Free CPNP-AC Exam Prep
PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC)
Prepare for the CPNP-AC exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
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PNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Review Study Guide 2026: Primary and Acute Care Practical Companion with 900+ Practice Questions, Exam ... the CPNP-PC Examination on Your First Attempt
By Norwood, Anne-Marie, Callahan, Samantha
$35.99 · 
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CPNP-AC PNCB Pediatric Nursing Certifications: Study Roadmap
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Assessment and diagnosisYou are here
Practice distinguishing respiratory distress, respiratory failure and shock across pediatric age groups. Use the history and exam to decide which diagnostic findings would change management.
Management
Work through pediatric airway, shock, and seizure cases. For each intervention, identify how you would detect failure and decide what to change.
Mixed acute care cases
Practice integrating laboratory results and imaging with changes from the child’s baseline. Revisit cases where a test result changed your first diagnosis.
Timed practice and professional role
Rehearse family discussions, handoffs and escalation decisions. Use timed mixed questions to check pacing and revisit errors.
Can You Take the CPNP-AC Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Three separate graduate courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
- •Final official transcript sent by your school or transcript service. PNCB offers a limited exception to final transcript timing.
- •PNCB Ethics in Testing module before submitting the application
CPNP-AC Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
Total Cost Breakdown
Free CPNP-AC Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: 78.84% first-time pass rate in 2025 (PNCB 2025 exam statistics; 69.57% in 2024).. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.
200 Practice Questions
Practice clinical decisions in acute, critical and complex pediatric care.
AI-Powered Learning
Review the reasoning behind acute pediatric assessment and management questions.
2026 Updated
Review current PNCB advanced-practice exam and fee policies.
Free Access
Use the practice questions and study guide for free.
What You'll Study
24 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Chapter 1: Introduction, CPNP-AC Exam Architecture & Acute Triage
3 sections
Chapter 2: Pediatric Shock States & Hemodynamic Instability
3 sections
Chapter 3: Congenital Heart Defects & Post-Operative Cardiac Intensive Care
3 sections
Chapter 4: Pediatric Arrhythmias & Acute Myocardial Dysfunction
3 sections
Chapter 5: Acute Airway Emergencies & Severe Pulmonary Infections
3 sections
Chapter 6: Status Asthmaticus & Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
3 sections
Chapter 7: Invasive Mechanical Ventilation & Advanced Respiratory Support
3 sections
Chapter 8: Status Epilepticus & Acute Seizure Management
3 sections
Chapter 9: Increased Intracranial Pressure & Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
3 sections
Chapter 10: Acute CNS Infections, Stroke & Neuromuscular Crises
3 sections
Chapter 11: Acute Kidney Injury, Fluid Balance & Renal Replacement Therapy
3 sections
Chapter 12: Gastrointestinal Emergencies & Abdominal Surgical Conditions
3 sections
Chapter 13: Endocrine Emergencies & Acute Metabolic Decompensation
3 sections
Chapter 14: Hematologic Emergencies & Hemostatic Disorders
3 sections
Chapter 15: Pediatric Oncologic Emergencies
3 sections
Chapter 16: Pediatric Sepsis, Resuscitation & Multisystem Trauma
3 sections
Chapter 17: Procedural Sedation, Analgesia, Delirium & Toxicology
3 sections
Chapter 18: Professional Practice Role, Ethics, Quality & Healthcare Systems
3 sections
Chapter 19: Comprehensive Pediatric Assessment, Respiratory Diagnostics, Genetics & Pharmacogenomics
3 sections
Chapter 20: Pediatric Acute Care Nutrition & Behavioral/Mental Health Emergencies
3 sections
Chapter 21: Musculoskeletal, Orthopedic & Integumentary Emergencies
3 sections
Chapter 22: Systemic Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emerging Pathogens & Antimicrobial Stewardship
3 sections
Chapter 23: Acute Care Vascular Access, Surgical Drains, Tubes, Wound Management & Diagnostic Procedures
3 sections
Chapter 24: Child Maltreatment, Human Trafficking, Trauma-Informed Care, Disaster Readiness & Care Transitions
3 sections
CPNP-AC Exam Details
PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (CPNP-AC)
Administered by Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) content outline
Comprehensive acute pediatric assessment and high-risk finding recognition.
Differential diagnosis and diagnostic data integration in acute care settings.
Acute management planning, interventions, and ongoing reassessment.
Role accountability, interprofessional coordination, and ethical practice.
What's Included
24 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
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What's Next After the CPNP-AC?
After passing the CPNP-AC, you can pursue these career paths
CPNP-PC
Explore the separate PNCB credential for graduates of a qualifying primary care pediatric NP program.
CPN
Explore PNCB certification for registered nurses who meet its pediatric RN practice requirements.
PMHS
Explore the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist credential for eligible advanced practice nurses.
CPNP-AC Exam FAQ
Official Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Resources
Verify information with these official sources
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Ready to Start Your Free CPNP-AC Prep?
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