Introduction
The INA NCS Credential Exam is designed to assess a newborn care specialist’s (NCS) practical knowledge of infant care. It is a comprehensive exam intended to test the skills of a professional NCS.
The objective of the exam is to test the NCS’s working knowledge and understanding of a wide array of infant care related subjects, including infant’s safety, nutrition, physical and emotional development, sleep needs, general care, and illnesses. It also covers professionalism in the industry.
The INA NCS Credential Exam is a valuable tool that is helpful in determining an NCS’s level of professional competence. While the exam is helpful in evaluating an NCS’s ability to observe, plan, and create an appropriate schedule and daily routine, it should be used in conjunction with other screening tools to enhance, not replace, an agency’s or a prospective employer’s own means of assessment.
The INA encourages newborn care specialists to actively continue their education by enrolling in continuing education programs, attending professional infant care training sessions and conferences and by reading infant care related books and articles (see Resources for an NCS and the NCS Exam Prep slideshow links).
Areas of Assessment
Child Safety: Demonstrate an understanding of safe practices for children from premature birth through 6 months old.
Nutrition: Demonstrate knowledge of the nutritional requirements of infants from premature birth through 6 months old.
Physical Development: Demonstrate an understanding of how a typical infant develops physically.
Emotional Development: Demonstrate knowledge of what how a typical infant’s emotional development is affected by his or her first few months of life.
Sleep Needs: Demonstrate knowledge of the sleep needs of an infant including appropriate sleep routines and techniques.
General Care: Demonstrate knowledge of the general care needed for an infant. \
Illnesses: Demonstrate knowledge of common and concerning illnesses and how to effectively care for the infant with these problems.
Professionalism: Demonstrate awareness of professionalism related to infant care and the importance of being an advocate for children.
Steps
- Fill out the NCS Credential Exam Application here
- Purchase the NCS Credential Exam on the INA Estore OR (if you are taking it at the INA Conference) in your Conference registration)
- Send the office at memberservices@nanny.org, a picture ID and a current First Aid and Child/Infant CPR certification.
- Arrange to have someone be your proctor or plan to take the exam with a group. Tips in finding a proctor can be found in the information for the Nanny Credential Exam page.
- Study for your Exam by going through our INA NCS Credential Exam Prep.