1. 2016-2017 Job Task Analysis for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®) Exam
What is it, and why do it?

2. JTA for the CPN Exam
The purpose of the role delineation study is to:
validate the inventory of tasks and knowledge related to work performed by pediatric nurses;
ensure that the task and knowledge statements identified are congruent with the objective of certifying pediatric nurses; and,
develop test specifications for the Certified Pediatric Nurse exam.

3. JTA for the CPN Exam
The Job Task Analysis (JTA) uses a survey instrument to obtain descriptive information on demographics and role responsibilities of pediatric nurses.
This periodic study is required of all nursing certification boards by their accrediting agency.
In keeping with best practices, PNCB conducts JTA studies every 4 to 5 years.
In order to develop a content outline for the certification examination, the role delineation study identifies tasks, knowledge, skills, or abilities deemed important to practice by pediatric nurses.

4. Steps Involved & Results “at a glance”...
CPN Job Task Analysis
Steps Involved & Results “at a glance”...

5. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: Steps Involved
Over a period of several months, the following occurred:
Development of the survey instrument with subject matter experts (SMEs) from around the country
Pilot testing of the instrument for clarity and comprehensiveness
Dissemination of the survey
Analysis of survey data
Development of test specifications and the updated content outline from survey findings and input from the SMEs

6. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: Survey Overview
The survey participants responded to the following survey sections:
Tasks
Domains
Clinical Problems
Procedures and Interventions
Evaluation of Survey Comprehensiveness
Demographic Questions
Evaluation of CPN Eligibility Criteria

7. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: Results “at a glance”…
A total of 503 pediatric nurses completed the survey.
Location of practice setting: 68% of respondents worked in urban areas.
Primary employment setting: 59% worked in children’s hospitals.
Subspecialty: 72% spent more than half their time in a subspecialty area of practice.
On average, respondents spent 66% of their time in direct care.
The most commonly earned degree was the bachelor’s degree, held by 61% of respondents.
94% of respondents indicated that the survey covered the pediatric nursing role adequately to very well.
Write-in responses of the remaining 6% reflected aspects specific to individuals’ unique roles and work situations.

8. Location & Type of Practice Settings Top 3 Patient Populations
JTA for the CPN Exam: Over time…
2012
Location & Type of Practice Settings
61% practice in an urban setting
14% practice in inpatient community hospital
66% practice in inpatient children’s hospital
68% practice in an urban setting
15% practice in inpatient community hospital
59% practice in inpatient children’s hospital
Top 3 Patient Populations
54% General pediatrics
11% Critical care
5% Emergency/Trauma
44% General pediatrics
14 % Critical care
11% Subspecialty Unit
Top 5
Conditions Seen
(in order)
Respiratory
Gastrointestinal
Neurology
Endocrine/Metabolic
Infectious Disease
Emergency/Trauma/Poisoning

9. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: Results “at a glance”…
All current tasks in the CPN detailed content outline were retained.
Added tasks include:
sexual orientation / gender identity,
nurse and colleague self-care

10. 2016-17 CPN Job Task Analysis How the new study impacted the exam...
Content Outline Changes from 2011 to 2017

11. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: How the new study impacted the exam…
Professional Role, which had been a stand-alone domain, was subsumed under the Management domain.
Minor changes were made to three other subdomains within Management, although the conceptual intent of the subdomains remained the same.
2012 Domain Structure
2017 Domain Structure
Assessment
Physical
Psychosocial
Health Promotion
Management
Illness
Psychosocial/Behavioral
Chronic Care/End of Life
Professional Role
Psychosocial 
Health Promotion  
Acute and Chronic Illness
Palliative and End of Life Care
Professional Responsibilities

12. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: How the new study impacted the exam…
2012
% of items, # of items
per domain
Assessment 30% (45 items)
Health Promotion 17% (25 items)
Management 48% (72 items)
Professional Role 5% (8 items)
Assessment 38% (57 items)
Health Promotion 14% (21 items)
Professional Role now a subdomain of management
Total = 150

13. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: How the new study impacted the exam…
Procedures and interventions are no longer included as formal “tasks” within a domain, but remain as additional detail for exam preparation.
All procedures and interventions were maintained with the exception of phototherapy, which did not meet criteria for inclusion.
The most frequently performed procedures and interventions reported were
medication administration
implementation of safety precautions
maintenance of vascular access devices
physiological monitoring
fluid and electrolyte administration

14. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: How the new study impacted the exam…
There were no changes in the number of questions
150 scored items and 25 pre-test items
There was no change in time allotment
3 hours

15. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
CPN Job Task Analysis
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

16. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: FAQs
Q: When does the updated exam launch?
A: New exam forms tied to the 2017 outline are expected to launch in November See PNCB’s website for specific dates and other details.
Q: Is there any advantage in taking one version of the exam over the other?
A: No, both will equally assess your knowledge.
Q: Do I need to study differently if I choose to take the new exam?
A: No, any preparations undertaken will benefit you regardless of which exam you take. The reference list remains the same because the tasks listed on the updated outline have not changed significantly from the previous one.

17. 2016-17 JTA for the CPN Exam: FAQs
Q: Have the eligibility requirements changed as a result of this study?
A: No. Responses from CPNs completing this study supported current eligibility recommendations and pathway options.
Q: Where can I confirm my eligibility?
A: Visit PNCB’s website for more information:

18. If you have questions: please visit www.pncb.orgor
We will be glad to help!
CPN Job Task Analysis
We wish you much success on your upcoming exam.