C-EFM Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) is a specialized credential for healthcare professionals who monitor fetal well-being during labor and delivery. It reflects expertise in operating EFM equipment, interpreting strips, identifying potential complications, and responding effectively to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby. With this certification, you’re a trusted expert in providing high-quality care during labor and delivery.
Want to learn how to earn this prestigious credential? This guide walks you through the process, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and exam details.
C-EFM Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You must hold an active, unencumbered license as a physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, midwife, physician assistant, or paramedic.
- Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the candidate guide and registration catalog, review the testing guide, take preview tests, practice answering sample questions, and consider investing in a recent reference text.
- Application process: Create an account on the NCC website, complete the required fields, submit all the required documents, and wait for your application to be reviewed and approved.
- Exam: The test will consist of 125 questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $210.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 3 years.
What Is C-EFM Certification?
This certification is a specialized credential designed for healthcare professionals working in labor and delivery, including nurses, midwives, and physicians. It is administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), a leading organization dedicated to advancing maternal-child health across the country.
To earn the credential, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam that evaluates your knowledge of electronic fetal monitoring. The exam includes five key areas of study each featuring various specialty-specific topics:
| Knowledge area: | Examples of topics: |
|---|---|
| Electronic monitoring equipment |
|
| Physiology |
|
| Pattern recognition and intervention |
|
| Fetal assessment methods |
|
| Professional issues |
Steps to Get a C-EFM Certification
Ready to earn this specialized credential? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting certified.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Your certification journey begins with meeting the eligibility criteria set by the NCC. To qualify for the exam, you’ll need a current, active, and unencumbered license in the U.S. or Canada as one of the following:
- Physician
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Nurse midwife (NM)
- Physician assistant (PA)
- Paramedic
Step 2: Prepare for the Exam
You’ve cleared the eligibility step — now it’s time to hit the books. The NCC offers a variety of resources to help you get ready for the exam. Here’s a list to get started:
- Registration catalog
- C-EFM exam prep study guide
- C-EFM practice questions
- NCC testing guide
- EFM tracing game
- Recent reference texts, such as Electronic Fetal Monitoring: Concepts and Applications
- Study resources outlined in the study guide
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Ready to test? Begin by creating an account on the NCC website, filling in all the required fields, and uploading all the necessary documents. Once your information is verified, you’ll receive an eligibility letter, which gives you the go-ahead to schedule your exam. You’ll then have a 90-day window to take your exam.
Curious about your exam options? You can choose between:
- In-person testing at a PSI center.
- Online testing with live remote proctoring.
Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee
The next step is to pay the exam fee to finalize your registration and secure your spot for the exam. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan your budget:
- Exam: $210
- NCC practice test: $35
- Reference texts: Up to $100, depending on which materials you choose
Step 5: Pass the Exam
It’s time for the final hurdle: passing the exam. This is the moment you’ve been preparing for, and it’s your chance to show what you’ve learned. Here’s what you can expect on exam day:
- You’ll answer 125 questions (100 scored and 25 unscored).
- You’ll have 2 hours to complete the exam.
- You’ll receive results indicating whether you passed or failed within 15 business days.
Step 6: Maintain Your Certification
Healthcare is constantly evolving, and so should your skills. To keep your certification current, you’ll need to renew it every three years. There are two options to do it:
| Continuing competence assessment: | Alternative maintenance: |
|---|---|
To renew your credential through continuing competence assessment, follow these steps:
|
To renew your credential through an alternate maintenance option, follow these steps:
|
Frequently Asked Questions: C-EFM Certification
What accreditation does this certification hold?
The NCC is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is an accrediting body that evaluates certification programs across various professions in the U.S.
How difficult is the exam?
How challenging the exam feels will depend on your preparation. However, it has an 80% pass rate, so many professionals who dedicate time to studying successfully earn their credentials.
What do I do if I fail the exam?
The NCC doesn’t limit how many times you can retake the exam, but candidates can only test twice per calendar year. After each attempt, you must wait 45 days before applying for a retest.
How do I verify my NCC certification?
With the NCC’s online certification verification tool, you can easily request your credential information to be sent to employers or any organization requiring primary source verification. Here are a few fees to keep in mind:
- Look-up only: $10
- Download a copy: $20
- Email to recipient: $30
What additional study materials can I use to prepare for the exam?
While there are plenty of online resources available to support your preparation, it’s essential to exercise caution when using any materials not approved by your certifying organization, NCC. Below are a few examples to help you begin your research:
- Quizlet flashcards
- YouTube lectures and test walkthroughs
- Preparation courses
- Apps, such as PocketPrep
- Professional journals, such as Maternal-Fetal Medicine or Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing
What are the benefits of professional certification?
The C-EFM certification is more than a title — it represents specialized skills that can help you enhance your career and the standard of care you provide. Here are some key benefits:
- Improved care standards: Expert knowledge helps you interpret fetal monitoring data with confidence, leading to quicker, more effective responses in emergencies.
- Higher salary: Certified professionals often earn more than their noncertified counterparts.
- Job opportunities: Certification increases your competitiveness in the job market, opening doors to new career opportunities, promotions, and leadership roles.
- Professional recognition: Being certified signals to peers and employers that you are an expert in your field, boosting your credibility and reputation.
- Confidence boost: Professional certification can help you approach complex situations with confidence, knowing you have the skills to handle them.
Related Certifications
Looking to expand your qualifications and advance your career? These additional certifications could be beneficial:
- Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate Certification (C-ELBW)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care (RNC-NIC)
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS)
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- S.T.A.B.L.E. certification
Ready for a New Nursing Opportunity?
Whether you’ve earned your C-EFM or are still working towards it, IntelyCare is here to help you take your career to the next level. We’ll connect you with quality nursing jobs that align with your experience and ambitions. Discover your next opportunity today.
