Top 10 Nanny Certifications

Certifications are important for a nanny in the job market because they demonstrate that the nanny has received specialized training and is knowledgeable about childcare. Certifications also show that the nanny is committed to their profession and willing to invest time and money into becoming an expert in their field. Certification can also provide reassurance to potential employers that the nanny is able to handle any situation with skill and confidence. In addition, certifications can make a nanny more competitive in the job market, as employers may be more likely to hire someone who has taken the initiative to become certified.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for nannies and discuss how they can help further a nanny's career.

What are Nanny Certifications?

Nanny certification is a program of courses, tests and other requirements that can help prepare nannies for their role as caregivers. It is designed to give nannies the skills they need to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children in their care. Certification may include courses such as child development, nutrition and safety, first aid, CPR, parenting and more.

The benefits of nanny certification are numerous. It provides nannies with the knowledge and confidence to properly care for children. Certification also assures parents that their nanny is qualified to provide quality care for their children. Additionally, having certification may make a nanny more attractive to potential employers, leading to better job opportunities. Finally, having certification can also help increase a nanny's income by showing employers that they are serious about their profession and have invested time into learning more about childcare.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific nanny certification requirements in your area before beginning the process. Different states and countries may have different laws and regulations, so it's important to be aware of what is required in order to obtain the proper certification.

Related: What does a Nanny do?

Top 10 Nanny Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Nannys today.

1. Certified Professional Nanny (CPN)

Certified Professional Nanny (CPN) is a professional certification program offered by the International Nanny Association (INA). It is designed to recognize nannies who have achieved a high level of professionalism and expertise in the field. The CPN certification requires that applicants demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the care of children in a home setting.

To obtain the CPN certification, applicants must complete an online application, pass an examination, and provide documentation of relevant experience. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as child development, nutrition, first aid/CPR, safety issues, and communication skills. Applicants must also submit three letters of reference from employers or other childcare professionals.

The cost for the CPN certification program is $295 USD for members of the INA and $395 USD for non-members. It typically takes about two months to complete the process from start to finish.

2. Certified Nanny Educator (CNE)

Certified Nanny Educator (CNE) is a certification program offered by the International Nanny Association (INA). It is designed to provide nannies with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their profession. The CNE certification is an advanced level of training that covers topics such as child development, nutrition, safety, discipline, and communication.

The CNE certification program consists of four parts: an online course, an exam, a portfolio review, and a final interview. The online course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and covers topics such as child development theory, nutrition for children and adults, safety practices for infants and toddlers, behavior management techniques for children of all ages, and communication strategies for nannies. After completing the online coursework, candidates must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. Following this step, candidates must submit a portfolio review which includes documentation of their childcare experience as well as letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors. Finally, candidates must pass a final interview with an INA representative in order to receive their CNE certification.

The cost of the Certified Nanny Educator program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend an in-person workshop. The cost for the online course is $395 USD while attending an in-person workshop costs $495 USD. In addition to these fees there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam ($125) or submitting your portfolio review ($50).

3. Certified Infant Care Specialist (CICS)

A Certified Infant Care Specialist (CICS) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the care of infants. This certification is designed to help ensure that infants receive the highest quality of care possible. CICS professionals are knowledgeable about infant nutrition, development, safety, and health. They can provide advice on how to best care for an infant’s needs.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Infant Care Specialist (CICS). To get certified, you must complete a training program that includes topics such as infant nutrition, development, safety, health promotion, and more. After completing the training program, you must pass an exam administered by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).

The cost of becoming a Certified Infant Care Specialist varies depending on where you take the training program. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $200-$500 for the course materials and exam fee.

In addition to taking a training program and passing an exam, some states may require additional certifications or licenses in order to work with infants professionally. It’s important to research your state’s requirements before enrolling in any courses or exams related to infant care specialist certification.

4. Certified Childcare Professional (CCP)

Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) is a certification program offered by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of family child care. The CCP program provides an opportunity for family child care providers to demonstrate their commitment to quality and professionalism in the field.

The CCP certification process consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as safety and nutrition, developmentally appropriate practice, business management, and professional ethics. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CCP program varies depending on the provider’s location and other factors. Generally, it costs around $300-$400 USD for the online course and exam fees combined.

It typically takes about three months from start to finish to complete the CCP program. This includes time spent studying for the online course and taking the final exam.

5. Certified Newborn Care Specialist (CNCS)

A Certified Newborn Care Specialist (CNCS) is a specialized professional who has received training and certification in the care of newborns. CNCSs are knowledgeable about the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of newborns. They provide comprehensive care to infants from birth through the first few months of life.

The certification process for becoming a CNCS typically takes six to eight weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as infant nutrition, safety, sleep patterns, and development milestones. The course also focuses on medical issues such as jaundice and colic as well as postpartum depression. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become a CNCS, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of experience working with newborns or related healthcare experience. Applicants must also be CPR certified and have up-to-date immunizations.

The cost of becoming a CNCS varies depending on the program chosen; however, most courses range from $500-$1,000 USD.

6. Certified Family Childcare Provider (CFCCP)

A Certified Family Childcare Provider (CFCCP) is a professional who has met the qualifications and standards set by their state to provide quality childcare services in a family home setting. CFCCPs are trained to provide safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care for children in their own homes.

