C-EFM - Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring

  • Cost $210
  • Renews every 3 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

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

Course Format

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.

In Person

Applicants have 90 days to register for the exam after receiving notice from NCC. This email contains a candidate ID and online scheduling instructions. Candidates must use the online link provided in their electronic examination permit to schedule their test date. They receive a confirmation email with the date, time, and location of their exam. Candidates should verify the accuracy of this information.

View PSI Test Center locations page to find the nearest testing center.

Exam Day Instructions

  • Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time

  • Bring 2 forms of identification

  • Don’t bring any items besides identification as the testing site doesn’t provide lockers

  • Food and drinks aren’t allowed in the testing room

Online

When scheduling the exam, PSI provides applicants information for logging into the PSI online system on testing day. 

  • Log in to the PSI testing platform up to 15 minutes before the appointment time

  • Complete the check-in process performed by a PSI test administrator, including a webcam, microphone and environment check

    • Examinees must be alone, in a quiet, well-lit space, with the computer on a table or desk

    • No food, drinks, headphones, electronics or notes are permitted

  • Complete an identification check performed by the PSI test administrator

    • The live proctor remains present throughout the test for questions

Certification

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.

Renewal

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

Continuing Education

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.

Other Resources

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

Related Certifications

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)

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know what my maintenance due date is for the C-EFM?

When you log into your NCC account, your maintenance due date for the C-EFM is on the “My Profile” page.

What if I can’t take the C-EFM within my eligibility window?

If you can’t take your C-EFM exam within your eligibility window, you may request one change by submitting a Change Request Form and $125. If you already scheduled the exam, you must cancel the exam with PSI first. Candidates must request a change within 1-year of the first day of the eligibility window.

Can I still renew my C-EFM certification if it’s expired?

If your C-EFM certification expired less than 12 months ago, you can still renew it by paying a $145 reinstatement fee. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must retake the exam.

What if I fail the C-EFM exam?

To register to retake the C-EFM after initially failing it, you must wait 90 days after the previous exam attempt and pay the full application fee. You can only take the exam twice within a year.

Is the C-EFM exam hard?

Like any certification exam, the C-EFM is difficult without proper preparation. In 2021, 3,515 applicants took the C-EFM exam and 85% passed.

Can I earn a Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) online?

Yes you can earn a Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) online.