C-ELBW Certification: Overview and FAQ

The Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW) certification is a specialized credential for healthcare professionals who care for babies born weighing fewer than 1,000 grams and require complex care due to their fragile condition. With this certification, you’re a trusted expert in caring for these high-risk newborns.
Ready to earn this valuable credential? This guide covers everything you need to know on your journey, including eligibility requirements, application process, and exam details.
C-ELBW Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You must hold a current license as a physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, respiratory therapist, physician assistant, neonatal therapist, physical therapist, speech and language pathologist, neonatal dietician, neonatal pharmacist, or paramedic.
- Preparation: Review the candidate guide and registration catalog, familiarize yourself with the testing guide, take practice tests, and consider buying a recent reference text for further study.
- Application process: Create an account on the NCC website, fill in the required fields, submit supporting documents, and wait for your application to be reviewed and approved.
- Exam: The test will include 125 questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The total fee is $210, which includes a $50 nonrefundable application fee and a $160 testing fee.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 3 years.
What Is C-ELBW Certification?
Caring for extremely low birth weight neonates requires a unique set of skills. These babies often have underdeveloped organs, fragile skin, and a high risk for complications like respiratory failure, infections, and brain bleeds. The C-ELBW certification equips healthcare professionals with the specialized knowledge to handle these challenges.
To qualify for this credential, healthcare professionals need to sit for a specialized exam administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), a leading organization committed to advancing maternal-child health.
Want a sneak peek at the exam? It’s divided into four key areas of knowledge, each with its own set of specialty-specific topics.
Knowledge area | Examples of topics |
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General assessment and management |
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Developmental care |
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Pathophysiologic states |
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Psychosocial, ethical, and professional issues and outcomes with ELBW neonates and families |
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Steps to Get a C-ELBW Certification
Excited to earn this specialized credential? Here’s a simple guide to getting certified.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
The first step to certification is ensuring you meet the NCC’s eligibility criteria. To sit for the exam, you must hold a current license in the U.S. or Canada in one of the following roles:
- Physician
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Respiratory therapist
- Physician assistant (PA)
- Neonatal therapist
- Physical therapists
- Speech and language pathologists
- Neonatal dietician
- Neonatal pharmacist
- Paramedic
Step 2: Prepare for the Exam
Now that you’ve met the eligibility requirements, it’s time to hit the books. The NCC provides a range of resources to help you study. Here’s where to begin:
- Registration catalog
- C-ELBW study guide
- Preview test
- NCC guide to testing methods
- Recent reference texts, such as Certification Review Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate for NCC
- List of references outlined in the study guide
Step 3: Submit Your Application
The final step before testing is registration. Create an account on the NCC website, enter the required information, and upload all the necessary documents. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an eligibility letter confirming that you’re all set to take your exam. You’ll then have 90 days to schedule and take your exam — either at a PSI testing center or online with live remote proctoring.
Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee
Your exam registration isn’t complete until you submit the exam fee. Here’s a budget breakdown:
- Exam fee: $210
- C-ELBW practice test(optional): $35
- Books (optional): Up to $100, depending on your selection
Step 5: Pass the Exam
You’ve studied hard — now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect on exam day:
- Your exam will consist of 125 questions (100 scored and 25 unscored).
- Your time limit for the test is 2 hours.
- Your official pass/fail results will be available within 15 business days.
Step 6: Maintain Your Certification
Healthcare is constantly evolving, and maintaining your certification ensures you stay at the forefront of best practices. To keep your credential active, renewal is required every three years. You have two options to complete this process:
- Continuing competence assessment: Take an assessment to identify areas for growth, then complete a designated number of continuing education hours based on your results.
- Alternative maintenance: Complete 50 continuing education hours without an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions: C-ELBW Certification
How difficult is the C-ELBW exam?
The difficulty of the exam largely depends on how well you prepare. It has a pass rate of 77%, so many professionals who commit to studying are able to earn their credentials successfully.
What do I do if I don’t pass the exam?
The NCC allows candidates to retake the exam as many times as needed, though there are some restrictions on how often you can attempt it. You’re allowed a maximum of two attempts per year. You’ll also need to wait 45 days before applying for each retest.
What accreditation does this credential hold?
Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the NCC is recognized for meeting high standards in certifying healthcare professionals across the U.S.
How do I verify my certification?
Using the NCC’s online verification tool, you can quickly send your credential details to employers or any organization that requires official verification. Keep in mind the following fees for different verification services:
- Look-up only: $10
- Downloadable copy: $20
- Emailing to the recipient: $30
What are the benefits of earning NCC certification?
Earning a professional certification signals to employers, colleagues, and patients that you’re an expert in your specialty. Additional benefits include:
- Increased career opportunities: Certification makes you a top candidate for many healthcare organizations that prioritize hiring certified professionals.
- Higher earning potential: Certified professionals often receive higher salaries or bonuses due to their advanced expertise.
- Improved patient care: Certification helps you stay up to date with the latest evidence-based practices, leading to better patient outcomes.
- Leadership opportunities: Certification can open doors to supervisory or managerial roles, helping you advance into leadership positions.
Related Certifications
Want to boost your qualifications even higher? Consider these additional certifications:
- Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care (RNC-NIC)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- S.T.A.B.L.E. certification
Ready for a New Nursing Opportunity?
Whether you’re C-ELBW certified or on your journey to certification, IntelyCare is here to help you find nursing opportunities that align with your expertise and career goals. Start exploring new opportunities now.