The process of becoming a CFCCP varies by state, but typically involves completing an approved training program and passing a background check. The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the individual’s experience level, the requirements of their state, and how quickly they can complete the necessary steps.

To become a CFCCP, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set by their state. This may include having at least two years of experience working with children or completing an approved training program. They must also pass a criminal background check and demonstrate knowledge of child development principles.

Once these requirements have been met, individuals can apply for certification through their state’s licensing agency. The cost for certification varies by state but typically ranges from $50-$100.

7. Certified Nanny Manager (CNM)

Certified Nanny Manager (CNM) is a certification program offered by the International Nanny Association (INA). The CNM program is designed to provide nannies with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to manage their own businesses as professional nannies.

The CNM program consists of three courses: Professionalism & Ethics, Business Management & Marketing, and Financial Planning & Tax Strategies. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Upon completion of all three courses, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the INA.

To become certified as a CNM, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least two years of experience working as a nanny or other childcare provider. Applicants must also pass an online exam that covers the material in each course.

The cost for the CNM program varies depending on whether you are an INA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $299 USD; for members, it is $249 USD. This fee includes access to all three courses as well as one attempt at the online exam.

8. International Nanny Association Certification Program (INACP)

The International Nanny Association Certification Program (INACP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize the professional standards of nannies and other childcare providers. The program includes a series of online courses, an in-person workshop, and a final exam.

To become certified, applicants must first complete the required online courses. These courses cover topics such as child development, safety and nutrition, discipline techniques, and communication with parents. After completing the online courses, applicants must attend an in-person workshop that covers topics such as legal issues related to nannying, cultural diversity in childcare settings, and strategies for working with families. Finally, applicants must pass a final exam to become certified.

The entire certification process typically takes between two and four months to complete. The cost of the program varies depending on the applicant’s location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

9. National Association of Nannies Certification Program (NANCP)

The National Association of Nannies Certification Program (NANCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest standards of excellence in nanny care. It is an independent, voluntary certification program that verifies a nanny’s knowledge and experience in providing quality care for children.

The NANCP consists of two parts: the Core Competency Course and the Professional Skills Assessment. The Core Competency Course includes online learning modules covering topics such as safety, nutrition, child development, behavior guidance, and communication. The Professional Skills Assessment tests a nanny’s practical skills in areas such as diaper changing, bottle preparation, and meal preparation.

It typically takes 3-4 months to complete the NANCP program. To get started, prospective nannies must register with the NANCP and pay a registration fee of $150 USD. Once registered, they will have access to all course materials and assessments needed to complete the program. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, participants will receive their official NANCP certificate.

The cost of taking part in the NANCP program varies depending on how long it takes each individual participant to complete it. In addition to the registration fee, participants may also need to purchase additional course materials or assessment tools if required by their chosen provider.

10. American Red Cross Babysitter's Training Program

The American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Program is a comprehensive course designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence necessary to provide safe, responsible and caring care for children. The program teaches participants how to handle common childhood illnesses, basic first aid, safety and security issues, child development, positive discipline techniques, and other important topics.

The program is offered in two formats: online or in-person. The online version of the program takes approximately 8 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. The in-person version is typically held over one or two days and includes hands-on activities as well as lectures.

To get the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Program you must register on the Red Cross website or contact your local chapter for more information about in-person classes.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $90 while in-person courses may be more expensive depending on location.

Do You Really Need a Nanny Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. A nanny certificate is not necessary for a nanny to work in the United States. However, it can be beneficial in helping to set yourself apart from other applicants and make you a more attractive option for employers.

A nanny certificate is an optional certification that demonstrates that you have received specialized training in child care and safety. It usually covers topics such as nutrition, development, health and safety, discipline, communication skills, and first aid. Receiving a nanny certificate can give you an edge when applying for jobs because it shows that you are knowledgeable about the responsibilities of being a nanny and are committed to providing excellent care for children.

Having a nanny certificate also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to invest in your own professional development by taking courses specifically related to childcare. This demonstrates that you are dedicated to learning and growing as a professional childcare provider, which will be attractive to employers looking for reliable caregivers who they can trust with their children’s well-being.

In addition, having a nanny certificate may open up opportunities for higher pay or more desirable positions since employers often seek out qualified applicants with this type of certification. Many families prefer hiring someone with formal training rather than relying on experience alone when selecting a caregiver for their children.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a nanny certificate is up to you but it could be beneficial if you’re looking for ways to stand out among other candidates or increase your earning potential as a nanny.

Related: Nanny Resume Examples

FAQs About Nanny Certifications

1. What is a nanny certification?

A nanny certification is a document that proves that an individual has completed the necessary training and education to work as a professional nanny. It typically includes courses on child development, nutrition, safety, first aid and CPR, and other important topics related to childcare.

2. How do I get certified?

In order to become certified as a nanny, you must complete an accredited nanny program or course. These programs are available online or through local colleges and universities. Once you have completed the coursework, you will receive your nanny certification from the program provider.

3. Are there any age requirements for becoming certified?

No, there are no age requirements for becoming certified as a nanny; however, some employers may prefer applicants who are at least 18 years old due to liability issues.

4. How long does my certification last?

Most certifications last for two years before they must be renewed. Renewal typically requires completing additional education or training in relevant topics such as child development or safety protocols.

5. What is the cost of getting certified?

The cost of getting certified as a nanny depends on the program provider; however, most programs range from $200-$500 USD depending on the length and scope of the program materials provided.