CPNP-AC Practice Test Item Writing Assignment Guide 2026
Contents 3
CPNP-AC Practice Test Assignment Overview
4-6
Item Writing Assignment Details
7-11
CPNP-AC Content Outline
12-15
CPNP-AC Exam Reference List and eBook Resources
16-17
PNCB’s Role Description for Practice Test Item Writers
18
Call To Excellence (Explanation of Benefits)
19
Thank You and Future Volunteer Opportunities
Assignment Overview
Greetings, CPNP-AC Practice Test Item Writers! Welcome, or welcome back, to our team of item writers devoted to working on PNCB Practice Tests. Practice tests are an important resource for individuals preparing for PNCB certification exams. PNCB’s item writing standards are the same whether writing for the exam or the practice test, as it is important that the practice test user be exposed to questions written in a style similar to those developed for the exams. Your 2026 assignment is detailed throughout the following pages, so be sure to bookmark this link!
First, Complete the Volunteer Agreement If you have not yet already done so, find and complete the required, annual Volunteer Agreement sent to you from DocuSign. Read carefully and complete all required fields—select “Item Writer” as your role and choose the “CPNP-AC” group beneath that option. Volunteer item writers are required to maintain an active CPNP-AC credential and work at least 16 hours per week in a role relevant to the credential. You must also attest to having no conflicts of interest (review PNCB’s Role Description for Practice Test Item Writers on pages 17-18).
Next, review the 2026 Item Writing Assignment Details Pages 4-6 contain detailed instructions and an item writing template that you must use to submit this year’s assignment of 4 items. *Note: One unique aspect of writing for practice tests is that the assignment includes developing a rationale/feedback statement for your items. These rationales are important to test-takers, helping to further their understanding of content by providing instructive paragraph(s) about the item’s topic (e.g., explaining why the key is correct, distractors are incorrect). To understand how learners view and use the rationale statements, we invite you to explore one of our current CPNP-AC Practice Tests—log into PNCB.org, click on “Access My Ordered Online Modules” in the Navigation section, then find and launch this complimentary-to-you module in your Learning Center. There are two required submission dates for your items: A preliminary submission of 4 items is due by 3/17/2026. Following this submission your items will be reviewed a PNCB mentor, and feedback will be returned by the beginning of August. Final submission of your 4 revised/completed items is due by 6/30/26, which will include developing rationale statements for each item. These rationales will be used on practice tests to explain why answer options are correct or incorrect and provide additional learning about relevant topics for exam candidates. This must be your original work and not plagiarized or created by generative AI.
Benefits
After submitting your final assignment, and if all of your items meet criteria, you will be eligible to receive benefits. Benefits include an $88 PNCB monetary voucher, as well as CE contact hours based on the cognitive level of each item and the comprehensiveness of the rationale/feedback statements. Benefits will be credited before the end of December 2026. PNCB will periodically email countdown reminders! Do not hesitate to reach out to us at volunteer@pncb.org for any questions. We so appreciate the knowledge, professional expertise, and time that you offer to this work. Sincerely, The PNCB Item Writing & Exam Development Teams
2026 CPNP-AC Practice Test Item Writing Assignment & Template Preliminary Submission DUE: 3/17/26 What is my assignment?
This year’s item writing assignment is to write 4 items for the CPNP-AC Practice Test. After mentor review, some of your items will be approved for advancement, and you will finalize these items by applying mentor feedback and developing an instructive rationale statement for each question, which must be your original work.
Break it down for me! Draft 4 items using the template that follows (see more information below). Each question is numbered with instructions about the Domain area to address for each item. This year’s assignment is to write: Domain I: 1 item Assessment I.B, I.C.2, or I.C.3. Domain II: 1 item to Diagnosis II.A. Domain III: 1 item Management, III.A.1, III.A.4, III.A.5, III.A.7, III.B.2, III.B.3, III.B.4, III.C.1, III.C.3, or III.C.4 Domain IV: 1 item to ANY subdomain
The item writing template Use the template attached to this email to draft your items. The template requires use of Microsoft Word, and there are certain fields that are grayed out or marked for “PNCB USE ONLY” that you should leave blank for the preliminary assignment. Please carefully review the sample template that follows on page 6 before using the attached templates for your items.
