CPNP-AC
PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Acute Care (CPNP-AC)
Certifies NPs in acute and critical care of pediatric patients.
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CPNP-AC Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Acute Care (CPNP-AC) |
| 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-AC Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area |
|---|
| Assessment and Diagnosis |
| Management of Acute Illness and Injury |
| Pharmacology and Therapeutics |
| Procedures and Interventions |
| Professional Issues |
Domain areas are sourced from the PNCB content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Assessment — 34% (51 items)
- ✓ Diagnosis — 24% (36 items)
- ✓ Management — 37% (56 items)
- ✓ Professional Practice Role — 5% (7 items)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CPNP-AC
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CPNP-AC is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CPNP-AC 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-AC Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPNP-AC stand for?
CPNP-AC stands for PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Acute Care (CPNP-AC). It is administered by PNCB.
Who administers the CPNP-AC?
The PNCB Certified Pediatric NP, Acute Care (CPNP-AC) is administered by PNCB. For official information, visit the PNCB website.
How many questions is the CPNP-AC?
The CPNP-AC consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CPNP-AC?
The passing score for the CPNP-AC 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-AC exam cost?
The CPNP-AC 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-AC 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-AC 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-AC exam blueprint?
Source: 2024 CPNP-AC Detailed Content Outline, published Jun 2024 / effective Dec 2024 (2023-24 Job Task Analysis) — current as of Aug 2026. Four top-level content areas only. PNCB notes 'Special timelines for the CPNP-AC exam continue to be in effect' (pncb.org/cpnp-ac-exam-updates) — scheduling windows differ from other PNCB exams, though question count and 3-hour limit are unchanged.
What is the PNCB CPNP-AC (Acute Care) certification and how hard is the exam?
The CPNP-AC from PNCB certifies Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in the acute care of critically and acutely ill pediatric patients, hospital, ICU, and emergency settings. It is considered highly challenging, requiring mastery of pediatric critical care management, procedural skills knowledge, complex pharmacology, and acute care decision-making across neonates through adolescents.
What are the CPNP-AC eligibility requirements?
Candidates must hold a current RN license and have completed an accredited acute care PNP program at the master's or doctoral level. Programs must specifically prepare candidates for acute care NP practice. No post-graduation practice hours are required for initial certification.
How long should I study for CPNP-AC?
Most candidates study 8–14 weeks using PNCB practice exams, Pediatric Acute Care NP review resources, and PICU/NICU clinical references. Key content includes pediatric respiratory failure, septic shock, neurological emergencies, cardiac defects, and acute care pharmacology. Board review courses offered by NAPNAP (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners) are commonly used.
How does CPNP-AC compare to CPNP-PC?
CPNP-AC is for acute/critical care pediatric NP practice (hospital-based, ICU); CPNP-PC is for primary care pediatric NP practice (outpatient, well-child, preventive care). Both are from PNCB, but they require different educational preparation and serve different patient care settings. Candidates must match their certification to their NP program training.
What career opportunities does CPNP-AC open?
CPNP-AC qualifies NPs to practice in PICUs, NICUs, pediatric surgical services, pediatric hospitalist teams, and pediatric emergency departments. It is highly valued at children's hospitals and academic medical centers with complex pediatric populations.
How long is CPNP-AC certification valid?
PNCB certification is valid for 7 years. Renewal requires a current RN license, documented clinical practice hours in acute care pediatric NP role, 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, Acute Care (CPNP-AC), 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 ↗ .