To sit for the CPHN exam, candidates must hold an active RN license and meet eligibility requirements based on their nursing education and public health nursing experience.

Multiple eligibility pathways recognize the different educational and professional paths nurses take into public health nursing.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Use our quick and easy Eligibility Checker to find out by answering just a few simple questions:

Once your application has been accepted, it’s time to schedule your exam!

The CPHN exam is available year-round, 24/7/365, with no testing windows. Candidates can sit for the exam in-person at a computer-based testing center, subject to testing center hours and appointment availability, or if a testing center is not close to their location, schedule a Live Online Proctored exam based on available appointments.

Note: Once your application is approved, your will have the ability to schedule your exam later this Fall. Approved applicants will receive an email once the scheduling portal is open later this Fall to schedule your exam date.

The CPHN exam assesses knowledge across seven domains of contemporary public health nursing practice:

• Assessment and Analysis – 20%
• Planning and Implementation – 12%
• Policy, Advocacy, and Partnerships – 10%
• Communication and Cultural Competence – 19%
• Leadership and Management – 11%
• Systems and Foundational Knowledge – 19%
• Quality and Evaluation – 9%

These domains were established through the CPHN Job Task Analysis and form the blueprint for the certification exam.

Study resources will be rolled out over time to include the CPHN Content Outline, study guide, sample questions, practice exam, flash cards, and review sessions led by subject matter experts.

You’re ready! The CPHN exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with three hours to complete the exam. Before test day, review the exam-day requirements for your testing option and make sure you know what to expect. Once you’ve prepared, you’ll be ready to demonstrate your expertise on exam day! Candidates will receive reminder emails leading up to their exam day.

The CPHN certification demonstrates mastery of evidence-based practices. Recertification, required every three years and accomplished through earning recertification credits, is an important way for CPHNs to affirm that they are up-to-date on industry best practices. You need to earn 30 credits every three years from amongst many options as noted on the NBPHE Recertification Credit Guide.