RNC-IAP - Registered Nurse, Certified Inpatient Antepartum Nursing

The Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAP) is a new certification introduced in February 2022 by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

The RNC-IAP tests specialty knowledge and clinical skills in caring for high-risk obstetrical patients in the hospital. RNs must demonstrate a coordinated approach to care, risk assessment, and emotional support to inpatient mothers during the antepartum stage.

Test Format

The RNC-IAP exam is a 3-hour timed test comprising 175 multiple-choice questions.

Tests are administered through PSI Testing Services. Candidates may test at a local testing center or virtually via online live remote proctoring.

Results

Results are not immediately available. Official results are mailed within 15 business days. After sending official results through the mail, pass/Fail results are also posted in a nurse’s NCC account.

To be eligible for the RNC-IAP examination, nurses must have:

• an active, unrestricted registered nursing license

• 24 months of experience in inpatient antepartum nursing

• 2,000 clinical hours of specialty experience

Nurses can apply for the exam online through NCC after they meet all eligibility criteria.

Test Fee: $325

RNC-IAP certification is valid for three years. Recertification costs $100. Nurses must earn 15-55 hours of continuing education (CE) credit following their education plan.

Renewal Fees

• Fees are based on a quarterly system, depending on when certification was granted.

• Dates: March 15th, June 15th, September 15th or December 15th

• Maintenance fees = $100

• Discounts if using Continuing Education (CE) modules:

  • 15 hours = $80

  • 30  hours = $70

  • 45 hours = $60

• Alternate maintenance fee if continuing competency assessment is not completed = $175

Steps to Renewal:

1. Take the Continuing Competency Assessment in the NCC online account.

2. Review the education plan, which shows CE requirements.

3. Earn CE for completed continuing education activities.

4. Add and track the activities in the NCC online account.

5. Submit the maintenance application.

The NCC processes renewal applications in 3-5 business days but may take two weeks.

The NCC offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Guide

• Testing Guide

• Practice Test (Cost: $35)

• Registration Catalog

The NCC also offers the following:

• Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)

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

• Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (ONQS)

• Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC)

• Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics (RNC-OB)

The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) offers the Fetal Heart Monitoring (FHM).