Start Here · 4 min read
Exam Overview
The Inpatient Obstetric Nursing examination is a computer-based, criterion-referenced test developed by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), the nonprofit certifying body for obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing specialties. It measures specialty knowledge for registered nurses who care for hospitalized pregnant patients, generally after 20 weeks of gestation, and their newborns.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Credential earned | RNC-OB® (Registered Nurse Certified, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing) |
| Administered by | National Certification Corporation (NCC) |
| Total questions | 175 (150 scored + 25 unscored pretest items) |
| Testing time | 3 hours |
| Question format | Single best answer: a stem and three options (one correct answer, two distractors) |
| Scoring | Criterion-referenced pass/fail standard set by an expert content team; no fixed percentage |
| Delivery | Computer testing centers (PSI/AMP) or live remote proctoring (LRP) |
| Results | Not given at the end of testing; official results are posted to the NCC account, typically within 15 business days |
| Credential maintenance | Every 3 years through NCC's Continuing Competency Assessment and education plan |
Content Outline
The 150 scored questions are distributed across five categories. Pretest questions are mixed throughout the exam and are not identified, so answer every item as if it counts.
| Category | Weight | Subtopics tested |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Complications, Treatment, and Management | 28% (≈42 Q) | Maternal complications (hypertensive disorders, diabetes, cardiac, infections, hematologic, respiratory, liver, obesity, thyroid, hyperemesis, genetics); psychosocial and environmental factors; preterm labor; multiple gestation; placental disorders |
| Fetal Assessment | 17% (≈26 Q) | Antenatal testing; electronic fetal monitoring with NICHD terminology; non-electronic monitoring; acid-base interpretation |
| Labor and Birth | 36% (≈54 Q) | Labor physiology; assessment and management; obstetric procedures; pain management; labor complications; induction and augmentation |
| Recovery, Postpartum, and Newborn Care | 16% (≈24 Q) | Postpartum physiology and complications; family dynamics; lactation and infant nutrition; newborn physiology, resuscitation, and complications |
| Professional Issues | 3% (≈4 Q) | Legal and ethical practice; safety and quality improvement; evidence-based practice |
Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the examination, a candidate must meet all of the following when applying:
- Hold a current, active, unencumbered RN license in the United States or Canada.
- Have 24 months of specialty experience as a U.S. or Canadian RN, comprising a minimum of 2,000 hours in inpatient obstetric care.
- Have been employed in the specialty at some time within the last 24 months.
Fees and Testing Options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | $325 ($50 non-refundable application fee + $275 testing fee) |
| Change request (testing window, method, or location) | $125 |
| Refund on withdrawal | $160 of the fee paid |
Candidates choose either a computer testing center or live remote proctoring, which is scheduled by appointment and requires a private room, a compatible computer with webcam, and a stable internet connection. Fees and policies are set by NCC and can change, so confirm them in the current candidate guide when you apply.
Scoring, Results, and Retesting
- NCC exams are criterion-referenced: the passing standard is a predetermined ability level, and scores are equated across exam forms using item response theory. There is no fixed percentage required to pass.
- No results are provided at the end of testing. A pass/fail notice and a score report appear in the NCC account; the report describes performance in each category as Very Weak, Weak, Average, Strong, or Very Strong.
- Candidates who do not pass may reapply 45 days after the test date with a new application and full fee, and may take the same NCC exam no more than twice in a calendar year.
Maintaining the Credential
The RNC-OB credential is maintained every 3 years. Each cycle begins with NCC's Continuing Competency Assessment, which generates an individualized education plan; the required continuing education is then completed in the specified content areas before the maintenance application is submitted.
Why the Credential Matters
Finished reading?
Next, start the first chapter.