RNC-OB - Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics

The Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification is offered through the National Certification Corporation (NCC). The RNC-OB is designed for registered nurses (RNs) with two years of professional experience specializing in obstetric, gynecologic, or neonatal nursing in the U.S. or Canada. RNC-OB credentials demonstrate highly specialized skills in the care of hospitalized mothers and babies during the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn periods.

Test Fees

Computer Exam Fee $325, includes a $50 application fee

Test Format

The RNC-OB exam is a timed 3-hour test containing 175 multiple-choice questions. From the total, 150 items are scored, and 25 are used to gather statistical data but don't count towards the final results. Candidates score points for items answered correctly, used to calculate an ability level. There's no penalty for wrong answers. The final score will be pass/fail, based on ability level. The NCC re-evaluates test content every 3 to 5 years to stay current. The current test is the 2019/2020 version.

Results

After testing, candidates will receive an email from the testing company with instructions about the results. Official results and a final score report are mailed from NCC within 15 business days.

Prerequisites:

1. A current and unrestricted RN license in the US or Canada

2. Two years (24 months) and 2,000 clinical hours of experience working in the inpatient setting with a thorough understanding of pregnancy and childbirth. 

3. Verified employment history in a hospital setting during the past two years that provided direct clinical practice, education, administration, or research. 

Applications for the NCC RNC-OB exam must be submitted online. Applications sent by fax, mail, or email are rejected. Applications are typically approved within two weeks. Candidates who are approved receive eligibility letters by email and through the NCC online portal. They must schedule their exam 30 to 90 days from approval.

Steps for Testing

• Determine eligibility

• Submit application online through the NCC website

• Save email confirmation of application receipt

• Email confirmation should arrive within 30 minutes

• Wait for application approval

• This process can take up to 2 weeks

• Receive notification of eligibility to test via email and NCC account

• Schedule an exam appointment within the first 30 days of the eligibility window that's within the 90-day testing window

NCC’s Maintenance Program requires certification renewal every three years. The RNC-OB renewal requires:

• Continuing Competency Assessment (CCA) for individualized education plan

• Maintenance application

• Documentation of Continuing Education (CE) activities

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

The NCC offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Outline

• Testing Guide

• Practice Test (Cost: $35)

• Registration Catalog

• Candidate Guide - contains sample questions, competency statements, detailed test outlines, list of book/periodical references and NCC policies related to the test administration process

The NCC also offers the following:

• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Certification

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification

• Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)

• Registered Nurse, Certified Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAP)