Top 10 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certifications

Certifications are important for pediatric nurse practitioners in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill and expertise that employers value. Certification shows potential employers that the practitioner has obtained specialized training and experience in pediatric nursing and is committed to providing quality care to children. Certifications also help pediatric nurse practitioners stand out from other candidates when applying for positions, as employers know that certified professionals have met certain standards of practice set by their professional organizations. Finally, certifications can help pediatric nurse practitioners increase their earning potential as those with certifications often command higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and explain how they can contribute to a successful pediatric nurse practitioner career.

What are Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certifications?

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) certification is a specialized certification that is designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide advanced, evidence-based nursing care for children and adolescents. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and requires a nurse to complete an accredited PNP program, pass the national PNP certification examination, and fulfill any additional requirements set forth by their state board of nursing.

Having a PNP certification can help nurses in numerous ways. It can open doors for career advancement opportunities, as many hospitals and healthcare organizations prefer to hire nurses with this specialized training. It can also give them the ability to practice independently as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in certain states. Additionally, having a PNP certification can give nurses access to higher salaries and better job security. Lastly, it demonstrates that they are committed to providing quality care for their pediatric patients.

Pro Tip: When pursuing pediatric nurse practitioner certification, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) certification requirements. This will ensure that you are adequately prepared for the exam and have the necessary qualifications to become certified in this field.

Related: What does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner do?

Top 10 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pediatric Nurse Practitioners today.

1. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)

A Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has specialized training and certification in the care of children. CPNPs are educated to provide primary care services to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 21. They are qualified to diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, conduct physical exams, order lab tests, prescribe medications, immunize patients, counsel families on health issues, coordinate care with other healthcare providers, and provide education to patients and their families.

To become a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), one must first have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher from an accredited nursing program. After obtaining a BSN degree or higher, the individual must complete an accredited pediatric nurse practitioner program that includes didactic and clinical coursework in pediatrics. Upon completion of the program, the individual must pass a national certification exam administered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

The cost for becoming a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner varies depending on the institution offering the program. The cost typically includes tuition fees as well as fees for textbooks and supplies required for the program. Additionally, there is usually a fee associated with taking the national certification exam. The total cost can range anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 depending on location and type of institution attended.

The length of time it takes to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner also varies depending on whether you already have your BSN degree or not. If you have your BSN degree already then it typically takes about 2-3 years to complete an accredited pediatric nurse practitioner program including all didactic coursework and clinical rotations. If you do not have your BSN yet then it may take longer as you will need to complete your undergraduate studies before beginning your graduate studies in pediatrics.

2. Certified Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (CPPCNP)

Certified Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (CPPCNP) is a board-certified advanced practice nurse who specializes in providing primary care to children and adolescents. CPPCNPs are responsible for diagnosing and treating common illnesses, providing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers. They may also provide education to families about health promotion and disease prevention.

It typically takes three years of full-time study to become a CPPCNP. This includes earning a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program, completing the required clinical hours, passing the national certification exam for pediatric nurse practitioners, and obtaining state licensure.

To become a CPPCNP, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. After that, you can enroll in a master’s degree program in nursing with a specialty focus on pediatrics. During this program, you will complete coursework related to pediatric health assessment, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, management of chronic conditions, pharmacology for children and adolescents, family dynamics and communication strategies for working with children and families. You will also need to complete at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience working with children and adolescents.

Once you have completed your educational requirements, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Once certified as a CPPCNP by the ANCC, you must obtain state licensure before practicing as an independent provider.

The cost of becoming a CPPCNP varies depending on the institution offering the program as well as any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam or obtaining state licensure. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $20-50k for tuition alone depending on whether or not you qualify for financial aid or scholarships.

3. Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (BCPNP)

A Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (BCPNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the care of children and adolescents. They are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. BCPNPs work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, and other settings.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become a BCPNP. This includes completing an accredited master’s degree program in nursing with a specialty in pediatric nursing as well as passing the national certification exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

To become a BCPNP you must first complete an accredited master’s degree program in nursing with a specialty in pediatric nursing. You will also need to pass the national certification exam from the ANCC. After that you will need to apply for licensure with your state board of nursing.

