. The Levels and minimum requirements for each are as follows: Provisional – No experience in the field is required.
What are the four levels of credentialing procedures? ›registration, certification, inspection, and licensure.
How many questions are on the clinical exam? ›Proven ASWB test flashcards raise your score on the ASWB test. Guaranteed. The Clinical examination is a computer-delivered, four-hour test with 170 multiple-choice questions assessing your competence in four categories of practice.
Where do pediatric NPS make the most money? ›The average hourly rate for pediatric nurse practitioners is $49.24 per hour. Location, education, and experience impacts how much a pediatric nurse practitioner can expect to make. Pediatric nurse practitioners make the most in Alaska, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and New York.
How many questions are on the pediatric certification exam? ›According to the ABP website, there are roughly 330–350 multiple-choice questions. The questions are administered in 4 sections, and you have 7 hours to complete the entire exam.
How hard is the pediatric CCRN exam? ›Get the test prep help you need to become a certified critical care nurse. The Pediatric CCRN Exam is extremely challenging and thorough test preparation is essential for success. Pediatric CCRN Exam Secrets Study Guide is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass the Pediatric CCRN Exam.
How hard is it to pass nursing entrance exam? ›Nursing entrance exams can be challenging for many test-takers. They're timed, which can increase the intensity of the test. Most tests have practice tests available that you can take beforehand to prepare. Some tests will also give you a break during the test so you can recharge.
How many questions is the PCCN exam? ›The PCCN exam contains 125 multiple-choice questions, 25 of which are unscored, and you will be given a time limit of 2.5 hours.
Where do pediatric NPs make the most money? ›The average hourly rate for pediatric nurse practitioners is $49.24 per hour. Location, education, and experience impacts how much a pediatric nurse practitioner can expect to make. Pediatric nurse practitioners make the most in Alaska, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and New York.
What type of nurse practitioner makes the most money? ›
As a hospitalist NP, you can expect to have one of the highest-paying nurse practitioner jobs. The average yearly wage is about $117,880. And while hourly rates vary based on region and specific hospitals, it is $56.67 on average.
How many times can you fail NP boards? ›What happens if I fail the exam? ANCC: If you fail the ANCC FNP exam you will have the ability to retake the test after 60 days of the last testing date; however, you cannot take the exam more than three times in any 12 month period.
What happens if you fail CCRN exam? ›Your exam score report will highlight the areas you should focus on to improve your score. If you fail the CCRN exam, you are eligible to retake the exam for a discounted fee up to four times in a 12-month period.
What is the passing score for the CCRN 2023? ›What is the passing score for the Adult CCRN exam? To pass the exam, you will need a minimum cut score of 83.
How many people fail CCRN? ›Exam | Candidates Tested | First Time Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
CCRN (Adult) | 14,304 | 81.36% |
CCRN (Neonatal) | 15 | 63.64% |
CCRN (Pediatric) | 1,067 | 75.98% |
CCRN-E | 47 | 75.00% |
2 | Don't Panic. Find relief in the fact that failing the exam won't stop you from ever becoming a nurse. "I know plenty of nurses that didn't [pass on their first attempt] and that's OK. They have all been amazing nurses for many years," says Kristyn Chanel, a pediatric emergency room nurse in Houston.
How many nursing exams can you fail? ›NCLEX-RN candidates can fail the NCLEX and retest up to eight times each year in most states. Some states limit the number of times a candidate may retest before a refresher course is required. If you failed the NCLEX, it is best to contact your state Board of Nursing to verify guidelines for repeat testing.
What happens if you fail nursing exam? ›Failing the NCLEX can happen to you, but it's not the end of your nursing career. If you fail, the next steps are to reflect and prepare for a retry. There are multiple signs to look out for when taking the NCLEX to see if you, (even while you're taking it), but it's best to wait for official results.
What is a passing score for PCCN? ›What is the minimum score that I need to get in order to pass the PCCN exam? The minimum score you need to get in order to pass the PCCN exam is a 68 out of 100.
How long do you need to study for PCCN? ›Processing should take about 2-3 weeks. You'll need to pass a 2.5-hour pass/fail test of 125 multiple-choice questions; 100 of those questions are scored and the remainder are used to gather data for future exams.
Is PCCN worth it? ›
A: PCCN certification helps you maintain an up-to-date knowledge base of care of acutely ill adult patients. In addition to providing you with a sense of professional pride and achievement, PCCN certification reinforces the special knowledge and experiences required for progressive care nursing.