RNC-OB Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Registered Nurse Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) is a specialized credential for nurses working in obstetrics settings. In the U.S. alone, obstetrics nurses help bring over 3.6 million babies into the world each year, playing a critical role in ensuring safe deliveries for mothers and babies. This certification equips you with top-notch specialty knowledge, enhances your professional credibility, and opens doors to new career opportunities.
Interested in the RNC inpatient obstetrics certification? You’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through what the credential is, the steps to earn it, and the benefits of having it.
RNC Obstetric Nursing Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: Have a current RN license, 2 years of specialty experience (at least 2,000 hours), and proof of employment in the specialty within the past 2 years.
- Preparation: Use the test outline, study guide, practice tests, and recent reference materials.
- Application process: Create an account on the NCC website, complete the required fields, submit documents, and wait for your eligibility letter.
- Exam: 3-hour test with 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 25 unscored)
- Cost: $325
- Renewal: Every 3 years
What Is RNC Inpatient OB Certification?
The RNC-OB meaning is simple: It’s a credential that highlights your expertise in obstetric nursing, particularly in hospital settings. It’s issued by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), designed for nurses who work in labor and delivery and postpartum care, as well as neonatal specialties.
Curious about the exam content outline? It will assess your knowledge across five main content areas, which include multiple specialty-specific topics:
| Knowledge area: | Examples of topics: |
|---|---|
| Complications of pregnancy |
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| Fetal assessment |
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| Labor and birth |
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| Recovery, postpartum, and newborn care |
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| Professional issues |
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RNC-OB Requirements
So, how can you earn RNC inpatient OB nurse certification? Let’s break down the key steps to getting certified.
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
To take the exam, you need to be a registered nurse, which means completing either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX. After you’re officially licensed, there are a couple more requirements to meet before you’re eligible:
- 24 months of specialty experience (2,000 hours), which can include direct patient care, administration, education, or research
- Employment in the specialty within the past 24 months
2. Start Preparing for the Exam
Wondering how to master the RNC-OB test? It’s all about preparation. Here’s a roundup of helpful resources to get you ahead of the game:
- RNC-OB exam prep study guide
- RNC-OB practice test
- NCC testing guide
- Registration catalog
- Recent reference texts, such as Mometrix Test Preparation
- Study resources listed in the study guide
3. Submit Your Application
Set up an account on the NCC website, fill out the necessary information, and upload all required documents. After your info is verified, you’ll receive an eligibility letter. From there, you have 30 days to choose a date for your exam during the 90-day eligibility period.
When it comes to test day, you have two options for how you can take the exam:
- In-person at a PSI testing center
- Online through live remote proctoring
4. Pay the Exam Fee
Curious how much you’ll need to budget for the exam? The total cost can vary depending on the additional resources you choose for preparation, but here’s a breakdown to give you a clear picture of the fees involved:
- Exam: $325
- Practice test: $35
- Books: Up to $100, depending on which textbook you choose
5. Pass the Exam
Want to know what you’ll be facing on exam day? Here’s a sneak peek:
- Number of questions: 175 (150 are scored and 25 unscored)
- Time to complete: 3 hours
- Passing score: No set percentage for passing; your results will indicate whether you passed or failed
- Waiting time: Results within 15 business days of taking your exam
7. Maintain the Certification
You’re certified, but the process isn’t over. You’ll need to renew your certification every three years. Why? Because certification means you’re an expert, and to maintain that status, you need to stay current with all the recent advances in your specialty. You’ll have two options to renew:
| Continuing competence assessment: | Alternative maintenance option: |
|---|---|
To renew through continuing competence assessment:
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To renew through an alternate maintenance option:
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What Is RNC-OB Salary?
A typical salary for obstetrics nurses in the U.S. is around $82,000 a year. You might earn more or less depending on your education, experience, work setting, and geographic location.
Looking to maximize your earnings? Consider applying in these top-paying states for RNs:
FAQs: RNC Inpatient OB Certification
Is the RNC inpatient obstetrics exam difficult?
Analyzing the typical RNC-OB pass rate can help give you an idea of how difficult the exam is. On average, NCC exams have an 82% pass rate, so with solid preparation, plenty of nurses successfully receive their credentials.
What do I do if I fail the RNC exam?
Failed the exam? While you won’t get your money back, you can take it again. You can retake the exam twice a year, but there’s a 90-day waiting period before your next attempt — the perfect time for more study.
How do I verify my certification?
Simply fill out the online form on the NCC website. Your employer can also verify your certification independently through NCC.
What additional study resources can I use to prepare for the exam?
Need extra resources to boost your preparation efforts? Explore these additional resources to help you get ready:
- Quizlet practice questions
- YouTube test walkthroughs
- Apps, such as PocketPrep
- Specialty nursing conferences, where you can ask questions
What are the benefits of RNC Inpatient OB certification?
This certification highlights your expertise in obstetrics settings, making you stand out to employers. Here’s how it can benefit you:
- Higher salary: Certified nurses often earn more compared to non-certified nurses.
- Career growth: It makes your nursing resume more competitive, helping you land those top nursing positions.
- Promotion prospects: It can increase your chances for leadership roles in your facility.
- Up-to-date knowledge: Studying for the exam keeps you informed about the latest know-how in obstetrics care.
- Improved patient care: The skills you gain help improve outcomes for your patients.
Related Certifications
Looking to level up your career with more certifications? These additional credentials may be useful:
- Registered Nurse Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care (RNC-NIC)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- S.T.A.B.L.E. certification
Ready for a New Exciting Nursing Opportunity?
Whether you have RNC-OB certification or not, you can level up your career right now. IntelyCare can match you with the best-fitting nursing jobs based on your skills and preferences. Discover your next opportunity today.