The cost of becoming a BCPNP varies depending on where you attend school and what type of program you choose. The cost of tuition can range anywhere from $10,000 - $50,000 or more depending on the institution you attend and how long it takes you to complete your degree program. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with taking the national certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Pediatrics (APRN-P)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Pediatrics (APRN-P) is a type of nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of children from birth to age 21. APRN-Ps provide comprehensive care to their patients, including physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and providing counseling and education services.

It typically takes 3-4 years of additional education beyond a Bachelor’s degree in nursing to become an APRN-P. The first step is to obtain a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN). During this time, students will take courses related to pediatric health care such as pediatric pharmacology, growth and development, nutrition, and more. After completing the MSN program, students must pass the national certification exam for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The cost of obtaining an APRN-P credential can vary depending on the school you choose for your MSN program. Generally speaking, tuition costs for MSN programs range from $15000-$30000. Additionally there are other associated costs such as textbooks, lab fees, etc., which can add up quickly.

Once all requirements have been met and a student has passed their certification exam they will be eligible to practice as an APRN-P.

5. Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP)

A Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP) is an advanced practice nurse who provides specialized care to newborns and infants. They are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of neonatal health conditions. CNNPs typically work in hospitals or specialized clinics, where they provide direct patient care as well as consult with other healthcare providers.

It takes approximately two years to become a certified neonatal nurse practitioner. To get certified, you must have a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program and at least one year of experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Additionally, you must pass the National Certification Corporation's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination.

The cost of becoming a CNNP will vary depending on the school you attend and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition costs for master’s programs range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

6. Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practitioner (CPENP)

A Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practitioner (CPENP) is a nurse practitioner who has completed additional training and certification in pediatric emergency care. They are responsible for providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to children in the emergency department. CPENPs are trained to recognize and treat acute and chronic medical conditions, as well as injuries in pediatric patients.

To become a CPENP, one must first be a registered nurse with an active license and have at least two years of experience working in the emergency department. After completing these requirements, the nurse must then pass the CPENP exam administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pediatric assessment, pharmacology, trauma management, and more.

The cost for taking the CPENP exam varies depending on whether or not you are an existing BCEN member. For non-members, it costs $350 USD; for members it costs $250 USD. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as those related to testing centers or travel expenses.

Once you have passed the CPENP exam, you will receive your certification which is valid for five years. To maintain your certification after five years, you must complete continuing education activities every two years that are related to pediatric emergency nursing practice.

7. Certified Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (CPACNP)

A Certified Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (CPACNP) is a nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of acutely ill children. CPACNPs work in hospitals and other acute care settings, providing comprehensive medical care for critically ill or injured children. They assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses and injuries; order diagnostic tests; prescribe medications; and develop treatment plans.

To become a CPACNP, you must first be a registered nurse with an active license to practice nursing in your state. You must also have at least one year of experience working as a pediatric nurse practitioner in an acute care setting. After meeting these requirements, you will need to complete an accredited pediatric acute care nurse practitioner program. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include coursework related to advanced nursing practice, clinical skills, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and more.

Once you have completed your program and earned your degree or certificate, you will need to pass the certification exam offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This exam is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States. The cost of the exam varies by location but generally ranges from $400-$500.

After passing the certification exam, you will be eligible to apply for state licensure as a CPACNP if your state offers it. Licensing fees vary by state but can range from $50-$200.

Once licensed as a CPACNP, you will be able to practice independently in most states with prescriptive authority under physician supervision or collaboration depending on your state's laws.

8. Certified Pediatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

A Certified Pediatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a registered nurse who has obtained advanced education and clinical training in the specialty of pediatric mental health. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). A PMHNP-BC provides comprehensive mental health services to children and adolescents, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy.

The process of becoming a PMHNP-BC requires a minimum of a master's degree in nursing from an accredited school. Depending on the program chosen, this may take two to three years to complete. After completing the degree program, applicants must pass the national certification exam administered by the ANCC.

