Top 11 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certifications

Certifications are important for neonatal nurse practitioners in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value. They also provide evidence of one’s commitment to continuing professional development and staying up-to-date on the latest advances in neonatal care. Certifications also ensure that neonatal nurse practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care to newborns. Furthermore, employers may see certifications as a sign of dedication to the profession, as certification involves studying, passing an exam, and maintaining recertification through continuing education requirements. Finally, having a certification can make a difference when competing for positions with other qualified candidates.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and explain how they can benefit a neonatal nurse practitioner's career.

What are Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certifications?

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) certification is a specialized form of nursing certification for nurses who specialize in providing care for newborns and their families. This advanced practice nursing specialty requires additional education, training, and certification beyond the basic requirements to become a registered nurse. NNP certification is obtained through the National Certification Corporation (NCC), which awards the title of NNP-BC (Board Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner).

NNPs provide comprehensive primary care to infants from birth until discharge from the hospital, as well as ongoing management of conditions that may arise after discharge. They also provide family-centered care, including counseling and support for parents and siblings. In addition, they collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective care.

The benefits of obtaining NNP certification are numerous. First, it allows neonatal nurses to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this specialized field of practice. It also provides them with an opportunity to increase their professional credibility by gaining recognition among peers and employers. Additionally, those who obtain NNP certification can take advantage of higher salaries, increased job security, and additional career advancement opportunities due to increased marketability in the healthcare field. Finally, obtaining NNP certification can help nurses better serve patients by providing more comprehensive care that meets the unique needs of each newborn patient.

Pro Tip: When considering neonatal nurse practitioner certification, it is important to research the requirements and expectations of the program carefully. Make sure to look into the average length of time it takes to complete the certification process, as well as any additional licensing or education requirements that may be necessary in order to become certified. Additionally, take advantage of any resources available for studying for the certification exam, such as study guides and practice exams.

Related: What does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner do?

Top 11 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Neonatal Nurse Practitioners today.

1. Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP)

A Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP) is a specialized type of advanced practice nurse who provides comprehensive care to newborns and their families. CNNPs are registered nurses who have completed additional education and training in neonatal nursing and have passed an examination to become certified.

The certification process typically takes two years, depending on the individual's educational background. To become a CNNP, a nurse must first earn a master's degree in nursing from an accredited university or college that offers a specialty track in neonatal nursing. Then, they must complete additional coursework and clinical hours specific to the neonatal field. After completing the necessary educational requirements, they must pass the national certification examination administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

The cost of becoming a CNNP varies based on the individual's educational background and other factors such as location and program costs. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books and supplies, exam fees, licensure fees, travel expenses for clinical rotations, etc.

Overall, becoming a CNNP requires dedication and hard work but is well worth it for those looking to make a difference in the lives of newborns and their families.

2. Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of neonatal nurse practitioners. This certification demonstrates a nurse practitioner’s commitment to providing quality care to newborns and their families.

To become certified, nurses must meet eligibility requirements, including having an active RN license in the United States or its territories, having graduated from an accredited school of nursing with a master’s degree in nursing or higher, and having completed at least 500 hours of clinical practice as a neonatal nurse practitioner within the past five years.

Once these requirements are met, the nurse can apply for certification through the PNCB website. The application fee is $295 for PNCB members and $395 for non-members. After submitting the application and fee, nurses must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as neonatal physiology, pharmacology, assessment and management of common conditions in newborns, family-centered care, legal/ethical issues related to neonatal care, research/evidence-based practice, and leadership/collaboration.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the exam, nurses receive their certification which is valid for five years before it must be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. National Certification Corporation (NCC) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification

The National Certification Corporation (NCC) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC) certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes the advanced practice registered nurse's knowledge, skills, and experience in providing care to newborns and their families. It is a nationally recognized credential for neonatal nurse practitioners who have met the eligibility requirements set by NCC.

To obtain the NNP-BC certification, one must first meet the eligibility criteria set by NCC. This includes having an active RN license, completing an accredited master’s or doctoral program in neonatal nursing, and having at least 500 hours of clinical practice as a neonatal nurse practitioner within the last three years. After meeting these requirements, one must then pass the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination (NNPCE). The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a clinical simulation portion.

The entire process of obtaining the NNP-BC certification can take up to six months or longer depending on individual preparation time and scheduling of exams.

The cost for obtaining this certification varies depending on where you take your exam. The fee for taking the NNPCE is $450 if taken at a Pearson VUE testing center and $500 if taken online through Pearson VUE Online Proctoring Service. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $90 due every two years to maintain this certification.

4. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification is a certification program that recognizes the advanced education, knowledge, and skills of neonatal nurse practitioners. It is designed to validate the professional competency of neonatal nurse practitioners who are providing care to newborns and their families.

In order to be eligible for ANCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification, applicants must possess a valid RN license in the United States or its territories; have completed an accredited graduate-level program in neonatal nursing; and have at least 500 hours of clinical practice as a neonatal nurse practitioner within the past three years.

The process of obtaining ANCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification typically takes four to six months from the time of application submission. The first step is for applicants to submit an application packet that includes transcripts from their graduate program, verification of licensure, verification of clinical practice hours, and payment of the $395 fee. Once all materials are received, applicants will be notified by email when they can log into their account on the ANCC website to take the exam.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge in areas such as health promotion and maintenance, management of care delivery systems, pharmacology and therapeutics, assessment/diagnosis/intervention/evaluation processes, professional issues related to neonatology nursing practice, research utilization/quality improvement initiatives, collaboration with other healthcare providers/agencies/communities in providing care for newborns and their families. After successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive a certificate acknowledging their credentialing as a Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP).

The cost for ANCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification is $395 which covers both application fees and exam fees.

5. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing Certification

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing Certification is a voluntary certification program for registered nurses who specialize in the care of newborns. The purpose of this certification is to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care for premature and ill newborns.

To obtain this certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having an active RN license, two years of full-time experience as an RN in a neonatal setting, and completion of 30 hours of continuing education related to neonatal nursing. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as assessment, management, and evaluation of high-risk infants.

The entire process takes approximately four months to complete. During this time, applicants must submit all required documentation and complete the exam. Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their AACN Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing Certification.

The cost for this certification varies depending on the state or country where you are applying from. In the United States, the cost is typically around $200-$400 USD depending on your state’s licensing fees.

6. National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification

The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification is a certification program designed to recognize advanced practice neonatal nurses who have achieved the highest level of knowledge, skills, and competency in neonatal nursing. The NANN C-NNP certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates excellence in clinical practice, research, and leadership within the field of neonatal nursing.

In order to become certified as a NANN C-NNP, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements which include: having a valid RN license; having at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse in the care of newborns or infants; completing at least 2000 hours of direct patient care; and completing an approved graduate-level course in advanced practice neonatal nursing. Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification by submitting an application to NANN along with the required documentation and fees.

The cost for the NANN C-NNP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of NANN. For members, the cost is $450 USD and for nonmembers it is $550 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with any necessary recertification activities.

Once all application materials have been submitted and reviewed, applicants will receive notification from NANN regarding their status. If approved, they will be eligible to take the written examination which consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy & physiology, pharmacology & therapeutics, pathophysiology & disease management, assessment & evaluation skills, and professional issues & ethics. The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and must be taken within one year from the date of approval for certification.

Upon successful completion of the written examination, applicants will then be eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). This exam consists of five simulated scenarios involving actual patients or case studies that require candidates to demonstrate their ability to assess patients’ conditions accurately and provide appropriate interventions based on best practices in neonatal nursing care. The CSE takes approximately four hours to complete and must also be taken within one year from the date of approval for certification.

Once both exams have been successfully completed and all other requirements fulfilled (including payment of applicable fees), applicants will receive their official NANN C-NNP certificate which is valid for five years from date issued.

7. Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology is a certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge and skills of medical-surgical nurses who provide care to neonatal patients. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of advanced practice nursing in neonatology, including clinical practice, research, education, and leadership.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a current RN license, at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in an acute care setting within the past three years, and completion of at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care in neonatology within the past three years.

Once these requirements are met, candidates must then pass a written exam administered by AMSN. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology; pharmacology; pathophysiology; assessment; diagnosis; treatment planning; implementation; evaluation; professional issues and ethics; and research methodology. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their certification from AMSN.

The cost for the AMSN Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology certification is $395 for members of AMSN and $495 for non-members. This fee includes registration for the exam, study materials, and the certificate upon successful completion.

8. International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Certified Lactation Consultant

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of lactation consulting. The CLC credential is designed to ensure that lactation consultants have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide competent care to breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

In order to become an IBLCE Certified Lactation Consultant, individuals must complete a rigorous educational program, pass an examination, and meet certain eligibility requirements. The program typically takes two years to complete, although some students may be able to complete it in less time.

To get started on becoming an IBLCE CLC, individuals must first enroll in an accredited lactation consultant education program. These programs are offered by universities, colleges, hospitals, and other organizations around the world. Upon successful completion of the program, students must then take and pass the IBLCE examination before they can be certified.

The cost for taking the IBLCE exam varies depending on where you take it. In addition to the exam fee, there may also be additional fees for study materials or other related costs. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$600 USD to become certified as an IBLCE CLC.

9. American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) Certified Pain Management Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology

The American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) Certified Pain Management Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have attained advanced knowledge and clinical competency in the field of neonatal pain management. The program is open to registered nurses with at least two years of experience in neonatal nursing and a current specialty certification in either Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC) or Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS-NNP).

The ASPMN Certified Pain Management Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology requires successful completion of an online examination that covers topics such as pharmacology, evidence-based practice, assessment and management of pain, ethics, legal issues, communication skills, and patient education. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to become certified as an ASPMN Certified Pain Management Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology, candidates must submit an application form along with their professional resume/CV and supporting documents such as transcripts from accredited nursing programs. Candidates must also pay a fee of $250 for the examination. After passing the exam, candidates will be awarded the designation “ASPMN Certified Pain Management Nurse – Advanced Practice in Neonatology” which is valid for five years.

