CPN vs. Board Certification

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As I was looking into certification options for pediatric nursing, I discovered that there a couple options, the Certified Pediatric Nurse and then board certification in pediatrics through the ANCC.

Anyone have any input as to what the difference is/experience taking either exam/suggestions for which is a better option? Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Hematology Oncology, School Nurse.

I am leaning toward the CPN just because it seems to be what most children's hospitals look for (from my experience).

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU, Pediatrics, some ER.

I have my CPN. It has been very helpful for me.

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I took a board certification exam through the ANCC. It was really easy. You could probably just take the exam without studying.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It seems to me that most people take the CPN. The eligibility requirements are a little less and people qualify sooner in their careers. It also gets renewed yearly instead of every 5 years like the ANCC certification. So the yearly renewal cost seems easier to pay. Finally, the CPN exam has a No Pass/No Pay option that a lot of children's hospital sign up for -- allowing their nurses to repeat the exam for free if they fail the first time. So, I believe that if you look at the numbers, most peds nurses do the CPN and not the ANCC exam.

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