200+ Free CPEN Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CPEN Exam
175
Total Questions
BCEN
150 + 25
Scored + Unscored
BCEN
110/150
Passing Score
73.3%
3 hours
Exam Time
BCEN
37%
System-Focused
Largest domain
$380
Exam Fee
BCEN 2026
4 years
Certification Valid
BCEN
The CPEN exam contains 175 items (150 scored + 25 unscored pretest) over 3 hours. The passing standard is 110 correct out of 150 scored items (73.3%). Content covers triage (PAT, ESI), assessment (history, physical, pain), system-focused emergencies (respiratory, cardiac, neuro, GI, GU, ENT, musculoskeletal, integumentary, hematology/oncology, endocrine), special considerations (neonatal, behavioral health, maltreatment, environmental, toxicology, communicable diseases), multi-system issues (sepsis, anaphylaxis, sedation), and professional issues (legal, nursing practice, patient/family considerations).
About the CPEN Exam
The CPEN certification validates specialized knowledge and skills in pediatric emergency nursing. The exam covers six domains: Triage Process, Assessment, System-Focused Emergencies, Special Considerations, Multi-System Considerations, and Professional Issues. Content integrates 15 key concepts including family-centered care, pain management, patient safety, and evidence-based practice.
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
110/150 (73.3%)
Exam Fee
$380 (BCEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing))
CPEN Exam Content Outline
Triage Process
Emergency intake using Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), ESI triage acuity, immunization status, isolation concerns, behavioral status, cultural considerations, emergency preparedness including mass casualty and decontamination
Assessment
History taking including family dynamics, primary and secondary surveys, developmental milestones, pain assessment and management (pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic), vital signs interpretation with age-specific normals, general assessment techniques
System-Focused Emergencies
Respiratory (asthma, bronchiolitis, croup, epiglottitis, pneumonia, foreign body), Cardiovascular (shock, SVT, cardiac arrest, congenital heart defects), Neurological (seizures, meningitis, TBI, hydrocephalus shunt), GI (foreign body, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, intussusception), GU/OB (UTI, torsion, pregnancy emergencies), ENT/Ocular (epistaxis, dental trauma, eye injuries), Musculoskeletal/Integumentary (fractures, growth plate injuries, burns, cellulitis), Hematology/Oncology (sickle cell, anemia), Endocrine/Metabolic (DKA, hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances)
Special Considerations
Neonatal emergencies (jaundice, sepsis, RDS), Behavioral health (suicide ideation, eating disorders), Maltreatment recognition (physical abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking), Environmental emergencies (heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning, bites), Toxicology (acetaminophen, iron, lead), Communicable diseases and immunizations
Multi-System Considerations
Submersion injuries, sepsis recognition and management, anaphylaxis assessment and treatment, post-resuscitative care, procedural sedation monitoring and complications
Professional Issues
Legal issues (consent, minor rights, EMTALA, HIPAA), nursing practice standards, mandatory reporting requirements, medication administration safety, vasoactive medications, forensic evidence collection, death notification, grief support, compassion fatigue, discharge planning, family-centered care principles
How to Pass the CPEN Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 110/150 (73.3%)
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $380
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CPEN Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPEN exam?
The CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse) is a specialty certification offered by BCEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing) that validates expertise in pediatric emergency nursing. It covers triage, assessment, and management of pediatric emergencies across all body systems.
How many questions are on the CPEN exam?
The CPEN exam contains 175 total items: 150 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours to complete the exam.
What score do I need to pass CPEN?
BCEN lists the CPEN passing standard as 110 correct out of 150 scored items, which is approximately 73.3%.
What are the CPEN eligibility requirements?
To sit for the CPEN exam, you must hold a current unrestricted RN license in the US or Canada. BCEN recommends 2 years of pediatric emergency nursing experience before testing, though it is not strictly required.
How much does CPEN certification cost?
The CPEN exam fee is $380 for non-members. BCEN/ENA members may receive discounted rates.
How long is CPEN certification valid?
CPEN certification is valid for 4 years. Recertification can be achieved through continuing education hours (100 contact hours in pediatric emergency nursing) or by retaking the examination.
What content areas does CPEN cover?
The CPEN exam covers six domains: Triage Process (13%), Assessment (17%), System-Focused Emergencies (37%), Special Considerations (17%), Multi-System Considerations (8%), and Professional Issues (8%).