The Experts Behind the CPHN: Thank You to Our Exam Development Volunteers

The launch of the Certified in Public Health Nursing (CPHN) certification represents years of research, collaboration, and input from public health nursing professionals. This summer, two groups of subject matter experts contributed their time and expertise to two critical stages of the CPHN exam development process: exam form development and standard setting.

NBPHE is grateful to each of these professionals for helping ensure the CPHN exam reflects the knowledge, skills, and competencies required of public health nurses.

CPHN Exam Form Development Committee

The CPHN Exam Form Development Committee met July 30–31, 2026, at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) in Arlington, Virginia, with members participating both in person and virtually.

During the meeting, committee members reviewed exam items and worked to build multiple forms of the CPHN examination. Their review helped ensure that exam questions are current, accurate, unbiased, and aligned with the CPHN Exam Content Outline.

The meeting was facilitated by Mike Bowen, Psychometrician with Meazure Learning, with Shantal Johnson, NBPHE Director of Certifications, representing NBPHE.

Exam Form Development Committee Members

• Shannon Barris, BA, BSN, CLC, MSN-FNP
• Ginnie Chacon-Lopez, MSN, RN, MA-SANE
• Caralisa Lacson, MSN, MPH, CPH, FNP-BC
• Karen Loewenson, PhD, RN
• Margaret Milligan, FNP-C, DNP, CPH, AAHIVS, PhD
• Juan Nañez, RN, BSN, MPH
• Shirley Orr, MHS, APRN, NEA-BC
• Carolyn Pandolfo, RN, BS, CHES, CHC, PMP, CIC
• Michelle Parris-Nielsen, RN, BSN, MHA
• Anna Sonday, RN, MN, PHN

CPHN Standard Setting Committee

The CPHN Standard Setting Committee met virtually on August 10, 17, and 24, 2026, to help establish the performance standard for the new certification.

Using a structured, research-based standard-setting process, committee members considered the knowledge and skills expected of candidates and evaluated exam items to help define the minimum level of competency required to earn the CPHN certification.

The meetings were also facilitated by Mike Bowen of Meazure Learning, with Shantal Johnson representing NBPHE.

Standard Setting Committee Members

• Sara Burnett, RN, CHW
• Judy Didion, PhD, RN
• Miriam Dobson, DNP, APRN, CPH
• Matthew Hayes, RN, MS, BSN, CCRN, CPH
• Julie Kruse, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Baagan Mahama, RN, BSN
• Dawn Martin, RN
• Tonya Smith, EdD, MSN, RN, CPH
• Alanda White, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, FADLN
• Maureen Wosepka, DNP, RN, PHN, CNE

Thank You

Developing a high-quality certification exam depends on professionals who are willing to share what they know about the realities of practice.

We extend our sincere thanks to every member of the CPHN Exam Form Development and Standard Setting Committees for contributing their time, expertise, and professional judgment to this process. Their work has helped build a certification designed to recognize and elevate the specialized expertise of public health nurses.

Thank you for helping make the CPHN possible.