200+ Free CPNP-AC Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CPNP-AC Exam
73%
First-Time Pass Rate
PNCB 2023
175
Total Questions
150 scored
400
Passing Score
Scaled 200-600
3h
Exam Time
Single session
37%
Management Domain
Largest section
$395
Exam Fee
PNCB
The CPNP-AC exam has a 73% first-time pass rate (PNCB 2023). The exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored) over 3 hours. Content follows the PNCB blueprint with Management (37%), Assessment (34%), Diagnosis (24%), and Professional Practice (5%). Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners earn competitive salaries with strong demand in children's hospitals, pediatric ICUs, and emergency departments.
About the CPNP-AC Exam
The CPNP-AC certification exam validates competency in pediatric acute care nursing for nurse practitioners caring for acutely ill, chronically ill, and critically ill children in hospitals, emergency departments, and specialty clinics. The exam covers four domains: Assessment (34%), Diagnosis (24%), Management (37%), and Professional Practice (5%).
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
400 (scaled score)
Exam Fee
$395 (PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board))
CPNP-AC Exam Content Outline
Assessment
Health history, physical examination, diagnostic studies including hematologic, cardiac, pulmonary, imaging, laboratory studies, rapid diagnostic tests, and point-of-care testing
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning, critical analysis, risk stratification, diagnostic interpretation, and acuity assessment
Management
Therapeutic interventions, pharmacologic management, resuscitation, stabilization, monitoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, patient/family education, and care transitions
Professional Practice
Advocacy, ethical decision-making, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety, systems thinking, leadership, and interprofessional practice
How to Pass the CPNP-AC Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 400 (scaled score)
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $395
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CPNP-AC Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPNP-AC pass rate?
The CPNP-AC first-time pass rate is approximately 73% (PNCB 2023 data). The exam is challenging and requires thorough preparation in pediatric acute care concepts, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of critically ill children.
How many questions are on the CPNP-AC exam?
The CPNP-AC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours to complete the exam. The questions cover Assessment (34%), Diagnosis (24%), Management (37%), and Professional Practice (5%).
What is the CPNP-AC passing score?
The CPNP-AC uses a scaled scoring system with a passing score of 400. Scores range from 200-600. You will receive preliminary pass/fail results immediately after the exam, with official score reports available within 2-3 weeks.
How long should I study for the CPNP-AC?
Most candidates study for 8-12 weeks before the CPNP-AC exam, completing 1,500-2,000 practice questions. Focus on high-yield areas like assessment (34%), management (37%), and diagnosis (24%). Use practice questions to identify weak areas and review pediatric acute care guidelines.
What is the difference between CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC?
CPNP-PC (Primary Care) focuses on preventive care, well-child visits, and management of common childhood illnesses in outpatient settings. CPNP-AC (Acute Care) focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and management of acutely ill, critically ill, and chronically ill children in hospitals, emergency departments, and specialty clinics. The CPNP-AC exam emphasizes higher acuity conditions and acute care interventions.
What clinical conditions are covered on the CPNP-AC exam?
The exam covers cardiovascular (shock, heart failure, dysrhythmias), respiratory (respiratory failure, asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia), neurological (seizures, status epilepticus, increased ICP), infectious disease (sepsis, meningitis), endocrine (DKA, hypoglycemia), trauma (head injury, fractures, burns), and critical care (mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring).