ONQS - Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety
- Cost $210
- Renews every 3 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (C-ONQS) certification validates the knowledge and skills of licensed healthcare professionals applying quality and safety principles in obstetrical and neonatal patients. The National Certification Corporation (NCC) offers the C-ONQS exam, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA).
Eligibility
To be eligible to take the C-ONQS 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 (NP, CNS, or CNM)
Physician assistant
Certified midwife
Respiratory therapist
Licensed social workers
Although not required, NCC recommends applicants have at least one year of experience in quality improvement and safety practices in OB and neonatal patients.
Completion Time: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the C-ONQS exam
Cost: Initial testing fee $210
Course Format
Exam Format
The C-ONQS exam includes 100 scored and 25 unscored questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam. C-ONQS exam topics include:
Quality and Safety Assessment and Gap Analysis (21%)
Integrate Quality and Safety in Practice (21%)
Develop and Implement Quality and Safety into Practice (25%)
Evaluation and Measures of Effectiveness (23%)
Professional and Ethical Issues (10%)
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.
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
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-ONQS 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 one 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-ONQS. 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-ONQS exam, including:
C-ONQS Candidate Guide with study guide, sample questions, and list of references
C-ONQS Preview Test available for $35
Related Certifications
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what my maintenance due date is for the C-ONQS?
When you log into your NCC account, your maintenance due date for the C-ONQS is on the “My Profile” page.
What if I can’t take the C-ONQS within my eligibility window?
If you can’t take your C-ONQS 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-ONQS certification if it’s expired?
If your C-ONQS 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-ONQS exam?
To register to retake the C-ONQS after initially failing the exam, 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-ONQS exam hard?
Like any certification exam, the C-ONQS is difficult without proper preparation. In 2021, 193 applicants took the C-ONQS exam and 76% passed.
Can I earn a Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (C-ONQS) online?
Yes you can earn a Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (C-ONQS) online.