C-EFM - Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring

The Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) certification validates the knowledge and skills of licensed healthcare professionals who utilize electronic fetal monitoring to care for obstetric patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. The National Certification Corporation (NCC) offers the C-EFM exam, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA).

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the C-EFM exam, applicants must have a current, active license in the U.S. or Canada as one of the following: 

• Physician (MD/DO)

• Registered nurse

• Nurse practitioner

• Nurse midwife

• Midwife

• Physician assistant

• Paramedic

Completion Time: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the C-EFM exam

Cost: Initial testing fee $210

Exam Format

The C-EFM exam includes 100 scored and 25 unscored questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. C-EFM exam topics include:

• Pattern Recognition and Intervention (70%)

• Physiology (11%)

• Fetal Assessment and Methods (9%)

• Electronic Monitoring Equipment (5%)

• Professional Issues (5%)

Test Dates

Applicants can register to take the in-person exam anytime based on availability at their selected PSI Testing Center. Examinees may also take the exam at home via PSI’s Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) service.

Test Results

NCC mails test results within 15 days of exam completion.

Online Application

• Create an account or log in to the NCC website

• Enter special accommodation requirements

• Click “Read and Agree” to expand the agreement information

• Click “Agree” and “Continue”

• Enter personal information

• Enter professional and employment information

• Review the application

• Enter payment information

After application submission, NCC emails an immediate response within 30 minutes. After 2 weeks, NCC emails an eligibility notice with scheduling information. Applicants have 30 days to schedule the exam.

C-EFM is valid for 3 years. Renewal applicants can renew by completing 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), submitting the maintenance application, and paying the renewal fee. They can renew as early as 1-year before the expiration date.

To renew:

• Log in to the NCC Maintenance Application

• Enter personal and employment information

• Enter CEU information

• Review the application

• Enter payment information

Refer to the Maintenance Handbook for full information.

Renewal Fees

• Renewal by CEUs: $50

NCC requires 15 CEUs to renew the C-EFM. CEU categories include:

• CEU Modules

• Preceptorship hours

• Making CE presentations

• Writing books/journal articles

• Credit for NCC activities

• Item writing

• Academic credit

For a full list of accepted CEUs, refer to the CEU page.

NCC provides several resources to help prepare for the C-EFM exam, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• C-EFM Candidate Guide with study guide, sample questions, and list of references

• *C-EFM Preview Test available for $35

Other related certifications include:

• Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW)

• Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC)

• Certified - Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT)

• Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (C-ONQS)