100+ Free DCNP Practice Questions
Pass your DNPCB Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Guttate psoriasis most commonly follows infection with which organism?
Key Facts: DCNP Exam
175
Total Questions
164 scored
4 hrs
Exam Time
DNPCB
95
Passing Score
Scaled (~74%)
$400
Exam Fee
DNPCB 2026
3,000 hrs
Required Experience
Past 3 years
3 years
Certification Valid
Recertification cycle
The DCNP exam contains 175 questions (164 scored) over approximately 4 hours. Content covers four domains with Assess & Diagnose and Interventions each at 35%. Passing requires a scaled score of 95. Eligibility requires 3,000 dermatology hours within the past 3 years, NP licensure, and national NP certification. Certification is valid 3 years.
Sample DCNP Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your DCNP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1The stratum corneum is primarily composed of which cell type?
2Which epidermal layer contains cells undergoing active mitosis?
3Langerhans cells in the epidermis primarily function as:
4Which dermal structure provides tensile strength via type I collagen bundles?
5Eccrine sweat glands are most densely distributed on which body site?
6A 16-year-old presents with open and closed comedones on the forehead and nose, no papules or pustules. Which acne grade best describes this presentation?
7Topical retinoids are considered first-line for comedonal acne primarily because they:
8A 22-year-old woman with nodulocystic acne wants oral therapy. Before prescribing isotretinoin, which program must she enroll in?
9Rosacea subtype characterized by persistent central facial erythema and flushing without papules is classified as:
10First-line topical agent approved specifically for papulopustular rosacea that works by reducing inflammatory mediators via alpha-2 adrenergic agonism is:
About the DCNP Exam
The DCNP certification validates advanced clinical competency in dermatology for nurse practitioners. The 175-item exam (164 scored + 11 experimental) covers four domains: Assess & Diagnose (35%), Prescribe/Perform Interventions (35%), Educate Patients/Families/Professionals (25%), and Professional Activities (5%). Eligibility requires current NP licensure, master's degree, national NP certification, and 3,000 dermatology practice hours in the past 3 years. Certification is valid for 3 years.
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
Approximately 4 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score 95 (approximately 74%)
Exam Fee
$400 (Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (DNPCB) / C-NET)
DCNP Exam Content Outline
Domain A: Assess and Diagnose
History, physical exam, diagnostic tests (KOH, biopsy, dermoscopy, patch testing), differential diagnosis across inflammatory, infectious, pigmentary, bullous, connective tissue, hair, nail, and malignant conditions
Domain B: Prescribe/Perform Interventions
Topical/systemic pharmacology, biologics, retinoids, phototherapy (NB-UVB, PUVA), procedural dermatology (cryotherapy, ED&C, biopsy types, Mohs referral criteria), cosmetic procedures (botulinum toxin, fillers, peels)
Domain C: Educate Patients, Families, and Professionals
Sun safety, photoprotection, medication adherence, biologic vaccine precautions, iPLEDGE counseling, skin cancer screening, disease self-management, and public/professional education
Domain D: Professional Activities
Recertification, continuing education, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and contribution to dermatology NP professional standards
How to Pass the DCNP Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score 95 (approximately 74%)
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: Approximately 4 hours
- Exam fee: $400
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
DCNP Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DCNP exam?
The DCNP (Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner) is a specialty certification offered by the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (DNPCB). It validates advanced clinical knowledge and skills in dermatology for licensed nurse practitioners, covering diagnosis, interventions, patient education, and professional practice.
What are the DCNP eligibility requirements?
Candidates must have: (1) current unrestricted NP state licensure, (2) a master's degree in nursing, (3) current national NP certification (AANP or ANCC), and (4) a minimum of 3,000 hours of general dermatology practice within the past 3 years with current dermatology practice.
How many questions are on the DCNP exam?
The DCNP exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions total: 164 scored and 11 experimental (unscored) questions. Candidates have approximately 4 hours to complete the exam.
What is the DCNP passing score?
A scaled score of 95 is required to pass the DCNP exam, which corresponds to approximately 74% correct answers. Official score reports are provided by DNPCB approximately 2–4 weeks after the exam.
What content areas are covered on the DCNP exam?
The DCNP exam covers four domains: Assess and Diagnose (35%), Prescribe/Perform Interventions (35%), Educate Patients, Families, Professionals, and Public (25%), and Participate in Professional Activities (5%).
How long is DCNP certification valid?
DCNP certification is valid for 3 years. Recertification is available by re-examination or by completing approved continuing education in dermatology nursing practice.
How much does the DCNP exam cost?
The DCNP exam fee is $400. Candidates must also maintain their underlying NP certification and meet the ongoing dermatology practice hour requirements for recertification.