In order to be eligible for certification as a PMHNP-BC, applicants must have at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in pediatric mental health nursing practice within the past three years. Applicants must also hold an active RN license in their state of residence or practice.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are already certified as an advanced practice nurse or not. The fee for those who are already certified is $395 while those who are not yet certified will need to pay $495. Additionally, some states may require additional fees or require that you take additional courses before applying for licensure as a PMHNP-BC.

9. American Nurses Credentialing Center's Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (ANCC PNCB)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (ANCC PNCB) is a board certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and experience in pediatric nursing. The ANCC PNCB provides a comprehensive credentialing process that includes both an examination and a portfolio review.

To become certified, nurses must meet the eligibility requirements, which include having an active registered nurse (RN) license, at least 2 years of full-time or equivalent clinical practice as an RN in pediatric nursing, and completion of 30 hours of continuing education in pediatric nursing within the past 3 years.

Once eligible, nurses can apply for the exam by submitting their application and paying the application fee. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within three hours. The cost of the exam is $360 for members of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and $455 for non-members.

After successfully passing the exam, nurses can apply for portfolio review by submitting their portfolio documents and paying the portfolio review fee. The cost of the portfolio review is $300 for members of ANA and $400 for non-members. Once approved, nurses will receive their certification from ANCC PNCB.

In total, it usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks to complete all steps necessary to get certified by ANCC PNCB.

10. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (NAPNAP-C).

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (NAPNAP-C) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of pediatric nurse practitioners. The program was developed in collaboration with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to validate the competence of pediatric nurse practitioners in providing quality healthcare services to children, adolescents, and young adults.

In order to become certified through NAPNAP-C, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being a registered nurse with an active license in good standing, having at least two years of full-time clinical experience as a pediatric nurse practitioner, and completing an accredited graduate-level program in nursing. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by ANCC that covers topics related to pediatric care.

The process of becoming certified through NAPNAP-C typically takes between six months and one year. During this time, applicants must complete all required steps including submitting their application materials, taking the exam, and receiving their results. Once they have successfully completed these steps, they will be awarded their NAPNAP-C certification.

The cost of becoming certified through NAPNAP-C varies depending on the applicant’s individual situation. Generally speaking, it can range from $200 - $500 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or other requirements such as background checks or drug tests.

Overall, obtaining certification through NAPNAP-C is an important step for those looking to demonstrate their expertise as a pediatric nurse practitioner and provide quality care for children and young adults.

Do You Really Need a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals and aspirations. If a person is interested in working as a pediatric nurse practitioner, then they likely need to obtain a certificate in order to do so. Depending on the state, some states may require additional qualifications or certifications in order to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

For those who are interested in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner but do not have any prior experience or certification, obtaining a certificate can provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to perform the job duties. Having a certificate will also demonstrate that an individual has taken the time and effort to gain specialized knowledge and expertise related to providing healthcare services for children.

In addition, many employers prefer candidates who have obtained certificates as it demonstrates their commitment towards their profession and desire for professional growth. Furthermore, having a certificate may also make an individual more competitive with other applicants when applying for jobs within the field of pediatric nursing.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a pediatric nurse practitioner certificate depends on their career goals and personal preferences. For those who are looking to practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner, having a certificate can be beneficial in helping them reach their goals while providing them with the specialized knowledge they need to succeed in this role.

Related: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Resume Examples

FAQs About Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

Answer: To become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and be licensed as a registered nurse in the state you plan to practice. You also must complete an accredited pediatric nurse practitioner program and obtain board certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

2. How long does it take to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner varies depending on your educational background and experience. Generally, it takes two to three years of full-time study for those who have completed their BSN and have some clinical experience as an RN. Those without any prior nursing experience may require additional time for completion of the necessary prerequisites.

3. What kind of salary can I expect as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

Answer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for pediatric nurse practitioners is $107,030 per year in 2019. Salaries may vary based on industry, location, experience level and other factors.

4. Is there an exam required to become certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?

Answer: Yes, you must pass the PNCB’s Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Exam (CPNP-PC) in order to obtain certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions related to pediatric health care principles and practices.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, all PNCB-certified practitioners are required to complete at least 45 contact hours of approved continuing education every three years in order to maintain their certification status.