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CPHON Certification: Overview and FAQ

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

A nurse with CPHON certification stands in a hospital hallway.

The Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) certification is designed for nurses who specialize in caring for pediatric patients with blood-related disorders and cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia. This certification demonstrates your expertise in pediatric hematology and oncology nursing, positioning you as a leader in the field.

With one in 76 Americans affected by a blood disorder, this credential is highly valuable. This guide will cover what this certification is, outline the steps to earn it, and offer top tips to prepare for the exam.

CPHON Certification: Snapshot

Eligibility: You’ll need a valid RN license, 2 years of experience, 2,000 hours of pediatric hematology oncology practice, and 10 hours of continuing education.
Preparation: Review the content outline, study the resources mentioned in the list of references, and take practice tests.
Application process: Set up an online account, fill out the exam application form, upload the necessary documents, and wait for the authorization to test.
Exam: Your test will have 165 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
Cost: The exam fee is $420.
Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 4 years.

CPHON Meaning

CPHON is a professional credential that’s awarded to registered nurses (RNs) who have undergone extensive training in providing care for children and teens with hematologic and oncologic disorders and have proven their skills through a specialized exam. It’s issued by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), an organization that provides nationally accredited certifications for nurses in oncology and related specialties.

Want to know what the exam covers? It focuses on six main areas of knowledge related to the specific needs of patients with blood disorders and cancers.

Knowledge areas:	Examples of testable topics:
Care continuum	Primary care Levels of care (e.g., rehabilitation, outpatient, and home) End-of-life care
Pediatric hematology and oncology nursing practice	Clinical presentation and diagnostic testing Scope and standards of nursing practice Ethical principles and practice
Treatment modalities and side effects	Hematology treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, biotherapy, and immunotherapy) Oncology treatments (e.g., cellular therapies, radiation, and surgery)
Symptom management and supportive care	System-specific effects (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal) General acute, chronic, and late effects (e.g., pain, fatigue, and mental health) Supportive care (e.g., medical devices, blood product administration, and palliative care)
Pediatric hematologic and oncologic emergencies	Infectious diseases Gastrointestinal conditions Neurological conditions
Psychosocial dimensions of care	Social relationships and family dynamics Cultural considerations and diversity Community resources

Wondering where nurses in this specialty can find job opportunities? They can work in a variety of acute and post-acute care settings:

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Steps to Get Certified

So, what does it take to earn these notable letters behind your name? Let’s dive into the steps to becoming a certified oncology and hematology professional.

1. Become a Nurse

Your first step is to enroll in an accredited program to earn a nursing degree. Once you’ve graduated and received your diploma, your next goal is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license through your state’s nursing board.

2. Meet Certification Eligibility Requirements

Next up, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements for the exam. Here’s what you need to do before you can submit your application:

Licensure: Hold a valid, active, and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or Canada.
Experience: Acquire at least 2 years of RN experience within the past 4 years.
Specialty practice: Have at least 2,000 hours of pediatric hematology oncology nursing practice within the past 4 years. Your hours may include direct patient care, nursing administration, education, consultation, or research.
Continuing education: Complete a minimum of 10 specialty-specific continuing education within the past 3 years from an accredited provider.

3. Prepare for the Exam

Now it’s time to dive into your studies. Here’s a list of resources to help you get ready for your exam:

Carefully read the certification registration manual.
Study all the topics in the content outline.
Review the list of references for your test.
Practice answering CPHON practice questions.
Sign up for a review course.
Read the ONCC study tips.
Familiarize yourself with the role study summary.
Test your knowledge with a CPHON practice test available on your ONCC account.

4. Apply for the Exam

Start by setting up an online ONCC account and filling in all the fields and uploading the required documents. If you’re eligible to test, you’ll get your authorization within two weeks. Then you’ll have a 90-day testing window to schedule and take your exam.

Your CPHON exam will take place in a PSI test center in the U.S. or abroad. You’ll need to bring valid identification documents and go through a metal detector before you can sit for your test.

5. Pay the Exam Fee

To finalize your application, you must pay the exam fee, which reserves your place for the test. The exam fee is $420. Keep in mind that if you’re a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) or Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses (APHON) organizations, you’ll qualify for a discount.

6. Pass the Exam

Wondering what the exam will be like? Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect on test day:

Your test will last 3 hours.
You’ll need to answer 165 multiple-choice questions.
You’ll need to score at least 55, with scores ranging from 25 to 75.
You’ll receive your results on the same day.

7. Maintain the Certification

Your credential is valid for four years. To qualify for certification renewal, you need to have the following:

An active RN license
A current CPHON certification
A year of experience as an RN within the past 3 years
A minimum of 1,000 hours of specialty experience within the past 30 months

Once qualified, you must satisfy one of these CPHON renewal criteria:

Renewal Options
Option 1:	Practice hours and renewal points
Option 2:	Practice hours and successful testing
Option 3:	Points and successful testing

What Is a Typical CPHON Nurse Salary?

A typical salary for an oncology nurse in the U.S. is about $86,000 per year. Your paycheck can vary depending on your work setting, years of experience, education, and whether or not you’re certified.

Where you live has a big impact on your salary too. If you’re aiming for the highest pay, consider sending your pediatric nurse resume to employers in these five high-paying states:

Frequently Asked Questions: CPHON Certification

How hard is the CPHON test?

Your perception of the test’s difficulty will vary based on your preparedness level. The CPHON pass rate is 62%, showing that more than half of nurses attempting the exam successfully pass it. The key is to study thoroughly and consistently.

What do I do if I fail the exam?

If you fail the first time, you can retake the test, but not more than once in a 90-day period. After three failed attempts, you’ll have to wait a year. If you’re worried about failing, consider enrolling in the ONCC DoubleTake program, which offers a retake option if you don’t pass on your first try.

How do I verify my credentials?

The CPHON certification verification process is simple. ONCC makes the names of certified nurses public, so just fill out the online form with your full name, city, and state to see your details.

CPHON vs. APHON: What’s the difference?

The Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses (APHON) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting nurses who work in pediatric hematology and oncology, while CPHON is a specialized certification awarded by the ONCC.

What other study resources can help me prepare for the exam?

While ONCC offers many resources for exam preparation, you might want to look into some extra tools to strengthen your study routine. Here’s a list of resources you could explore:

Quizlet practice questions and flashcards
Preparation books, such as Test Review by Mometrix
APHON’s eLearning Case Studies
Helpful apps, such as Pocket Prep

Use your best judgment when selecting additional study materials that are not endorsed by the ONCC.

Related Certifications

Looking to upgrade your career with more certifications? These additional credentials may be useful:

Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
Registered Nurse Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care (RNC-NIC)
Registered Nurse Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
Registered Nurse Certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) certifications
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
S.T.A.B.L.E. certification

Want to Elevate Your Nursing Career?

CPHON-certified or not, you can upgrade your career right now. IntelyCare can connect you to the world of nursing opportunities that fit your lifestyle and ambitions. Let’s unlock new possibilities together.