Volunteer as an Item Writer
Currently, PNCB is not accepting applications for volunteer item writers. Email volunteer@pncb.org to receive communications about future opportunities.
Thank you for your interest in joining our team of item writers, who write questions (items) for our exams and practice tests. This is a unique way to support your PNCB certification and optimize care of the pediatric population. This role is a gateway for other volunteer opportunities with PNCB.
Item Writer Benefits Include:
- Access to PNCB's e-library of select textbooks during your service (an important resource for completing item writing assignments)
- Contact hours awarded for quality annual assignment submissions
- Resumé enhancing experience
- Mentoring feedback and rewarding collaboration
- Further refinement of your writing skills
- Letter of Recognition to your employer, 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 the PNCB Item Writers.
- Hold an active PNCB certification and work at least 20 hours per week related to your PNCB held 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 (mandatory) to prepare for writing the question you'll submit with your application. Essentials for preparing to write a sample question for your application includes learning about item writing basics by:
- 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 your knowledge before starting your question.
- Reviewing our Item Writing Infographic.
Locate a PNCB-approved reference for your credential-specific item. You’ll need to provide a reference citation to support your question.
Review the exam’s content outline and begin developing ideas for a question. Each item on a PNCB exam must align to an area of that exam’s content outline.
Write 1 question to submit with your online application that you consider important enough for determining qualification for certification.
- Must be a multiple-choice question with only one correct answer.
- Apply what you learned in Step 1 to polish your final version.
Polish your resume/CV and ensure that your current position is included (submission required with application).
I am ready to apply! Take me to the application which is open now through May 15, 2024, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
In the application, indicate your preference for learning at our In-Person Workshop or the Self-Paced Program. We will do our best to honor your first choice.
PNCB will notify applicants of acceptance by the end of June. A diverse group of selectees from around the country will be chosen based on demonstrated ability to apply basic item writing concepts.
Once Accepted:
You’ll be sent details about your next steps:
- For the In-Person Workshop, participants will receive email instructions about arranging travel and completing pre-workshop activities to jump-start your 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 6 additional items (due by December 1, 2024).
- Year 2 and 3 of your 3-year term of service involves completing an item writing assignment of a similar size. Based on PNCB's needs, your assignment may be to write for the exam or for the practice test.
Make a difference by supporting your profession!