What happens following the preliminary submission of my items? A PNCB mentor will review the items and provide feedback and suggestions within the Word Document, which will include recommendations for which items to finalize. Finalizing your 4 items includes developing the instructive rationale/feedback statements for each item. Expect your items returned to you with mentor feedback around the beginning of May. The FINAL submission of your assignment is due June 30.
How should I get started?
6 STEPS
DETAILS Review the following PNCB resources:
1
REFRESH YOUR SKILLS
• Item Writing Manual and Style Guide, for required style and best item writing practices. • CPNP-AC Exam Reference List (pg 12-13) and CPNP-AC Exam Content Outline (pg 7-11) ensure an appropriate citation and mapping for each item. If you have previously taken the Item Writing 201 module and would find it helpful to review again, please email volunteer@pncb.org with that request.
2
BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH PNCB’s e-Library Resources
3
4
5
PLAN YOUR ASSIGNMENT
CREATE YOUR ITEMS
PREPARE and SUBMIT 4 ITEMS (PRELIMINARY)
DUE: 3/17/2026
6
7
REVIEW MENTOR FEEDBACK, IMPROVE ITEMS, and DEVELOP RATIONALE STATEMENTS FINAL SUBMISSION OF 4 ITEMS DUE: 6/30/2026
Review information about PNCB’s e-Library resources (pg 14-15) and confirm your access. Many CPNP-AC approved references are available in the e-Library through VitalSource Bookshelf and AAP Publications.
• Review the Assignment Details (above) and Exam Content Outline and pay special attention to the number of items needed by: Domain/subdomain or clinical problem. • Research ideas for your items. Explore textbooks and consider topics and clinical decision making that have come up in your practice. Challenge yourself to think of topics beyond the ordinary…delve deeper to explore issues—make sure your questions are CERTIFICATION WORTHY! • Write and enter your 4 items into the Word template, completing all the indicated fields (except the rationale statement—for now). Be sure to provide a citation from a reference approved for the CPNP-AC exam, indicating the specific page number(s) supporting the key. • Optional: include notes in the rationale field of the template that are important for inclusion when later developing this content. • With fresh eyes, after a break from your items, return to take another look to critique and ensure PNCB item style. Use this resource to refresh on style requirements: Critiquing Items Before Submission + Clinical Stems • Save your Word document with a file name that includes your name and then email the file to voluteer@pncb.org using the SUBJECT line of CPNP-AC Practice Test items (Last Name). Allow PNCB mentors ~ 4 weeks to review and return items with feedback
• Review mentor feedback. • Once you’ve finalized your 4 items, develop the rationale statements for each. These statements should be instructive about the related knowledge and explain why the key is the correct answer. It is also helpful to explain why the distractors are incorrect. (Be sure to take advantage of your access to preview one of our current Practice Tests to see examples of how these statements are developed.)
• Save your Word document with your finalized 4 items with rationale statements and email the file to voluteer@pncb.org using the SUBJECT line of: CPNP-AC Practice Test items (Last Name).
Sample Question: Using this template Question Type
Multiple Choice
Question Number
FOR PNCB USE ONLY
Question Text
A previously healthy 8 month old presents with a history of increased sleeping, poor feeding, and one stool in the last six days. Physical exam findings include a weak cry and lack of a social smile. The MOST likely diagnosis is:
Answers
Answer Text
Feedback
Answer 1
Hirschsprung disease
Leave this field blank
Answer 2
hypothyroidism
Answer 3*
infant botulism
Leave this field blank
Answer 4
spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Leave this field blank
Answer 5
Leave this field blank
Leave this field blank
Correct Answer Point
1 No action needed in this field
Key Points
No action needed in this field for the preliminary submission. Rationale statement will be entered here for the final submission.
