This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Credential Awarded: PMHCNS-BC (Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist—Board Certified)

Description of Practice
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child/Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing (CNS) is a registered nurse prepared in a graduate level child/adolescent psychiatric & mental health clinical nurse specialist program to treat children and adolescents with mental health/psychiatric disorders using a variety of therapeutic and interpersonal techniques. Knowledge of child development and conceptualization of the child as part of a family system is essential to providing expert care. The Child/Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health CNS utilizes diagnostic and assessment skills to provide therapeutic services through multiple modalities. The CNS practices in a variety of settings and is actively engaged in education (e.g. patient, staff, students, and colleagues), case management, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, and administration.

Eligibility Criteria
All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.

		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country
		Hold a master's, post-master's, or doctorate from a clinical nurse specialist
		in child/adolescent psychiatric and mental health program accredited by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in the Child/Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health CNS role & specialty must be included in the educational program. The Child/Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health CNS graduate program must include course work in:
		-	advanced health assessment
		-	advanced pharmacology
		-	advanced pathophysiology
		-	clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic treatment
			modalities