CPNP-PC Practice Test Item Writing Assignment Guide 2026
CPNP-PC Practice Test
Item Writing Assignment Guide 2026
Assignment Overview
Greetings, CPNP-PC 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, 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 3 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-PC Practice Tests log into PNCB.org, click on “Continuing Ed ” then select “Access My Ordered Online Modules” from the drop-down menu. 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 3 items is due by 4/16/2026. Following this submission, your items will be reviewed by a PNCB mentor, and feedback will be returned by the end of May.
Final submission of your 3 revised/completed items is due by 8/31/26, 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 September 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
What is my assignment?
2026 CPNP-PC Practice Test
Item Writing Assignment & Template
Preliminary Submission DUE: 4/16/26
This year’s item writing assignment is to write 3 items for the CPNP-PC Practice Test. After mentor review, 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 3 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 to ANY subdomain
Domain II OR Domain III: 1 item to ANY subdomain
Domain I OR 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 prior to the end of May The FINAL submission of your assignment is due August 31.
How should I get started?
6 STEPS DETAILS
1 REFRESH YOUR SKILLS
Review the following PNCB resources:
• Item Writing Manual and Style Guide, for required style and best item writing practices.
• CPNP-PC Exam Reference List (pg 12-13) and CPNP-PC 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
Review information about PNCB’s e-Library resources (pg 14-15) and confirm your access. Many CPNP-PC approved references are available in the e-Library through VitalSource Bookshelf and AAP Publications
e-Library Resources
3 PLAN YOUR ASSIGNMENT
6
PREPARE and SUBMIT 3 ITEMS (PRELIMINARY)
DUE: 4/16/2026
REVIEW MENTOR FEEDBACK, IMPROVE ITEMS, and DEVELOP RATIONALE STATEMENTS
• 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 3 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-PC 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-PC 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 3 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.)
7
FINAL SUBMISSION OF 3 ITEMS
DUE: 8/31/2026
• Save your Word document with your finalized 3 items with rationale statements and email the file to voluteer@pncb.org using the SUBJECT line of: CPNP-PC 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
Answer 2 hypothyroidism
Answer 3* infant botulism
Leave this field blank
<< Please place an asterisk (*) next to the correct answer and bold the key’s wording as below
Answer 4 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Answer 5
Leave this field blank
Correct Answer Point 1 No action needed in this field
Leave this field blank
Leave this field blank
Leave this field blank
Leave this field blank
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)
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
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 – Primary Care (CPNP-PC) Certification Exam
Detailed Content Outline
Description of the Exam
This exam is for the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) who has graduated from a master’s degree or DNP degree program or post-graduate certificate program for primary care pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). The Primary Care CPNP® role is designed to meet the specialized healthcare needs of individuals from birth through young adulthood, including physical, psychological, and social concerns. Primary Care PNPs provide evidence-based care in the areas of health maintenance and promotion, assessment and diagnosis, and management of health conditions in collaboration with children, adolescents, and parents / caregivers / families. The areas of leadership, ethics, and practice management are also understood and demonstrated. They provide pediatric primary care in a variety of health care settings including, but not limited to, private practice, ambulatory and outpatient clinics, school-based clinics, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.
Credential
A PNP who passes this exam is called a Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and earns the CPNP-PC credential. CPNP-PCs are entitled to use this credential if they actively maintain their certification. Primary care CPNPs may choose to use the credential CPNP-PC. 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-PC exam content outline (also known as a test blueprint) is an essential tool to study for the exam. It describes all the subject areas covered by the exam and 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.
