Top 10 Pediatric Nurse Certifications
Updated 15 min read
Certifications are important for pediatric nurses in the job market because they demonstrate that a nurse has specialized knowledge and experience in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Certifications also signal to employers that a nurse is committed to advancing their professional skills and taking on additional responsibilities related to pediatric nursing. Employers may be more likely to hire a nurse with certifications because they have confidence that the nurse is knowledgeable and up-to-date on best practices in the field of pediatric nursing. Additionally, certifications can help pediatric nurses stand out from other applicants and increase their earning potential.
The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Pediatric Nurses and explain how they can help advance a pediatric nurse's career.
What are Pediatric Nurse Certifications?
Pediatric nurse certification is an endorsement by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) that recognizes nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in pediatric nursing. This certification demonstrates that a nurse has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care to children and their families. Pediatric nurse certification can benefit both nurses and patients in many ways. It helps nurses stay up-to-date on the latest advances in pediatric care, provides recognition for their experience and expertise, and gives them greater job security. For patients, it ensures they are receiving care from qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about pediatric health issues and best practices. In addition, having certified pediatric nurses on staff can help hospitals meet certain requirements for accreditation or reimbursement.
Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for pediatric nurse certification before starting the process. Some certifications may require additional training or experience in order to qualify, so it's important to understand what you need to do in order to become certified.
Related: What does a Pediatric Nurse do?
Top 10 Pediatric Nurse Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pediatric Nurses today.
1. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
A Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is a specialized certification for nurses who work with children. It is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and requires nurses to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in pediatric nursing. To become certified, nurses must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience working as a pediatric nurse.
The CPN exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as growth and development, acute care management, chronic care management, health promotion, family dynamics, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.
To get certified as a CPN, you will need to fill out an application on the PNCB website. You will also need to pay a fee of $325 USD for the exam. After submitting your application and payment information, you will receive an eligibility letter from PNCB which will include instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time. Once you have completed the exam successfully, you will be awarded the CPN credential.
2. Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN)
Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) is a specialized certification for nurses who provide care to pediatric patients in emergency settings. This certification is offered through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).
The CPEN certification requires applicants to have a current and unrestricted RN license, at least two years of experience as an RN in an emergency department, and at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care within the last three years. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as pediatric assessment, pharmacology, trauma management, and more.
It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CPEN certification. The cost of the exam is $395 for BCEN members or $495 for non-members.
3. Certified Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)
A Certified Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) is a healthcare provider who has specialized training and experience in providing mental health services to children. This certification is offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is designed to recognize pediatricians who have advanced knowledge and skills in identifying, diagnosing, and treating mental health issues in children.
In order to become certified as a PMHS, an individual must first complete an accredited residency program in pediatrics or child psychiatry. After completing the residency program, they must then pass a written exam administered by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Once they have passed the exam, they are eligible to become certified as a PMHS.
The cost of becoming certified as a PMHS varies depending on the individual's circumstances. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the exam fee alone. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or lodging costs if necessary.
Overall, it can take anywhere from one to two years to complete all of the requirements needed for certification as a PMHS.
4. Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON)
A Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON) is a specialized nurse who has achieved certification in the care of children with cancer. CPONs are trained to provide comprehensive physical and emotional support to pediatric oncology patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
To become a CPON, you must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience in pediatric oncology nursing within the last three years. You must also pass the CPON exam administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.
The cost for taking the CPON exam is $325 for ONCC members and $450 for non-members. Additionally, you must pay a one-time fee of $50 for your initial certification or $50 every five years when renewing your certification.
5. Certified Ambulatory Pediatric Nurse (CAPN)
Certified Ambulatory Pediatric Nurse (CAPN) is a credential offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed for nurses who provide direct care to children in ambulatory care settings. This includes primary care offices, urgent care centers, and other outpatient settings.
To become a CAPN, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have an active RN license in the United States or its territories
- Have at least two years of experience as an RN in pediatric ambulatory care
- Complete at least 2,000 hours of practice as an RN in pediatric ambulatory care within the past three years
- Have a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education related to pediatric nursing within the past three years
- Pass the ANCC Certified Ambulatory Pediatric Nurse examination.
The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam is $295.
6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Pediatrics (APRN-P)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Pediatrics (APRN-P) is a specialized type of nurse practitioner that focuses on the care of children from birth to young adulthood. APRNs are registered nurses who have completed additional education and training beyond their initial nursing degree in order to provide advanced care to patients. An APRN-P has specialized knowledge and skills related to the diagnosis and management of common pediatric health problems, as well as preventive health services for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
It typically takes two to three years of full-time study beyond a bachelor’s degree in nursing in order to become an APRN-P. This includes completing coursework in advanced practice nursing, pharmacology, physical assessment, pathophysiology, and clinical practicums. In addition, many states require APRNs to pass a national certification exam before they can practice.
The cost of becoming an APRN-P varies depending on the school you attend and the length of time it takes you to complete your studies. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $10,000-$30,000 per year depending on the program you choose. Additional expenses such as books and fees may also apply.
In order to become an APRN-P, you must first obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN). Once you have completed your BSN program and obtained your RN license, you can then apply for admission into an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Program with a specialization in Pediatrics (APRN-P).
