RNC Certification for NICU Nurses (RNC-NIC): Overview and FAQ

Registered Nurse Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care (RNC-NIC) is a specialized credential designed for nurses providing care to critically ill newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The RNC certification can enhance your professional credibility, unlock new career opportunities, and help you earn a higher salary. With about 1 in 10 babies born in the U.S. needing NICU care, you’ll find this credential to be of great use.

Ready to learn about how to become an RNC-certified nurse? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through what this certification is, how to earn it, and the perks that come with it.

RNC Certification for NICU Nurses: Snapshot

• Eligibility: Current RN license, 24 months of specialty experience (2,000 hours), and proof of employment in the specialty within the past 2 years
• Preparation materials: The RNC study guide, recent reference texts, and sample test questions
• Application process: Set up an online account, complete the required fields, submit all necessary documents, and wait for the eligibility letter
• Exam: 3-hour test with 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored and 25 unscored)
• Cost: $325
• Renewal: Every 3 years

What Is RNC-NIC?

RNC-NIC certification is a specialized credential that’s awarded to experienced NICU nurses who demonstrate their knowledge and skills through an exam from the National Certification Corporation (NCC). This organization offers certification for licensed healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal specialties.

Curious about the exam content outline? It will assess your knowledge across five main knowledge areas:

• General assessment
• General management
• Assessment and management of pathophysiologic states
• Psychosocial support
• Professional issues

These five content areas include multiple specialty-specific topics, including:

• Maternal risk factors and birth history.
• Physical and gestational age assessment.
• Resuscitation and stabilization.
• Nutrition and feeding.
• Oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base homeostasis.
• Neurodevelopmental and neuroprotective care.
• Infection and immunology.
• Management disorders of various systems, such as neurologic, respiratory, and cardiovascular.
• Palliative care.
• Mental health.
• Legal and ethical considerations.
• Quality improvement.

RNC Certification Requirements

Let’s explore the key steps to start your certification journey.

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

To take the exam, you need to be a registered nurse, which means completing either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX to get licensed.

Here’s what you’ll need to qualify for the RNC-NIC credential:

• 24 months of specialty experience, with at least 2,000 hours in total (can include direct patient care, education, administration, or research)
• Employment in the specialty within the past 24 months

2. Start Preparing for the Exam

Wondering how to ace the RNC certification test? Success begins with proper study skills. Here are some key resources to help you get a head start on the content:

• RNC-NIC study guide
• RNC-NIC practice questions
• RNC testing guide
• Registration catalog
• Recent reference texts
• Study resources listed on the RNC-NIC study guide

3. Apply for the RNC-NIC Exam

Create an online account on the NCC website, complete the required fields, and submit all the required documents. Once your information is verified, you’ll receive an eligibility letter. You’ll have 30 days to schedule your exam within the 90-day eligibility window.

You have two options for taking the test:

• At a PSI testing center: You’ll need to wait at least 4 business days between scheduling and your test date.
• Live remote proctoring: You’ll need to wait at least 2 business days between scheduling and your test date.

4. Pay the Exam Fee

So, what are the RNC-NIC exam fees? Here’s a breakdown:

• Exam: $325 total (includes a $50 nonrefundable application fee and a $275 testing fee)
• Practice test: $35
• Reference materials: Up to $100, depending on the textbook chosen

Incomplete applications will be charged a $30 reprocessing fee, so double-check everything before submitting.

6. Pass the Exam

Want a snapshot of what your exam will look like? Here are a few details for you to keep in mind:

• You’ll have to answer 175 multiple-choice items (150 are scored and 25 unscored).
• You’ll have 3 hours to complete it.
• There’s no fixed passing score. Your result is based on how many questions you answer correctly (wrong answers aren’t penalized). Whether you pass depends on how your ability level compares to a set standard.
• You won’t see a test result immediately, but you’ll receive an official score report within 15 business days of taking your exam.

7. Maintain the Certification

Wondering how to maintain your RNC certification? NICU nurses need to renew their certification every three years. Here are the steps of the renewal process:

1. Take the continuing competency assessment. It’s available 90 days from the start of your new maintenance cycle. If you’d rather not take the assessment, you can choose an alternate maintenance option.
2. Review your education plan available on your NCC account.
3. Earn continuing education hours and add them to your maintenance application. Based on your assessment results, you’ll be assigned a specific number of hours — anywhere from 10 to 50.
4. Submit your maintenance application by midnight CST on your due date. Maintenance deadlines are quarterly, on the 15th of March, June, September, or December.

The renewal fees are as follows:

• Maintenance fee (with assessment): $100
• Alternate maintenance fee (without assessment): $175

Keep in mind, that if you choose to earn continuing education hours from NCC directly, you’ll receive discounts:

• 15 hours earns a $20 discount.
• 30 hours earns a $30 discount.
• 45 hours earns a $40 discount.

Frequently Asked Questions: RNC Certification

Is the RNC-NIC exam difficult?

The exam’s difficulty level is subjective, but with a pass rate of 77%, many nurses successfully pass it if they prepare thoroughly.

What do I do if I fail the RNC exam?

Failed the exam? Don’t worry! The downside is you’ll lose your money, but the upside is you can always try again. You can retake the NCC exam as many times as you want, but you can only do it twice within a calendar year. Plus, you’ll need to wait 90 days after your last attempt to apply again, so make sure to use that time to study.

How do I verify my RNC-NIC certification?

If you’d like to send verification straight to your employer’s email, just fill out the online verification form on the NCC website. Alternatively, your employer can independently verify your certification through NCC.

What additional study resources can I use to prepare for the exam?

Looking for a free RNC certification practice test or additional study resources to level up your exam preparation? Explore our list of resources to help you get ready:

• Explore Quizlet for free test questions and flashcards.
• Explore YouTube for free educational lectures and sample test walkthroughs.
• Use apps, such as PocketPrep.
• Consider attending nursing conferences and networking events. They won’t replace your study time, but you’ll be able to speak to experts in the field and ask questions.

What is a typical salary for an RNC-NIC-certified professional?

The national average salary for registered nurses is $94,480 per year or $45.42 per hour. Your NICU salary will depend on factors like your education, years of experience, and your specific role in the healthcare team. Plus, where you work matters too. For example, the five top-paying states for nurses include:

• California
• Hawaii
• Oregon
• Washington
• Alaska

Is the RNC certification recognized nationally or internationally?

The RNC-NIC certification is available for licensed registered nurses in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re considering travel nursing or seeking international work opportunities in Canada, this certification can be a valuable asset.

What are the benefits of RNC certification for nurses?

Wondering how an RNC credential will benefit your career? This credential validates your specialized expertise in NICU settings, making you a top candidate on the job market. Extra benefits include:

• Higher pay: Certified nurses often earn more than their non-certified colleagues.
• Career growth: Certification can give your NICU nursing resume a boost, setting you apart in the job market.
• Continuous learning: Studying for the exam keeps you updated on the latest advancements in neonatal care practices and technologies.
• Promotion opportunities: It may increase your chances of getting a promotion, including opportunities for leadership and teaching roles.
• Improved patient care: The skills and knowledge you gain can lead to improved outcomes for the little ones you care for.

Related Certifications

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

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
• Registered Nurse Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
• Registered Nurse Certification in Low-Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-LRN)
• Registered Nurse Certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
• S.T.A.B.L.E. Certification

Ready for a New Nursing Opportunity?

If you’re planning to get your RNC certification, it’s a great time to think about advancing your career. IntelyCare can match you with the latest nursing roles tailored to your skills and preferences. Find your next opportunity today.