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC)
Detailed Content Outline
I. Health Maintenance and Promotion
30% (45 ITEMS)
A. Provide anticipatory guidance to support growth and development from birth to young adulthood in collaboration with patients/caregivers
B. Provide immunization counseling according to current national guidelines, including discussion of:
1. Indications and contraindications
2. Adverse effects
3. Vaccine hesitancy
4. Risks of non-adherence
C. Advise about age-appropriate injury prevention and safety (e.g., environmental exposure, violence, sports and recreation, vehicle safety, disaster preparedness)
D. Educate about illness prevention and early warning signs of pediatric illness and emergencies
E. Educate about age-appropriate social, behavioral, and mental health topics (e.g., social media use, substance use, grief, trauma, sexual health)
II. Assessment and Diagnosis
A. Growth and Development
1. Evaluate and interpret growth parameters
2. Perform developmental surveillance
B. History and Physical Examination
1. Obtain history of present illness and perform review of systems
35% (52 ITEMS)
2. Obtain appropriate health and social histories (e.g., comprehensive, interval) based on type of visit
2. Order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests
3. Order and interpret diagnostic imaging tests
D. Screening and Assessment
1. Select, utilize, and interpret developmental, behavioral, and mental health screening and assessment tools
2. Select, utilize, and interpret social determinants of health screening and assessment tools
3. Select, utilize, and interpret disease-specific screening and assessment tools
E. Clinical Decision Making and Diagnosis
1. Integrate health history, physical examination findings, and results of applicable screening and diagnostic testing
2. Incorporate information obtained from other sources (e.g., consultants, other health care professionals)
3. Develop and prioritize differential diagnoses
4. Establish a diagnosis based on evaluation of patient data
III. Management
A. Child and Caregiver Counseling and Education
1. Provide condition-specific counseling and education, including treatment options
30% (45 ITEMS)
2. Educate about benefits and potential adverse reactions of pharmacological interventions
3. Discuss non-pharmacological interventions
4. Counsel regarding the threshold for seeking follow-up care
5. Review the risks of non-adherence to recommended treatment
B. Therapeutic Interventions
1. Prescribe pharmacologic agents
2. Recommend the use of over-the-counter pharmacologic agents
3. Order or recommend non-pharmacologic treatments
4. Discuss complementary and integrative treatment modalities as appropriate
5. Develop realistic health care goals using shared decision-making
6. Facilitate improved health outcomes using brief cognitive interventions and therapeutic communication techniques
C. Procedures
1. Perform procedures as indicated
2. Initiate interventions in response to life-threatening situations
D. Collaboration and Referral
1. Advocate on behalf of patients and families to improve health outcomes
2. Collaborate with other health professionals to meet patient care needs
3. Refer to specialists as indicated for evaluation, counseling, and/or treatment
4. Refer children, adolescents or caregivers to community resources as indicated
5. Contact child protective services to report suspected maltreatment or neglect
E. Coordination of Care
1. Facilitate patient and family-centered care for children of all ages with acute and chronic conditions
2. Coordinate care for pediatric patients and families with special healthcare needs
3. Provide guidance about and/or coordinate transition to adult care
F. Evaluation and Follow-up
1. Evaluate the plan of care and modify based on patient response or outcomes
2. Establish a plan for follow-up care IV. Leadership, Ethics, and Practice Management 5% (8 ITEMS)
A. Leadership and Evidence-based Practice
1. Serve as a clinical resource for other health care professionals
2. Critically evaluate and synthesize research and apply findings to clinical practice
3. Identify the need for and participate in research and/or quality monitoring to improve clinical outcomes
4. Develop, implement, and/or modify clinical practice guidelines
5. Advocate at the local, state, and federal levels in support of professional practice and/or issues that impact patient care
B. Legal and Ethical Issues
1. Practice in accordance with regulatory guidelines (e.g., HIPAA, scope of practice, informed consent)
2. Integrate cultural awareness and inclusiveness into all aspects of professional practice
3. Exemplify ethical practices and encourage similar conduct in peers
4. Prepare and maintain materials for licensure, credentialing, and privileging
5. Identify and respond to adverse and sentinel events to promote a culture of patient safety
C. Practice Management
1. Document patient encounters in a manner which supports applicable diagnostic and procedure codes
2. Utilize appropriate billing and coding to facilitate reimbursement
3. Increase access to care (e.g., provide access to interpreters, improve access for clients with various disabilities, facilitate transportation, extend appointment hours, telehealth)
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 primary care pediatric nurse practitioner role. Depending on several factors, some exam questions will only list the generic name of medications.
