How to Apply to PCOM

Professional Development

Apply for the Preceptor Certificate of Mastery

The ANPD Preceptor Certificate of Mastery (PCOM) distinguishes healthcare preceptors who demonstrate expert practice in guiding, assessing, and validating knowledge, skills, and professional behavior. Sound like you? Apply for the PCOM program to validate your competence in effective precepting—both clinically and educationally.

Please reach out to education@anpd.org if you have any questions about the PCOM program or the application process.

Part 1: Take the PCOM Exam in the Continuing Education Center

  1. Go to the ANPD’s Continuing Education Center
  2. Log in to your MyANPD account or create a guest account
  3. Click on “Full Catalog”, and use the keyword search in the Catalog to find the Preceptor Certificate of Mastery
  4. Click on “Purchase Now”, and click on “Complete Registration Now” in the Registration Options that appear
  5. Complete the checkout process to register for the exam
  6. Take the exam and pass the exam by achieving a score of 85% or higher. Please note:
    • There is a 2-hour time limit when taking the exam. Please take it at a time when you can complete it in one sitting.
    • You have two attempts to pass the exam. It is expected that you will complete the exam within 6 months of registering.
  7. When you pass the exam, the PCOM exam certificate will become available to you in the Continuing Education Center. Be sure to download and save it. You will need it for your application submission!

Part 2: Gather Your Application Materials

After you’ve passed the exam, gather the rest of your submission materials. This includes:

  • Your PCOM exam certificate
  • Documentation of a minimum of 1,000 hours of preceptor experience

    Reach out to education@anpd.org if you have any questions about the PAT!

    • This can be a log of hours or an attestation letter endorsed by your Manager/NPD practitioner/faculty who provides oversight for the preceptor/preceptee dyad. Find a log template here.
  • Documentation of a minimum of 1,000 hours of preceptor experience
  • Documentation of completion of 6 contact hours of continuing education related to precepting and topics applicable to the preceptor role.
  • You and 2 others will need to take the Preceptor Assessment Tool (PAT) survey, and include the results from the 3 assessments in your application. The survey PAT results should come from:
    • (1) Preceptor (your self-assessment)
    • (1) Individual precepted by applicant (Preceptee)
    • (1) Manager/NPD practitioner/faculty who provides oversight for the preceptor/preceptee dyad
  • The last question of the survey asks if you would like to provide an email address to receive assessment results. Please be sure to click 'yes' and enter your email. Once you receive the results in your email, click the link, then download and save your results.

Part 3: Submit Your Application

When you have all your materials gathered, you’re ready to submit your application!

  1. Go to the ANPD PCOM application here. You will need to be logged in to your ANPD account to be taken directly to the application.
  2. Fill out each question.
  3. Upload each of the documents you gathered in the appropriate spot in the application.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the application and click on “Preview Submission” to review your application before submitting.
  5. When you’re ready, submit your application!

You will be notified via email about the decision on your PCOM application. It may take 4-6 weeks for our team to review your application.