References
Cowen, et al. Principles of pediatric nursing: Caring for children (8th ed.) 2023. Page 303, 305 (3.B.11)
<< Please place an asterisk (*) next to the correct Leave this wording field blankas below answer and bold the key’s
1) The reference citation does not need to be formatted following APA or other citation style; providing the name of the textbook, edition, and copyright year will suffice in addition to providing the specific page #(s). 2) For approved web-based resources such as for practice guidelines or AAP policy statements, CDC, or FDA, provide the: (1) webpage link (2) title of webpage (3) date of the last webpage update or review, and the date you accessed. If guidelines, include the name of the guideline and the page #(s), if available, supporting the key. 3) In this field ALSO include the content outline mapping. Tags
FOR PNCB USE ONLY
Category
FOR PNCB USE ONLY
Published Jun 2024; Effective Dec 2024 PNCB is serious about upholding test security. DON’T RISK THE CONSEQUENCES— for yourself or other nurses. Learn about PNCB’s Ethics in Testing.
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC) Certification Exam
Detailed Content Outline Description of the Exam The CPNP-AC exam is for the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) who has graduated from a master's degree or DNP degree program or postgraduate certificate program for acute care pediatric nurse practitioners. The Acute Care CPNP® (CPNP-AC) uses pediatric-specific knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide family-centered care for patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic illness or injury across various care settings. The CPNP-AC works closely with interprofessional and multidisciplinary teams to provide the highest level of evidence-based care from birth to young adulthood. Additionally, patients with unique pediatric health care needs who are outside the traditionally defined pediatric age parameters are best served by the CPNP-AC. The nurse practitioner in this role is responsible for independent, comprehensive, and collaborative decisionmaking with direct accountability for clinical judgment. The CPNP-AC monitors and ensures the quality of healthcare practice, advocates for the patient and family in navigating healthcare delivery systems, and promotes professional practice.
Credential A PNP who passes this exam is called an Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and earns the CPNP-AC credential. CPNP-ACs are entitled to use this credential if they actively maintain their certification. Acute care CPNPs may choose to use the credential CPNP-AC. Employers or state boards may have a global acronym that is used in a state or setting.
Exam Details This exam is based on US standards of practice. See http://www.pncb.org for eligibility requirements. The exam has 150 scored and 25 unscored items (included to determine statistical performance). The 150 scored items are distributed among four (4) content areas. See chart.
How to use this Content Outline The CPNP-AC exam content outline (also known as a test blueprint) is an essential tool to study for the exam. It describes all subject areas covered by the exam and the number of questions per category. PNCB certification exams are comprehensive, so be sure to study all areas of the content outline, including areas with which you may not be as familiar in daily practice. This exam tests your ability to apply knowledge and use critical thinking skills to determine one best answer among answer choices.
Published Jun 2024; Effective Dec 2024
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC) Detailed Content Outline I.
Assessment
34% (51 ITEMS)
A. Obtain a health history for a pediatric patient with acute, complex, critical, and/or chronic conditions B. Evaluate health risks relevant to patients and caregivers (for example, physiologic, psychosocial, environmental) C. Complete a physical examination, including age- and situation-specific screening, to identify: 1. emergent and life-threatening conditions 2. acute, complex, critical, and chronic conditions 3. normal and abnormal findings D. Identify and order diagnostic studies (for example, blood and body fluids, EKG, imaging) II.
Diagnosis
24% (36 ITEMS)
A. Synthesize and analyze assessment findings (for example, history, health risks, physical exam) to formulate differential diagnoses B. Establish primary diagnosis(es) based on interpretation of all available patient data, including laboratory and diagnostic studies
III.
Management
37% (56 ITEMS)
A. Therapeutic Interventions 1. Initiate and manage the resuscitation and stabilization of emergent and life-threatening conditions 2. Recognize indications for interventions 3. Prescribe pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies 4. Prescribe, use, and monitor technological devices (for example, mechanical ventilation, continuous blood glucose monitor, non-invasive and invasive monitoring) 5. Perform procedures as indicated 6. Monitor for and respond to potential and actual complications 7. Evaluate therapeutic interventions and modify them based on patient response or outcomes on an ongoing basis B. Collaboration, Referral, and Care Coordination 1. Collaborate with interprofessional and multidisciplinary teams to meet patient care needs, including seeking and providing consultation 2. Refer patients to subspecialists, other healthcare disciplines, or different levels of care 3. Identify barriers and coordinate care for pediatric patients and caregivers 4. Facilitate patient transitions across the continuum of care C. Education 1. Identify and address barriers to learning 2. Educate the patient and caregiver regarding specific diagnosis, treatment options (including benefits of and potential adverse reactions), and ongoing plan of care 3. Provide pertinent anticipatory guidance to promote health and safety 4. Discuss return precautions and parameters for seeking follow-up care
Published Jun 2024; Effective Dec 2024 IV.
