RNC-MNN - Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing

  • Cost $325
  • Renews every 3 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

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.

Course Format

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.

Certification

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.

Renewal

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

Continuing Education

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.

Other Resources

The NCC offers resources for exam candidates, including:

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.

Related Certifications

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What topics should I study for the RNC-MNN exam?

The core competencies for the RNC-MNN certification exam are Pregnancy, Birth Risk Factors and Complications; Maternal Postpartum Assessment, Management and Education; Maternal Postpartum Complications; Newborn Assessment and Management; and Newborn Complications.

After I submit my application, how long do I have until I have to take the test?

Once you receive the examination eligibility letter via email, you must schedule the test appointment within 30 days. Your testing appointment must be within 90 days of receiving your eligibility letter.

What does the Continued Competency Assessment (CCA) plan look like?

The CCA results use the core competencies established for the RNC-MNN and validate the renewal candidate's competence based on a scoring system. If you score less than 7.5 in any competency category, you must earn continuing education (CE) to renew your certification. The NCC provides the CCA guide to outline the structure of the education plan.

What are some certifications I can pursue after obtaining RNC-MNN certification?

You can pursue Registered Nurse, Certified Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAP) or Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics (RNC-OB), among others.

How many questions are on the RNC Maternal Newborn Nursing (MNN) exam?

The RNC Maternal Newborn Nursing exam consists of up to 175 test questions. Only 150 are the questions are scored. The rest are embedded in the exam as pretest items.

Can I earn a RNC-MNN online?

Yes you can earn a RNC-MNN online.

What organization offers the RNC-MNN?

The National Certification Corporation (NCC) offers the RNC-MNN.