NCC C-NNIC Certification Exam Syllabus
Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the NCC Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the NCC C-NNIC exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The NCC Certified-Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Subspecialty Certification, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Neonatal neurologic risk assessment and examination, neurodiagnostic monitoring and imaging interpretation, neurologic pathophysiology neuroprotection and interdisciplinary care planning within real-world settings like Neonatal intensive care units, neonatal neurocritical care programs, neonatal follow-up and developmental care 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-NNIC 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 Physicians and physician assistants, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses, respiratory and neonatal therapy professionals
NCC C-NNIC Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | NCC Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care |
| Credential | NCC Certified-Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC) |
| Vendor | National Certification Corporation (NCC) |
| Exam Code | C-NNIC » NCC C-NNIC Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based examination at a PSI/AMP test center; live remote proctoring is not offered for C-NNIC |
| Exam Duration | 120 mins |
| Number of Questions | 125 (100 Scored Items / 25 Pretest Items) |
| Passing Score | Pass/fail |
| Exam Price | $$210 which is composed of a $50 non-refundable application submission cost and a $160 testing fee. (USD) |
| Scheduling Window | 90-day eligibility window; the appointment must be scheduled within the first 30 days and at least four business days before the test date |
| Schedule Exam | National Certification Corporation (NCC) |
| Trainings/Resources |
- Bissinger, R., et al. (2020). Golden hours care of the very low birth weight neonate (2nd ed.). NCC. - Eklund, N., et al. (2024). Neonatal imaging (2nd ed.). NCC. - Gardner, S. L., et al. (2021). Handbook of neonatal intensive care: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). Elsevier. - Gleason, C. A., et al. (2023). Avery's diseases of the newborn (11th ed.). Elsevier. - Goldsmith, J. P., et al. (2022). Assisted ventilation of the neonate: An evidence-based approach to newborn respiratory care (7th ed.). Elsevier. - Gomella, T. L., et al. (2020). Gomella’s neonatology (8th ed.). Lange. - Houser, J. (2021). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. - Kenner, C., & Altimier, L. (Eds.). (2026). Comprehensive neonatal nursing care (7th ed.). Springer. - Kimberlin, D. W., et al. (2024). Red book 2024-2027: Report of the committee on infectious diseases (33rd ed.). AAP. - Martin, R. J., & Fanaroff, A. A. (Eds.). (2024) Fanaroff and Martin’s neonatal-perinatal medicine: Diseases of the fetus and infant (12th ed.). Elsevier. - Stark, A. R., et al. (2023). Cloherty and Stark’s manual of neonatal care (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. - Taketomo, C. K. (2021). Pediatric and neonatal dosage handbook (28th ed.). Lexi-comp. - Verklan, M. T., et al. (2021). Core curriculum for neonatal intensive care nursing (6th ed.). Elsevier. - Volpe, J. J., et al. (2024). Volpe’s neurology of the newborn (7th ed.). Elsevier. - Weiner GM. et al., (Eds.) (2025) Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. (9th ed.) AHA. AAP. - Witt, C. & Wallman, C. (2024). Tappero and Honeyfield’s physical assessment of the newborn (7th ed.). Springer. |
| Sample Questions | NCC C-NNIC Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | NCC C-NNIC Certification Practice Exam |
NCC C-NNIC Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Neurologic Development and Evaluation of the Fetus and Newborn |
- Normal CNS development - Antepartum and Intrapartum Neurological Risk Factors and Outcomes - Neurologic Assessment |
21% |
| Diagnostic Tools |
- Neurological Monitoring and Evaluation - Neurologic Imaging and Evaluation |
17% |
| Pathologic States and Neuroprotection |
- Neurologic Pathophysiology - Neuroprotection, Management and Maintenance of Health |
34% |
|
Neuro-sensory Development, Psychosocial, Behavioral States, Follow-up and Discharge |
- Neuro-sensory Environmental Experiences - Pain/Stress Pathways and Impact on Behavioral and Physiological Parameters - Interprofessional Collaboration, Family-Centered Care, Palliative and End-of-Life Care |
23% |
|
Professional Issues (e.g. Evidence-Based Practice, Professional, Legal, Ethical, and Safety) |
5% |
The NCC C-NNIC certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Subspecialty Certification. The exam evaluates competencies such as Neonatal neurologic risk assessment and examination, neurodiagnostic monitoring and imaging interpretation, neurologic pathophysiology neuroprotection and interdisciplinary care planning, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Physicians and physician assistants, registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses, respiratory and neonatal therapy professionals working in settings such as Neonatal intensive care units, neonatal neurocritical care programs, neonatal follow-up and developmental care settings.
To prepare effectively for the NCC Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