Professional Practice Role
5% (7 ITEMS)
A. Leadership and Evidence-based Practice 1. Critically appraise and synthesize research and integrate findings into clinical practice 2. Engage in the development, implementation, evaluation, and/or modification of quality improvement initiatives 3. Develop and promote professional and collaborative relationships (for example, mentoring, educating other professionals, role acquisition) 4. Advocate for policies that enhance the delivery of healthcare to pediatric populations and families B. Legal and Ethical 1. Promote a culture of patient safety 2. Incorporate cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness into practice 3. Foster ethical practices and decision-making 4. Maintain professional accountability by practicing in accordance with regulatory and employer guidelines (for example, licensing, credentialing, privileging, competency)
Exam Content: CLINICAL PROBLEMS Items that address a specific condition are represented within the exam, by volume, according to the following prioritized list: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Respiratory Infectious Disease Gastrointestinal/Nutrition Neurologic Cardiac Analgesia/Sedation/Delirium Renal Oncologic Hematologic Trauma/Burns Palliative Care/Hospice/End of Life Behavioral/Mental Health Endocrine Genetic Child Maltreatment Otolaryngologic/Cranio-facial Musculoskeletal Toxicologic Allergic/Immunologic/Rheumatologic Genitourinary Metabolic Dermatologic
Exam Content: PROCEDURES Exam content will include a focus on general knowledge about the indications for, risks, benefits, and potential complications of the following procedures (listed alphabetically): − − − − − − − − −
Airway adjunct (e.g., oral airway, LMA, nasopharyngeal) Arterial line: insertion Central line insertion Chest tube insertion Chest tube removal Extubation Foreign body removal Incision and drainage Intubation
− − − − − − − − −
Lumbar puncture Needle decompression PICC: insertion Point of care ultrasound Procedural sedation Skin closure Surgical drain removal Suturing Wound debridement
Published Jun 2024; Effective Dec 2024
Exam Content: MEDICATION NAMES Many medication brand names, while still discussed commonly in practice, are no longer available in brand name form. PNCB strives to only include brand names of medications that are fully available. When medication names are needed or cited in an examination question, PNCB will typically list both generic and brand names when appropriate. All brand and generic names referenced are correct and available to the best of our knowledge at the time of the publication of the examination form. Each question included in PNCB examinations is reviewed multiple times, with different subject matter expert groups, who assess and validate content (including medication names) for accuracy. This process precedes, and is in addition to, rigorous, routine statistical analysis on every scored item. Exam-takers should know common, generic medication names applicable to the acute care pediatric nurse practitioner role. Depending on several factors, some exam questions will only list the generic name of medications.
Exam Content: KNOWLEDGE AREAS These overarching knowledge areas (below) represent foundational information, or “themes” upon which any item appearing on the exam form can be based. Be familiar with these knowledge areas as you develop and implement your study plan.
Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −
Anatomy and physiology Pathophysiology Epidemiology and etiology Microbiology Advanced health assessment Components of a health history Growth and development Pharmacology (including pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacogenomic factors) Triage and prioritization criteria Resuscitation and stabilization Diagnostic testing and screening (e.g., POC testing, lab tests, imaging) Technology (e.g., monitoring, interventional, apps, durable medical equipment) Informatics (e.g., patient portals, EMR/EHR) Complementary and integrative health Care coordination approaches Inter- and intra-professional and multidisciplinary collaboration
Family-Centered Care and Engagement − − − − − − −
Global, Public, and Community Health − − − − − − −
Social determinants of health (SDOH) Health disparities Human trafficking Environmental impacts on health Immigrant, refugee, and migrant health Infection prevention and control Disaster preparedness
Models of care (e.g., team-based care, trauma-informed care) Education techniques (e.g., adult learning theory, health literacy) Advanced communication strategies (e.g., motivational interviewing, therapeutic communication, crucial conversations) Special considerations for at-risk populations (e.g., nonspeaking, foster care, developmentally delayed, neurologically impaired) Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Cultural sensitivity Pediatric safety (e.g., psychological, physical, environmental)
Professional Role − − − − − − − −
Evidence-based practice and quality improvement Ethics Leadership principles and approaches Professional accountability and autonomy Scope of practice Licensure, credentialing, and privileging Advocacy strategies Federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and laws
Published Jun 2024; Effective Dec 2024
As an exam candidate, you agree not to share information about test questions and answers in any way.
Learn about PNCB’s Ethics in Testing Below are examples of acceptable and prohibited (unethical) discussions/behaviors. Because PNCB offers multiple certification exam types (CPN, CPNP-AC, CPNP-PC, PMHS), the content topic areas below may not represent your exam.
Acceptable
Unethical
“Make sure you brush up on growth and development since you work in a hospital now.”
“Make sure you remember when a baby starts pointing at objects.”
“Expect a lot of respiratory content. It’s the number 1 clinical problem on the exam content outline.”
“What kinds of respiratory issues were on your exam?”
“Renal issues are a clinical problem listed on the content outline. Be prepared for those since we don’t see that on our unit.”
“I had a question about acute renal failure, potassium levels, and arrhythmias. Make sure you look that up.”
“I forgot skin, wounds, and/or burns would be on the exam.”
“I didn’t expect a burn question asking about fluid replacement. I think the right answer had to do with capillary refill.”
IF IN DOUBT, DON’T DISCUSS. Discussing exam questions can lead to serious consequences such as: • • • • • • •
Prohibiting future exam attempts for the people involved Stopping an in-progress exam Suspending an exam for all testers Delaying release of score results beyond advertised timeframe Invalidating exam scores Suspending or revoking certification Taking legal action against individuals
Learn more from PNCB’s Ethics in Testing: A Personal Responsibility Toolkit.
CPNP-AC Exam Approved Reference List for Item Writing Textbooks and Related Resources: Fleisher & Ludwig’s Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine By KN Shaw, RG Bachur, J Chamberlain, J Lavelle, J Nagler, JE Shook Lexicomp Pediatric & Neonatal Dosage Handbook By American Pharmacist Association Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics By KJ Marcdante, RM Kleigman, AM Schuh Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics By RM Kliegman, JW St. Geme III Park’s Pediatric Cardiology for Practitioners By MK Park, M Salamat Pediatric Acute Care: A Guide for Interprofessional Practice By BN Bolick, K Reuter-Rice, MA Madden, PN Severin Red Book 2024-2027: Report of the Committee on Infectious Disease By American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Roger’s Textbook of Pediatric Intensive Care By DH Shaffner, JJ McCloskey, EA Hunt, RC Tasker (Eds) The Harriet Lane Handbook: The Johns Hopkins Hospital By CC Anderson, S Kapoor, TE Mark Evidence-Based Practice/Professional Role: Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice By BM Melnyk, E Fineout-Overholt Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice By G LoBiondo-Wood, J Haber
Respected Clinical Practice Guidelines/Statements/Reports: • • • • • •
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Clinical Practice Guidelines National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Guidelines Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guidelines American Heart Association (AHA)
PNCB eLibrary Benefit You have access to more resources than ever to support your item writing! PNCB has arranged free electronic access to exam reference textbooks from Elsevier, Wolters Kluwer, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the duration of your volunteer term. Elsevier and Wolter Kluwer access is offered through the VitalSource platform.
