Exam Application Review Process for Timeline for CPNP-PC Certification
From the application process to recertification of your credential, use this chart to guide your planning.
How many weeks of study do you need? Is your employer offering a review course that you plan to take? Are you ready to test within 90 days of applying? Consider these questions and use these resources as you explore the process below.
| Activity | Time/Additional Details |
|---|---|
Plan Your Certification Journey |
Varies by Candidate How many weeks of study do you need? How quickly does your school send transcripts? Are you taking a review course? Are you ready to test within 90 days of applying? Consider these questions as you explore the process below. |
Apply Online |
15 Minutes Complete the application with payment. If you indicate an ADA need on your application, arrange for your Special Accommodations Form to be sent to PNCB. You'll receive an email confirming PNCB has received your application. Your application status will show as "Staff Review." |
Request Transcript |
Varies by school Arrange for transcript(s) to be sent directly from your school to PNCB. Follow these guidelines. Ask your school for a time estimate. |
PNCB Review for Eligibility Approval |
In the order received; once your application an all supporting document are received, eligibility is typically determined within 2–3 weeks. The Certification Services Team will review your application to verify the following: All Candidates
CPNP-PC Candidates (in addition to the requirements noted above)
Time/Additional Details Transcripts are also reviewd in the order received. Due to high volume, candidates should not expect to have their transcript reviewed on the day of receipt. Transcript review and processing generally takes 2–3 weeks. If anything needs to be addressed in the application by the testing candidate, or if PNCB staff need to request information from a program director, you'll receive an email notifying you that your application status has changed to "Needs More Information." The email will specify exactly what is required to complete your eligibility reivew. |
PNCB Sends Scheduling Notification |
Within 3 Weeks after Eligibility Approval
|
Schedule Your Exam |
Within 2 Weeks of Notification Testing center seats can fill quickly. Schedule your test with PSI now, even if your scheduled date to test will be later in your 90-day window. You have 90 days to test. |
Take Your Exam |
Within 90 Days Honor your test appointment so you don't forfeit fees. Arrive 30 minutes early with proper IDs. You will receive an unofficial pass/fail status notification on screen after completing your test. This cannot be printed. |
PNCB Emails Official Results |
2–3 Weeks You receive official exam results by email. Passing candidates also receive a wall certificate (within 6–8 weeks of receiving results) and information on staying certified, and can order a lapel pin. |
PNCB Sends Board Verfication of Certification |
Emailed when official results are released Free verification is automatically sent to the board(s) of nursing you listed on your application. Monitor your sent verification(s) under the My Messages area on your PNCB online account portal. |
Plan Recertification |
Within 6 Months and Ongoing Learn how to stay certified. Get to know your Recert Dashboard. Seek out continuing education opportunities so you can use them to recertify. Log completed activities at My ReCErt Tracker to pre-load them for recertification.
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