CPEN Certification: Overview and FAQ

The Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) certification is a professional credential for registered nurses (RNs) specializing in assessing, stabilizing, and treating children and adolescents facing critical or life-threatening conditions. This credential distinguishes you as an expert in pediatric emergency care, validates your skills, enhances your professional credibility, and improves patient outcomes.

As pediatric emergency visits in the U.S. exceed 30 million per year, there’s a big need for certified experts. This article will guide you in everything you need to know to get CPEN-certified, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and exam details.

CPEN Certification: Snapshot

• Eligibility: You must hold a current, unrestricted RN license. Having 2 years of experience in pediatric emergency nursing is recommended but not required.
• Preparation: Set up an online account, submit the application for your certification type, and wait for the eligibility verification.
• Exam: The test will include 175 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
• Cost: The exam fee is $380.
• Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 4 years.

What Is CPEN Certification?

Looking to advance your career with a specialized nursing certification? CPEN is a professional credential issued by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) that recognizes your expertise in pediatric emergency care. To earn this certification, nurses must meet eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam designed to assess specialized knowledge and clinical skills.

Curious about what’s on the exam? The test is organized into six key knowledge areas that cover specialized topics within pediatric emergency nursing.

Earning CPEN Certification: 6 Steps

Ready to get started? Here’s a straightforward guide to help you earn these credentials.

Step 1: Meet the CPEN Requirements for Eligibility

The first step toward certification is making sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. You’ll need a current, unrestricted RN license from the U.S., a U.S. territory, Canada, or Australia. If you have an equivalent nursing certificate, it must be verified through CGFNS International.

While the BCEN doesn’t mandate a specific experience requirement, it’s recommended that candidates have at least two years of pediatric emergency nursing experience to improve their chances of passing the exam.

Step 2: Prepare for the CPEN Exam

With eligibility checked off, it’s time to focus on preparation. BCEN offers great study tools to guide you. Here’s where to begin:

• Candidate handbook
• CPEN study guide/content outline
• Preparation checklist
• CPEN practice questions
• Reference list
• CPEN practice exam
• CPEN review courses

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed your preparation, it’s time to apply for the exam. Create a BCEN account and submit an application for your certification type with all the necessary information, such as your name and license details. You’ll then be prompted to pay the exam fee, which can be done online or by mail.

After your payment is processed, your application will be reviewed within about three to four weeks. Once approved, you’ll have a 90-day window to schedule your exam at a PSI testing center or online with live remote proctoring.

Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee

Certification is an investment in yourself, so you may need to plan out your budget. Here’s a look at the expenses involved:

• Exam cost: $380
• Exam cost with BCEN test assurance: $450
• CPEN course: $250
• Practice exam: $50

If you are a military nurse or a member of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), you’ll qualify for a discount.

Step 5: Pass the Exam

You’ve put in the work — now it’s time to take the exam. Here’s what to expect on test day:

• Your test will include 175 questions (150 scored and 25 pretest items).
• You’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
• You’ll need to answer at least 110 questions correctly to pass.
• You’ll see your results on the screen immediately after completing your exam if you test via live remote proctoring, or you’ll receive your score report from the test administrator at a testing center.

Step 6: Maintain Your Certification

How often do you renew CPEN certification? The credential is valid for four years, after which you’ll need to go through a renewal process, which includes the following options:

• Earn 100 continuing education hours.
• Pass the exam again within 90 days of certification expiry.

Frequently Asked Questions: CPEN Certification

What accreditation does this credential hold?

The CPEN certification program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and recognized by Magnet.

How do I verify my certification?

There are two options to verify your CPEN credential:

1. Digital badging: Access your digital badge through Credly and share it on your resume, LinkedIn, email signature, or social media.
2. Credential verification request: Log in to your BCEN account to request official verification and send it directly to employers or hiring managers via email.

How difficult is the exam?

The CPEN exam pass rate is a key indicator of its difficulty. According to annual data, out of 1,058 test takers, 673 passed — putting the pass rate at 63.6%. This shows that with thorough preparation, many nurses successfully earn this credential.

What do I do if I don’t pass the exam?

There’s no limit to how many times you can retake the BCEN exam, but you’ll need to wait 90 days before your next attempt. Once the waiting period is over, simply log into your BCEN account and submit a retest application online. The fee for a repeat attempt is $200.

Worried about failing? The Test Assurance program gives you two exam attempts for a lower fee than a retest — but it does require a higher upfront enrollment fee.

What textbooks are recommended to prepare for the exam?

The BCEN doesn’t officially recommend any specific study materials, but it does provide a list of over 10 resources that can help you prepare for the exam. This list includes several textbooks like AACN Core Curriculum for Pediatric High Acuity, Progressive, and Critical Care Nursing and Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum.

What are the benefits of a professional certification?

Earning a professional certification, like CPEN, offers numerous benefits for nurses. It can boost your credibility and open doors to promotions, higher salaries, and career advancement. Many employers prioritize certified candidates during the hiring process, so your chances of landing a dream job are higher.

Related Certifications

Curious about other credential options? Check out these additional certifications that align with your career goals:

• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
• Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
• Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
• Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

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