VitalSource Bookshelf: Wolters Kluwer & Elsevier Bookshelf.vitalsource.com Create an account if you don't already have one. Use the email on your PNCB portal account. The site knows you will be registering. Click the "Groups" tab, then click your exam group or committee. User-friendly tables of contents and index tools are available. Search within a text by keyword or phrases. If PNCB adds a book to the exam reference list, it will be added automatically to your group. Elsevier Collection access works on a check-out system, like a library. ALL of the titles from both Elsevier and Wolters Kluwer are mixed together. The best way to know which ones need to be borrowed versus which ones are unlimited is to hover over the cover of the book to see the below options:
If it says “Open Book” and “Return” like the above left, then it is unlimited access. If it says “Borrow” that means you can borrow it from the Library in 1-hour time-blocks. Once the hour is complete, it will be automatically “returned” to the Library, but if still needed you could check it out again. This short timeframe prevents users from accidentally forgetting to return the book. If hovering and the book is unavailable, it will say that the book is currently unavailable and to check back later. Reminder: When completing your item-writing assignment, be sure to ONLY use titles that are on the exam reference list for your credential. We hope you enjoy this new benefit! Questions? Email volunteer@pncb.org for support!
PNCB eLibrary Benefit Continued AAP Publications Publications.aap.org/aapbooks Use our institutional login with username PNCBAAPLibrary and password AAPeBookAccess2025. Each year, the password will be changed. Toward the top right of the screen, click All Books. Search for access to the titles below or click the links below. They offer PDFs and include chapters and tables of contents. You can also search within the book. You can download the PDFs but please do not share files with others.
Reminder: Be sure to only use titles on your exam reference book list for writing your items. We hope you enjoy this new benefit! Red Book: 2024-2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Disease - CPNP-AC, CPNP-PC Bright Futures Guidelines - CPN, PMHS, CPNP-PC Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - PMHS, CPNP-PC Pediatric Psychopharmacology for Primary Care - PMHS Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents - PMHS Pediatric Dermatology: A Quick Reference Guide - CPNP-PC
www.pncb.org Updated January 2025
Published Jan 2017; Updated Mar 2020, Mar 2023, March 2024, Dec 2024
Volunteer Position
ITEM WRITER
Annual Time Commitment
Expertise Level
Group Interaction Level
What to Expect if Selected Applicants selected to be item writers commit to a 3-year term and are assigned to write for a specific exam based on the PNCB credential held. Item writers complete an In-Person Workshop or a Self-Paced Learning Program in the first year, then in years 2 and 3, will complete an annual assignment as instructed. The annual assignment is typically 7 items and instructions are provided by PNCB regarding content area needs. Time Commitment Approximately 15 hours annually Terms Initial commitment of 3 years is required; additional years of service are encouraged if both parties have mutual interest. Following Year 1, item writers may continue to write for the assigned exam or be assigned to a practice test item writing group (at PNCB’s discretion), based on exam bank or practice test needs. Qualifications & Expertise • Maintains current applicable PNCB certification(s) • Maintains subject-matter expertise by working at least 16 practice hours per week relating to the credential. Practice hours can be direct (hands-on care of patients) or indirect (nursing roles that impact patient care and influence nursing practice through roles such as management, teaching, research, or consultation). • Attests to NO conflicts of interest, which precludes: 1) current involvement in activities to prepare candidates for the related credential, such as writing materials for, or teaching in, prep or review course(s) or authoring review texts; 2) writing items for a non-PNCB credentialing exam. • General comfort level with learning and using web-based systems. PNCB provides training for using an online system to submit items. Group Interaction Level Some during the initial item writer workshop; little in subsequent years when writing items independently for the annual assignment. 2101 GAITHER ROAD | SUITE 150 | ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 (301) 330-2921 | FAX: (301) 330-1504 | (888) 641-2767 | WWW.PNCB.ORG
Published Jan 2017; Updated Mar 2020, Mar 2023, March 2024, Dec 2024
Detailed Responsibilities • Review the PNCB Item Writing Manual and other item writing resources annually in advance of assignment to ensure items comply with PNCB’s requirements and style. • Devote sufficient time and effort to develop items worthy of determining test takers’ qualification for certification. • Use PNCB-approved references for the exam to provide at least one complete citation for each item to support its validity, accuracy, and currency. • Use PNCB’s testing vendor’s online item writing platform to submit items. • Submit items that are your original work created specifically for PNCB’s exclusive use and that comply with the assignment instructions, including timeframes for submission. • Willingness to implement PNCB staff/mentor feedback to improve items before final submission. • Recognize PNCB’s ownership of your submitted items, complying fully with the terms of PNCB’s confidentiality agreement and exercising appropriate safeguards to ensure nondisclosure of items or details about their content. Support • Learn about item writing by completing PNCB’s In-Person Workshop or online Self-Paced Learning Program. • Keep abreast of best practices for item writing by reviewing or participating in periodic learning activities. Benefits • Year 1: Item Writer Workshop (expenses paid if attending an in-person workshop) and award of applicable CE hours for completion. • Years 2 and 3+: Annual award of CE based on cognitive level of submitted items (recall, application, analysis) and the number of items assigned, and a PNCB monetary voucher equal to the amount of the CE option for annual recertification. • Access to PNCB’s eLibrary with textbook references to support item writing throughout the item writing term. • Possible advancement to other PNCB volunteer opportunities, such as an invitation to serve on an Exam Committee. Additional Requirements Must sign an annual Volunteer Agreement, which includes attesting to confidentiality and no conflicts of interest.