Exam Content: CLINICAL CATEGORIES
Items that address a specific condition will be represented within the exam, by volume, according to the following prioritized listing:
1
2
4
6
Exam
Content: PROCEDURES
Exam content will include a focus on the following procedures (listed alphabetically):
• Cerumen removal
• Collect skin and body fluid specimens
• Fluorescein staining
• Fluoride application
• Incision and drainage
• Reduction of nursemaid’s elbow
• Removal of foreign body
• Removal of sutures and staples
• Umbilical cord cauterization
• Wart removal
Exam Content: SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Exam content will include a focus on the following screening and assessment tools (listed alphabetically):
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) [any version]
• Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC)
• Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED)
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.
Population Health
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Social determinants of health (SDOHs)
Global, public, and community health
Immigrant, refugee, and migrant health
Infection control
Immunization guidelines
Child Development and Family-Centered Care
Growth and development
Patient education techniques (e.g., adult learning theory, health literacy)
Communication theories and techniques (e.g., motivational interviewing, therapeutic communication)
Psychosocial risk factors
Models of care (e.g., team-based care, trauma-informed care, family-centered, patient-centered)
Health care systems (e.g., publicly funded, private)
Billing and coding
Informatics (e.g., patient portals, EMR/EHR)
Telehealth
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.”
“Expect a lot of respiratory content. It’s the number 1 clinical problem on the exam content outline.”
“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 forgot skin, wounds, and/or burns would be on the exam.”
“Make sure you remember when a baby starts pointing at objects.”
“What kinds of respiratory issues were on your exam?”
“I had a question about acute renal failure, potassium levels, and arrhythmias. Make sure you look that up.”
“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-PC Exam
Approved Reference List for Item Writing
Textbooks and Related Resources:
Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents
By AAP, JF Hagan Jr, JS Shaw, PM Duncan
BURNS’ Pediatric Primary Care
By DL Garzon, M Dirks, M Driessnack, KG Duderstadt, NM Gaylord
CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics
By M Bunik, WW Hay Jr, MJ Levin, MJ Abzug
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
By RG Voight, MM Macias, SM Myers, CD Tapia
Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology: A Textbook of Skin Disorders of Childhood and Adolescents
By AS Paller, AJ Mancini
Lexicomp Pediatric & Neonatal Dosage Handbook
By American Pharmacists Association
Neinstein’s Adolescent and Young Adult Health Care: A Practical Guide
By DK Katzman, CM Gordon, ST Callahan, RJ Chung, A Joffe, SL Rosenthal, ME Trent
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics
By RM Kliegman, JW St. Geme III, NJ Blum, RC Tasker, KM Wilson, AM Schuh, CL Mack (Eds)
Pediatric Dermatology: A Quick Reference Guide
By AJ Mancini, DP Krowchuk
Pediatric Physical Examination: An Illustrated Handbook
By KG Duderstadt, VF Keeton
Pediatric Primary Care: Practice Guidelines for Nurses
By B Richardson
Red Book 2024-2027: Report of the Committee on Infectious Disease
By American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis
By BJ Zitelli, SC McIntire, AJ Nowalk, J Garrison
Evidence-Based Practice/Professional Role:
Hamric & Hanson’s Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach
By MF Tracy, ET O’Grady, SJ Phillips
Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide
By C Buppert
Other References:
Questions on the CPNP-PC exam may be referenced to national clinical practice guidelines or standard recommendations that are specific to pediatric primary care. Some examples of organizations that publish these types of guidelines or recommendations may include:
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Heart Association (AHA)
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA)
• North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN)
• NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
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
Annual Time Commitment
What to Expect if Selected
Volunteer Position ITEM WRITER
Expertise Level
Group Interaction Level
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.
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.
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. well-developed stems/questions
2. distractors that are indisputably incorrect but plausible
3. correct answers validated by a citation from PNCB approved textbook reference(s)
4. accurate content classification to the tasks on the content outline
Earn up to 3.0 contact hours for questions; more CE awarded for application and analysis cognitive level questions!
Earn up to 1.5 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 4.5 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.
