The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam, which is administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), is designed to measure specialty knowledge and application in the field of neonatal nursing care. Those who pass the exam receive the NNP-BC certification.
Click “Start Test” above to take a free Neonatal Nurse Practitioner practice test, and check out our premium-quality Neonatal Nurse Practitioner test prep resources by clicking the links below!
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the exam, you must hold a current, unencumbered nursing or advanced practice nursing license in the US. You must also have graduated from an accredited graduate nurse practitioner program within the last eight years (master’s DNP or post-master’s).
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Outline
The NCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions, 25 of which are unscored, and you will be given a time limit of 3 hours. The unscored questions are used by NCC to evaluate questions for future versions of the exam.
The exam is split into five content categories.
I. General Assessment (17%)
The questions in this category are designed to test your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Maternal history affecting the newborn
- Neonatal
- Family integration
- Discharge planning and follow-up care
II. General Management (19%)
The questions in this category are designed to test your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Thermoregulation
- Resuscitation and stabilization
- Growth and nutrition
- Fluid and electrolytes
III. Pharmacology (9%)
The questions in this category are designed to test your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Drugs and breastfeeding
- Common drug therapies
IV. Embryology, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Systems Management (52%)
The questions in this category are designed to test your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Cardiac
- Respiratory
- Renal/genitourinary
- Metabolic/endocrine
- Hematopoietic
- Infectious diseases
- Musculoskeletal
- Integumentary
- Genetics
- Neurological
- Ears, eyes, nose, and mouth/throat
V. Professional Issues (3%)
The questions in this category are designed to test your knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Evidence-based practice
- Legal/ethical principles
- Quality improvement
- Patient safety
Check Out Mometrix's Neonatal Nurse Study Guide
Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons
Get Your Study Guide
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam Registration
To register for the exam, you will need to complete an online application on the NCC website. The application will require your personal, licensure, and employment information, and you will need to pay the $50 application fee and $275 examination fee.
Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions for setting up the test date.
Test Day
In-person Testing
On test day, you should arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to complete the check-in process. When you arrive, you must provide two forms of identification, which include a photograph and your name and signature.
Electronic devices, notes, reference materials, and other items are not allowed in the testing room, so you will be asked to leave those items in a secure locker until the exam is over.
Before the exam begins, you will be given the opportunity to take a practice test to become familiar with the test design and computer. Once the practice test is complete, you will begin the real exam.
Live Remote Proctoring
You should sign in to the testing portal 15-30 minutes early. During the check-in period, your identification will be checked, and you will be asked to scan your testing area using your webcam. The remote proctor will then go over the testing rules and expectations to ensure you are prepared.
Once the proctor has determined you are ready, the exam will begin.
How the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam is Scored
The NCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam is scored using a criterion-reference method, meaning that the passing score is based on a criterion predetermined by a set of subject-matter experts.
When you receive your official score report from the NCC, it will reveal your pass/fail status, but it will not tell you what your final score is. Instead, it will provide you with feedback on each section of the exam in the form of one- or two-word descriptors: Very Weak, Weak, Average, Strong, and Very Strong.
Retaking the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam
If you do not pass the exam, you may submit an application to retake it. You must wait a minimum of 90 days after your initial testing date to reapply, and you must pay all applicable fees. After your second attempt, you must wait until the next calendar year and a minimum of 90 says before applying for another retake.
Check Out Mometrix's Neonatal Nurse Flashcards
Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts
Get Your Flashcards
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner exam?
A
There are 175 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.
Q
How much does the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner exam cost?
A
The total examination fee is $325.
Q
How do you become a neonatal nurse practitioner?
A
To become a neonatal nurse practitioner, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, receive an RN license, gather at least two years of experience, earn your master’s or DNP, and pass the certification exam.
Q
How much does a neonatal nurse practitioner make?
A
The salary for neonatal nurse practitioners varies by state, with the average being between $90,000 and $130,000.
