Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the NCC Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the NCC C-ELBW exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The NCC Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Subspecialty Certification, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Extremely low birth weight neonatal care, Clinical assessment and management, Evidence-based neonatal practice within real-world settings like Neonatal intensive care units (NICU), Specialty neonatal care centers, and related clinical settings.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official NCC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the NCC C-ELBW exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for Registered nurses, Advanced practice neonatal nurses, and related neonatal care roles
NCC C-ELBW Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | NCC Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate |
| Credential | NCC Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW) |
| Vendor | National Certification Corporation (NCC) |
| Exam Code | C-ELBW » NCC C-ELBW Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based testing at authorized test centers |
| Exam Duration | 120 mins |
| Number of Questions | 125 (100 Scored Items / 25 Pretest Items) |
| Passing Score | Pass/fail (Approximately 72%) |
| Exam Price | $210 which is composed of a $50 non-refundable application submission cost and a $160 testing fee. |
| Scheduling Window | Testing windows offered periodically during the year |
| Schedule Exam | National Certification Corporation (NCC) |
| Trainings/Resources |
- American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, 9th ed, AAP, 2025. - Bissinger, et al. Golden Hours, 2nd ed., NCC, 2019 - Bissinger, et al. Handbook of Neonatal Neurology, NCC, 2024 - Blackburn, Maternal, Fetal, & Neonatal Physiology, Elsevier, 2018. - Fanaroff, et al., Klaus & Fanaroff's Care of the High-Risk Neonate, Elsevier-Saunders, 2025. - Gardner, et al., Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care: An Interprofessional Approach, Elsevier, 2021. - Gleason, et al., Avery's Diseases of the Newborn, Elsevier, 2024. - Goldsmith, et al., Assisted Ventilation of the Neonate: An Evidence-Based Approach to Newborn Respiratory Care, Elsevier, 2022. - Gomella, et al., Gomella’s Neonatology, Lange, 2020. - Kimberlin, et al., Red Book 2024-2027: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, AAP, 2024. - Martin, et al. Fanaroff and Martin’s Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant, Elsevier, 2025. - Polit, et al., Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice, LWW, 2021. - Resnik, et al., Creasy & Resnik’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Principles and Practice, 10th ed, Elsevier, 2025. - Stark, et al., Cloherty and Stark’s Manual of Neonatal Care 9th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2021. - Taketomo, Pediatric and Neonatal Dosage Handbook, 28th ed., Lexi-comp, 2021. - Verklan, et al., Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, Elsevier, 2021 - Volpe, et. al., Neurology of the Newborn, Elsevier, 2024. - Walsh, et al., Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care, Saunders, 2022 - Witt, C., Wallman, C. et.al, Tappero and Honeyfield’s Physical Assessment of the Newborn, 7th ed., Springer, 2024. |
| Sample Questions | NCC C-ELBW Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | NCC C-ELBW Certification Practice Exam |
NCC C-ELBW Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| General Assessment and Management |
- Physical, Gestational Age, Behavioral and Neurologic Assessment - Delivery Room Management, Stabilization and Transition - Transport/Transfer - Thermoregulation - Fluid and Electrolytes - Nutrition and Feeding - Respiratory Management/Oxygenation (e.g. Blood gases, Ventilation) - Skin Care - Infection Risks (immaturity, prevention, bundles) |
30% |
| Developmental Care |
- Neurodevelopment (Structure, function, immaturity) - Impact of NICU Environment - Neuroprotective Intentional Caregiving and Promotion of Selfregulation - Neurobehavioral Alterations and Responses (habituation, state and motor organization) - Stress and Pain Assessment and Management |
16% |
| Describe & Manage Pathophysiologic States |
- Antenatal Risk Factors, Obstetric Emergencies, and Perinatal Management Strategies that Impact ELBW Neonates - Cardiac - Respiratory - GI/GU - Hematopoietic - Infection - Metabolic/Endocrine/Genetic - Neurologic, Integumentary, and Musculoskeletal - Renal - Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat - Pharmacology and Pharmacologic Interventions |
41% |
| Psychosocial, Ethical, and Professional Issues and Outcomes with ELBW Neonates and Families |
- Family-Centered Care and Integration - Trauma Informed Care/Parental Coping and Grieving Process - End of Life Care/Palliative Care, Viability, and Legal/Ethical issues - Discharge Planning, Teaching and Follow up - Professional Practice (Evidence-based practice, quality improvement and safety, and research) and Team Communication |
13% |
The NCC C-ELBW certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Subspecialty Certification. The exam evaluates competencies such as Extremely low birth weight neonatal care, Clinical assessment and management, Evidence-based neonatal practice, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Registered nurses, Advanced practice neonatal nurses, and related neonatal care roles working in settings such as Neonatal intensive care units (NICU), Specialty neonatal care centers, and related clinical settings.
To prepare effectively for the NCC Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
