RNC-MNN - Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing

Maternal-child nursing is focused on caring for clients as they progress from pregnancy to birth and in the care of their newborns. In-depth knowledge of women's health, perinatal, and neonatal conditions are required for the nurses working with this population.

The Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) certification is offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). The RNC-MNN is relevant for nurses caring for childbearing women during pregnancy up to six weeks after birth. This certification encompasses nursing care for both the mother and the newborn, including assessment, management, and complications.

Cost

The initial exam fee is $325 which includes the non-refundable $50 application fee.

Applicants for the RNC-MNN exam must register online. The exam is a computer-based test with 175 multiple-choice items that allow for up to three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the RNC-MNN certification exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Current, active, and unencumbered licensure as an RN in the US or Canada.

• 24 months of specialized experience as a US or Canadian RN comprised a minimum of 2000 hours.

• Employment in the specialty in the last 24 months.

• Both practice time and hours must be met. 

A candidate can apply for testing online through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

After verifying eligibility to test, candidates should gather personal information, RN license number, and an employer contact for verification of hours to complete the online application.

The RNC-MNN certification is valid for three years.

In order to renew the certification, the following criteria are required:

• Completion of the Continuing Competency Assessment (CCA): This identifies your personal education plan for focusing on continuing education.

• Completed CE hours as delineated by the CCA.

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

Any completed CE must be within the specification of the learning needs identified by the CCA. CE hours completed before the CCA cannot be used for the renewal of the certification.

The NCC offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Guide

• Testing Methods

• Registration Catalog

• Practice Test (Cost: $35)

The NCC does not sponsor exam test preparation courses but does list the Center for Certification Preparation and Review (CCPR) as a resource for online practice tests and study books.

The nurse seeking additional verification of skills in the maternal-child category may also consider these certifications offered by the NCC:

• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM): Verified competency on the use of fetal monitoring equipment and assessment of intrauterine fetal complications.

• Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB): Focuses on the care of clients during labor in the hospital setting.

• Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC): Demonstration of the skills and knowledge related to the care of the prematurely born infant.

• Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAN): Focuses on providing risk assessment and psychosocial support to hospitalized pregnant women during the antepartum period.