C-NNIC - Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care

The Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC) certification validates the knowledge and skills of licensed healthcare professionals applying neurological care to at-risk neonates within an ICU. The National Certification Corporation (NCC) offers the C-NNIC exam, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA).

Eligibility

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

• Physician (MD/DO)

• Registered nurse

• Advanced practice registered nurse

• Physician assistant

• Respiratory therapist

• Neonatal therapist (Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP))

Although not required, NCC recommends applicants have at least one year of experience in neurologically at-risk neonatal patients.

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

Cost

• Initial testing fee: $210

• Retest fee: $210

Exam Format

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

• Neurologic Development and Evaluation of the Fetus and Newborn (21%)

• Neuro-monitoring, Imaging, and Diagnostic Tools (17%)

• Assess and Manage Pathophysiologic States Specific to the Neurologically Compromised or At-Risk Neonates (34%)

• Assess and Manage Neuro-Development, Psychosocial Behavioral States, Follow-Up And Discharge (23%)

• Professional Issues (EBP, Professional, Legal, Ethical, Safety) (5%)

Test Dates

Applicants can register to take the in-person exam anytime based on availability at their selected PSI Testing Center.

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-NNIC 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-NNIC. 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-NNIC exam, including:

• Candidate Handbook

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

• C-NNIC Preview Test available for $35

Other related certifications include:

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

• Certified – Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)

• Certified - Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT)

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