NI-BC Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Nursing Informatics-Board Certified (NI-BC) credential is awarded to registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in nursing informatics — a field that integrates nursing, computer, and information sciences to improve healthcare outcomes. Earning this certification validates your expertise in managing electronic health records (EHRs), clinical systems, and healthcare data to optimize workflows and improve the quality of care at your facility.
Want to become a nurse informaticist who holds this specialized credential? This article will help you navigate the process, including eligibility, application steps, and what to expect on the exam.
NI-BC Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: Hold an active RN license and a BSN degree or higher; acquire 2 years of full-time nursing experience; complete 30 hours of continuing education and one of the practice hour requirements in informatics nursing within the past 3 years.
- Application process: Complete the online application, provide supporting documentation, pay the fee, and await eligibility verification.
- Exam: Your exam will have 150 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $395.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.
What Is an NI-BC Credential?
The NI-BC certification is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to RNs specializing in nursing informatics. To earn this credential, candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam that evaluates their knowledge and expertise in the field.
Interested in the exam content? It’s structured around three core knowledge areas, each focusing on essential topics in nursing informatics.
| Knowledge area | Examples of topics |
|---|---|
| Foundations of practice |
|
| System design lifecycle |
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| Data management and healthcare technology |
|
Earning NI-BC Certification: 6 Steps
Excited to get started? Check out this easy-to-follow guide to help you earn your credentials.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before you start the certification process, make sure you meet the essential eligibility criteria. Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
- Hold an active RN license.
- Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher degree.
- Have at least 2 years of full-time RN practice.
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education in informatics nursing in the past 3 years.
You’ll also need to meet one of these practice hour criteria:
- Acquire 2,000 practice hours in informatics nursing within the past 3 years.
- Acquire 1,000 practice hours in informatics nursing within the past 3 years and 12 semester hours in graduate-level informatics courses.
- Complete a graduate program in informatics nursing with at least 200 hours of supervised practice.
Step 2: Prepare for the Exam
With eligibility out of the way, it’s time to dive into preparation. Use the following resources to help you prepare:
- Test reference list
- Content outline
- Sample test questions
- Role delineation study
- Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice book
Seeking a well-rounded study resource? The ANCC offers different preparation packages to support you in getting exam-ready:
Additionally, take some time to understand the exam format. While these guidelines aren’t tailored specifically to the NI-BC credential, they offer valuable context on ANCC’s general testing policies:
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Next, create an ANCC account and submit your application for the certification you want. As part of the process, you’ll need to provide proof of your eligibility and pay the exam fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an authorization to test notice, giving you 120 days to schedule your exam at a Prometric test center or remotely.
Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee
Since certification is an investment in your future, it’s a good idea to plan your budget ahead of time. The exam fee is $395, but here’s the good news — if you’re a member of certain professional organizations, you’re eligible for a discount. Join the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA) to qualify.
Step 5: Pass the Exam
You’ve put in the work — now it’s time to take the exam. Here’s what to expect on test day:
- Your test will include 150 questions (125 scored and 25 pretest items).
- You’ll have 3 hours to complete your exam.
- You’ll need a minimum scaled score of 350 out of 500 to pass.
- You’ll be able to access your results through the Prometric report validation portal after leaving the testing center, using your exam confirmation number and last name.
- You’ll get your certificate and ANCC pin by mail about 4 weeks after passing the exam.
Step 6: Maintain Your Certification
Your NI-BC certification stays valid for five years. To keep it active, you’ll need to complete 75 continuing education hours from an approved provider. Plus, you must fulfill at least one of these renewal options:
- Complete additional continuing education hours in your specialty.
- Earn academic credits in a relevant subject.
- Deliver professional presentations related to your specialty.
- Undertake an evidence-based or quality improvement project that applies problem-solving methods.
- Publish work in relevant publications.
- Conduct research or contribute to academic studies.
- Gain experience mentoring or supervising others.
- Engage in volunteer service within your profession.
- Accumulate work hours in your specialty.
- Demonstrate competence through an exam or portfolio submission.
Frequently Asked Questions: NI-BC Certification
How hard is the NI-BC exam?
The difficulty of the exam largely depends on an individual’s preparation, background knowledge, and test-taking skills. The exam’s 64% pass rate suggests that while it is certainly challenging, more than half of test takers pass it on the first attempt.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You can apply to retake the test just five days after your last attempt, with a 60-day waiting period before you sit for the exam again. You can attempt the exam three times within a 12-month period. Make sure to review your score report — it will pinpoint the areas where you need to focus to boost your chances next time.
How do I verify my NI-BC credentials?
Certification verification is available through ANCC. Individuals get one free verification, but each additional one costs $40. Organizations will pay $50 for verification. Expect the process to take around seven business days.
How much do informatics nurses make?
Informatics nurses typically earn around $100,200 annually, though your salary can vary depending on factors like education, experience, and facility type. Additionally, certification can boost your earning potential, as it’s often a factor in salary negotiations.
Geographic location matters when it comes to your paycheck. These states offer some of the most competitive salaries for nurses in the nation:
What are the benefits of a professional certification?
Professional certification is objective evidence of your expertise and competence in a specific area of nursing practice, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. It can also lead to higher-level roles, like nursing supervisor or manager, and increased salary potential. Plus, certified nurses are often recognized as leaders, advancing both their careers and the quality of care in healthcare settings.
Related Certifications
Want to see more credential choices? Here are some additional credentials that may support your career ambitions:
- Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist – Board Certified (ACNS-BC)
- Board Certified Nurse Executive (NEA-BC)
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Nursing Professional Development (NPD)
Ready for a New Nursing Opportunity?
NI-BC certification can give you a professional edge, but IntelyCare can help you find the job match that truly fits your skills and career goals. Find out how customized job alerts can keep you in the loop on the latest nursing roles in your area.