7. Certified Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse (CPICU)
A Certified Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse (CPICU) is a registered nurse who has achieved a specialized certification in the care of critically ill children. This certification is offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
To become certified as a CPICU, nurses must complete an AACN-approved course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as pediatric critical care nursing, pharmacology, nutrition, and family-centered care. It typically takes about six months to complete the course and prepare for the exam.
The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of pediatric intensive care nursing. It is administered by Pearson VUE and costs $395 USD to take.
Successful completion of the exam will earn you the title of Certified Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse (CPICU). This certification demonstrates your expertise in providing high-quality care for critically ill children and can help you advance your career in this specialty area.
8. Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse (CNNC)
A Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse (CNNC) is a specialized nurse who provides care to newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They are responsible for monitoring the health and well-being of premature and critically ill infants, providing education and support to families, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
In order to become a CNNC, nurses must complete an accredited program that includes coursework related to neonatal nursing care. The program typically takes two years to complete and requires a minimum of 1,800 hours of clinical experience in the NICU. After completing the program, nurses must pass an exam administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC) in order to become certified.
The cost of the program varies depending on the school and location but typically ranges from $2,000 - $6,000. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the NCC exam which is currently $300.
9. Certified School Nurse (CSN)
A Certified School Nurse (CSN) is a registered nurse who has met the requirements of the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). The CSN credential is a mark of excellence that recognizes school nurses for their commitment to professional development and expertise in providing quality school health services.
To become certified, applicants must have an active RN license, a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a school nurse, and at least 1,500 hours of practice as a school nurse within the past five years. Applicants must also complete 30 continuing education credits in school nursing within the past three years.
The certification process involves submitting an application form to NBCSN along with proof of RN licensure, verification of experience, and payment of fees. The application fee is $250 and there is an additional fee for taking the certification exam. After submitting the application, applicants will be notified by email when they are approved to take the certification exam.
The certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health assessment, health promotion/disease prevention, legal/ethical issues, and professional standards. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $350. Once applicants pass the exam they will receive their CSN certificate from NBCSN.
10. Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
A Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is a professional who works with children and families in hospitals, schools, and other health care settings. They help to reduce stress and anxiety during medical procedures, provide emotional support to children and their families, and help them adjust to changes in their lives due to illness or disability.
The certification process for becoming a CCLS involves completing an accredited program in child life, passing a national certification exam, and meeting continuing education requirements. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) offers the CCLS certification.
It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete the necessary coursework for the CCLS certification. Courses may include developmental psychology, child development theory, family systems theory, therapeutic play techniques, medical terminology, and more.
To become certified as a CCLS you must first apply to take the exam through AACAP’s online application system. After submitting your application you will be sent an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once you have registered for the exam you will be given a date and time to take it at an approved testing center near you.
The cost of taking the CCLS exam is $300 plus any additional fees associated with registering at a testing center or taking practice exams. Additionally, there are annual renewal fees of $75 every three years that must be paid in order to maintain your certification status.
Do You Really Need a Pediatric Nurse Certificate?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are already a registered nurse and have experience in the pediatric field, you may not need to pursue a pediatric nurse certificate. However, if you are just entering the nursing field and want to specialize in pediatrics, then it is highly recommended that you obtain a pediatric nurse certificate.
A pediatric nurse certificate shows employers that you have taken extra steps to specialize in pediatrics, which makes you more qualified for certain positions. It also provides evidence of your knowledge and skills in caring for children. With the increasing demand for qualified nurses in the pediatric field, having a credential such as this can be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotions.
Furthermore, earning a pediatric nurse certificate can provide additional opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Many organizations offer continuing education courses and seminars related to pediatrics that can help nurses stay up-to-date on new developments in the field. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or other financial assistance for those who pursue certification in specific areas of nursing practice.
In summary, whether or not you need a pediatric nurse certificate depends on your current qualifications and goals as a nurse. For those who are just starting out in their nursing career or want to specialize in pediatrics, obtaining this type of certification is highly recommended.
Related: Pediatric Nurse Resume Examples
FAQs About Pediatric Nurse Certifications
1. What is a Pediatric Nurse Certification?
Answer: A Pediatric Nurse Certification is an advanced nursing certification that demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in providing specialized care to children and adolescents.
2. How do I obtain a Pediatric Nurse Certification?
Answer: To obtain a Pediatric Nurse Certification, you must have completed the necessary educational requirements and passed the pediatric nursing certification exam from a recognized certifying body, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or the National Association of Pediatric Nurses.
3. What is the cost of obtaining a Pediatric Nurse Certification?
Answer: The cost for obtaining a Pediatric Nurse Certification varies depending on which certifying body you choose, but typically ranges between $300 and $600.
4. Is a Pediatric Nurse Certification required to work as a pediatric nurse?
Answer: While some employers may require their nurses to be certified, it is not always mandatory. It is important to check with your employer to find out their specific requirements.
5. What types of jobs can I get with a Pediatric Nurse Certification?
Answer: With a pediatric nurse certification, you can qualify for positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and more. You may also be able to pursue career opportunities in research or teaching at universities or colleges.