PMHS Exam Eligibility
Learn about eligibility requirements and any supporting documents before you apply.
- Avoid application delays: Transcripts are required for all applicants, including those holding the CPNP credential. If you think PNCB already has your transcript on file, please confirm this by emailing transcripts@pncb.org. See transcript requirements and address.
- Have a disability covered by the ADA Act and will need accommodations during testing? Indicate your need for accommodations on the online application and promptly submit the Special Accommodations Form.
- Not certified by PNCB? Documentation of current, active certification is required. Email a copy of your certification wallet card or certificate to exam@pncb.org.
May 2019 Announcement: Expanded Timeframe for Required Hours and CE/Coursework to be Exam Eligible
Effective for applications beginning April 15, 2019: The PNCB Board of Directors has expanded the timeframe in which required practice hours and CE/graduate coursework can be counted toward exam eligibility. Consider using this tracking sheet for hours.
Within the past 5 years, you must have completed:
- a minimum of 2,000 hours of pediatric developmental, behavioral, and mental health (DBMH) clinical practice experience (with or without preceptor) while holding an APRN license and
- either 30 hours of pediatric DBMH CE or 1 graduate level pediatric DBMH course of at least 2 credits.
Currently practicing APRNs who were certified and licensed prior to 1992 in the role/population foci described in Eligibility below but who do not have a Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing may apply for the November 2017 testing window and beyond.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
1. Licensure & Certification Requirement Special note: If not certified by PNCB, documentation of current, active certification is required. Email a copy of your certification wallet card or certificate to exam@pncb.org. |
Current, active, unencumbered APRN license issued by a US state, US territory, or Canada, and current certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the role and population foci of one of the following:
|
2. Education Requirement |
Graduation from an accredited college or university that offers a ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing master's or doctoral degree, or a post-master's certificate from an accredited college or university, with one of the following concentrations:
Reminder: If you don’t have a master’s degree or above in nursing but you meet the following requirements, you may still apply:
|
3. Practice Requirement - note new expanded timeframe to count hours
|
A minimum of 2,000 hours of pediatric developmental, behavioral, and mental health (DBMH) clinical practice experience (with or without preceptor) while holding an APRN license in the past 5 years - optional tracking sheet |
4. CE or Coursework Requirement - note new expanded timeframe to count earned CE or credits |
Either 30 hours of pediatric DBMH CE or 1 graduate level pediatric DBMH course of at least 2 credits in the past 5 years |