Once certified, pain management nurses are eligible to apply for advanced practice roles in neonatal settings such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. They may also pursue additional certifications related to neonatal care such as NNP-BC (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Board Certification), CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), or PCCN (Pediatric Critical Care Nursing).

10. National League for Nursing Specialty Nursing Certifications (NLN SNCCs) Advanced Practice in Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology

The National League for Nursing Specialty Nursing Certifications (NLN SNCCs) Advanced Practice in Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of advanced practice nurses who specialize in maternal-child health/neonatology. It is an advanced practice nursing specialty certification that recognizes the nurse’s expertise in providing care to mothers and their children from birth through adolescence.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the process of obtaining this certification. The first step is to meet the eligibility requirements for the NLN SNCCs Advanced Practice in Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology. This includes having a valid RN license, having at least two years of experience as an RN in maternal-child health/neonatology, and completing at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice within the last three years. Once these requirements are met, applicants must then pass a written examination which covers topics such as neonatal assessment and care, labor and delivery management, postpartum care, breastfeeding management, newborn screening tests, and more.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on where you take the exam. The NLN offers a discounted rate for members which can range from $200-$400 depending on if you choose to take it online or in person. Additionally, some states may offer additional discounts or waivers for those taking the exam within their state.

11. National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Certified Nurse Practitioner – Advanced Practice in Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Certified Nurse Practitioner – Advanced Practice in Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology is a voluntary certification program for nurse practitioners who specialize in the care of pregnant women, newborns, and children. It is designed to recognize advanced practice nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in this specialty area.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including: holding an active RN license; having a graduate degree from an accredited nursing program; and completing at least 500 hours of clinical practice as an APRN in maternal-child health/neonatology within the past three years. Applicants must also pass the NONPF Certification Exam for Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology.

The NONPF Certification Exam for Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology consists of two parts: a written exam and a clinical simulation exam. The written exam covers topics such as maternal physiology, fetal development, labor and delivery management, neonatal assessment and care, pediatric assessment and care, breastfeeding support, and family planning. The clinical simulation exam assesses the applicant’s ability to apply knowledge from the written exam to real-world scenarios.

The cost of taking the NONPF Certification Exam for Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology is $450 for members of NONPF and $550 for nonmembers. The cost includes both parts of the exam plus access to study materials provided by NONPF.

It typically takes about six weeks to receive results from the certification exam once it has been taken. Once certified, nurse practitioners can use the credential “CNPC-APMCH/N” (Certified Nurse Practitioner - Advanced Practice in Maternal-Child Health/Neonatology) after their name on business cards or other professional documents.

Do You Really Need a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certificate?

Yes, you do need a neonatal nurse practitioner certificate if you want to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. A neonatal nurse practitioner is a highly specialized type of advanced practice nurse who is responsible for providing care and support to newborn infants and their families in the hospital or other healthcare settings. The neonatal nurse practitioner certificate program provides the necessary education and training required to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, assessment and diagnosis of newborns, management of common conditions, legal issues related to newborn care, family-centered care practices, and research methods.

Having a neonatal nurse practitioner certificate is essential for anyone wanting to gain employment in this field. Many employers require certification before hiring a candidate for a position as an NNP. Additionally, having the certificate can make it easier to find job opportunities since most employers prefer candidates who have already completed formal training in the field.

The neonatal nurse practitioner certificate also allows holders to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. By obtaining certification through an accredited program, individuals can prove that they have received comprehensive training in all aspects of caring for newborns. This can make them more attractive candidates when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within their organizations.

In conclusion, yes, you do need a neonatal nurse practitioner certificate if you want to become an NNP. This certification demonstrates your commitment to quality patient care and establishes your credentials as an expert in this field. With the right training and certification program, you will be well-prepared to provide excellent care for newborns and their families.

Related: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Resume Examples

FAQs About Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)?

A: To become an NNP, you must have a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialty in neonatology. You may also need to complete additional certifications or state requirements.

2. What is the difference between a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse?

A: A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner has advanced education and training beyond that of an NICU nurse. An NNP is licensed to diagnose, treat, and manage complex medical conditions of newborns. An NICU nurse provides basic care for newborns in the NICU setting.

3. How long does it take to become certified as an NNP?

A: The certification process can take anywhere from 6-12 months depending on the number of courses taken and clinical hours completed. Generally, most NNP certification programs require 500+ clinical hours in order to be eligible for certification exams.

4. What are the different types of NNP certifications available?

A: There are several different types of NNP certifications offered by various organizations such as The National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties (NCC), The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Each organization has its own set of criteria for certification so it's important to research which one best fits your needs.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after becoming certified as an NNP?

A: Yes, after obtaining initial certification as an NNP, you will need to complete continuing education courses every two years in order to keep your certification current. Depending on your state's laws and regulations, you may also be required to renew your RN license periodically in order to maintain your ability to practice as an NNP.