Volunteer as an Item Writer
Thank you for your interest in joining the team of item writers who author questions (items) for PNCB exams and practice tests. This is a unique way to support PNCB certification and optimize care of the pediatric population. Item writing is a pivotal activity that can lead to other volunteer opportunities with PNCB.
Item Writer Benefits Include:
- Access to PNCB's e-library of select exam references (an important resource for completing item writing assignments)
- Contact hours awarded for quality completed annual assignments
- Resumé/CV-enhancing experience
- Mentoring feedback and rewarding collaboration
- Further refinement of writing skills
- Letter of Recognition to employers, by request
- Potential invitation to a PNCB committee (e.g., Exam, Pediatric Updates)
Item Writer Learning Programs:
- In-Person Workshop: Review a sample workshop agenda here.
- Self-Paced Learning: Review a sample schedule for self-paced learning here.
Requirements:
- Review the full role description for PNCB Item Writers.
- Maintain an active PNCB certification and work at least 16 hours per week in a role related to your PNCB credential.
- Cannot be a current author of or contributor to exam preparation or review materials (e.g., books, online modules, review courses).
- For CPNP-AC and CPNP-PC applicants: must have a minimum of 1-year work experience relevant to your PNCB credential.
How to Apply:
Learn about item writing basics to prepare to write an item that will be submitted as part of the application. Complete these two mandatory tasks:
- Completing PNCB’s free CE module: Item Writing 101.
- Already completed this module? Email volunteer@pncb.org to request access to it again so you can refresh knowledge before starting to write an item.
- Reviewing the Item Writing Infographic.
Locate a credential-specific, PNCB-approved reference. A reference citation must be included to support the item.
Review the exam’s content outline and begin developing ideas for an item. Each item on a PNCB exam must align to a numbered task that exam’s content outline.
Write and submit 1 item as part of the online application. Ensure that the content is important enough to determine qualification for certification.
- Must be a multiple-choice question with only one correct answer.
- Apply all that was learned in Step 1 to finalize the item.
Your resume/CV is required as part of the application. Polish the resume/CV before submitting, and ensure that your current position is included.
Once ready to apply, complete the online application. The application is open now through Tuesday June 3, 2025, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
In the application, select preference for learning at the In-Person Workshop or via the Self-Paced Program.
PNCB will notify applicants of acceptance by the end of July. Selectees from around the country will be chosen based on a demonstrated ability to apply basic item writing concepts, as well as factors that help us to represent all PNCB certified nursing professionals.
Once Accepted:
Information will be sent detailing next steps:
- For the In-Person Workshop, participants will receive email instructions about arranging travel and completing pre-workshop activities to jump-start item writing, and final travel/lodging details. Travel-related expenses are paid by PNCB.
- For the Self-Paced Learning Program, participants will receive access to learning activities and an item writing assignment with timelines.
- Year 1 of being an item writer includes support for completing an item writing assignment of 4 or 5 additional items (depending on learning modaility, due by December 1, 2025).
- Year 2 and 3 of your 3-year term of service involves completing a similar item writing assignment. Based on PNCB's needs, the assignment may be focused on writing for the exam or for the practice test.
Make a difference by supporting your profession!