Explore more about how this role is integral to the entire exam development process! Visit PNCB’s How are PNCB certification exams developed? web page for more information.
PNCB’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At the heart of PNCB volunteerism is encouraging nurses from all walks of life to come together to elevate child health. Data inform us that our specialty is overwhelmingly Caucasian and female; a core goal of our new strategic plan is to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that fosters a sense of purpose, provides fulfillment, and supports a growing community of pediatric professionals. We value and seek diverse applicants as defined by race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, appearance, professional level, etc. to apply to join our volunteer opportunities.
2101 GAITHER ROAD | SUITE 150 | ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 (301) 330-2921 | FAX: (301) 330-1504 | (888) 641-2767 | WWW.PNCB.ORG
2026
A CALL TO EXCELLENCE:
What you need to know about Practice Test item writing and benefits. With your help, PNCB endeavors to achieve excellence in item writing! Included below are the details you will want to know as you get started with your assignment…
Assignment Structure:
We ask that you write the most relevant and important questions, to strive for higher cognitive level items, and following review of PNCB mentor feedback, develop comprehensive and instructive rationale/feedback statements. Plan on spending up to 1-1.5 hours for each item to create content that includes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
well-developed stems/questions distractors that are indisputably incorrect but plausible correct answers validated by a citation from PNCB approved textbook reference(s) accurate content classification to the tasks on the content outline self-identified cognitive level compliance with PNCB style well-developed rationale/feedback statements (to applicable items)
Tiered Benefits (Annual):
Earn up to 4.0 contact hours for questions; more CE awarded for application and analysis cognitive level questions! Earn up to 2.0 additional contact hours for well-developed, comprehensive, and instructive rationale/feedback statements! For your items: CE benefits remain tiered, giving you the option to earn up to 6 contact hours annually. Use PNCB’s separate resource to review the difference between the three (3) cognitive level classifications (click here).
For your rationale/feedback statements: CE for rationale/feedback statements will be awarded per item as: • 0.5 contact hour for each well-developed, comprehensive, instructive statement • 0.25 contact hours for each statement which tries to be instructive, but requires additional content to be comprehensive • No contact hours for statements that are only minimally instructive (e.g., only explain the correct response) The ability to increase the amount of CE benefits earned is in addition to your PNCB monetary voucher for annual recert.
Resources & Activities
PNCB will engage you along the way with helpful resources, mentor feedback, email reminders, and more. Our team will stay in touch with you to help you keep your item writing skills fresh.
Thank you for your involvement in pediatric nursing certification and for sharing PNCB’s commitment to excellence! Please contact volunteer@pncb.org if you have any questions.
Thank you! PNCB could not carry out its mission without our rich volunteer base of experienced subject matter experts who bring relevant clinical knowledge to every exam.
Once your item writing service is complete, please know that PNCB values your involvement and invites you to explore other volunteer roles. Please see PNCB’s volunteer webpage: https:www.pncb.org/volunteer and fill out an online form to express your interest in future volunteer opportunities.