Complete Guide to Inpatient Obstetrics Nursing Certification (RNC-OB)

If you’re a labor and delivery nurse looking to advance your career, the Inpatient Obstetrics Nursing Certification (RNC-OB certification) can be a game-changer. This specialized credential not only validates your expertise in inpatient obstetrics but may also open doors to higher-paying roles, leadership opportunities, and flexibility—especially in travel nursing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the RNC-OB certification is, how to get certified, what it costs, and how Nomad Health supports your journey from bedside to badge.

What Is the RNC-OB Certification?

The RNC-OB is a nationally recognized certification offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC) for registered nurses who specialize in inpatient obstetric care. It demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical skills in managing antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal patients.

Why Should You Get RNC-OB Certified?

Whether you’re a seasoned OB nurse or transitioning to travel nursing, RNC-OB certification signals to employers that specialize in obstetric care and that you have demonstrated competency in providing high quality care to this population of patients. It also signals that you're highly competent in obstetric care. Here's why it's worth pursuing:

• Increases your clinical credibility and confidence
• Qualifies you for higher-paying assignments
• Enhances eligibility for travel nursing roles
• Sets you apart in a competitive job market
• Meets many hospital magnet status requirements

RNC-OB Certification Requirements

Before you apply, ensure you meet the following criteria set by the NCC:

• Current and unrestricted RN license
• At least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in inpatient obstetrics within the last 2 years*
• 24 months of specialty experience as a U.S. or Canadian RN comprised of a minimum of 2000 hours (this must have occurred sometime in your career). Specialty experience can be comprised of direct patient care, education, administration or research.Specialty experience can be comprised of direct patient care, education, administration or research AND must have worked within the specialty within the last 2 years

Learn more at the official NCC certification page.

*Note: Benner’s novice to expert model was used by the NCC Board and demonstrates competence of the third stage in the development and acquisition of skill, occurring at two to three years of practice. Therefore, all NCC core RN exams have a two year eligibility requirement

How to Get RNC-OB Certified (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the certification process:

1. Verify eligibility
   • Confirm you meet the clinical hour and time licensure requirements.
2. Create an NCC account
   • Sign up on the NCC website.
3. Apply and pay the fees
   • Application fee: $50, Examination fee: $275
4. Wait to receive email notification of eligibility to take the exam
5. Schedule your exam **
   • Offered through computer-based testing centers or online proctored exams. Before attempting the examination, you will be given the opportunity to practice taking a test on your computer.
6. Take the exam
   • 175 multiple-choice questions, 3-hour time limit. (150 are scored and 25 are used to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams.)
7. Get your results
   • Receive official results within 15 business days.

**Pro tip: Exams must be scheduled within the first 30-days of the eligibility window.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Overcoming Common Challenges in Obtaining CWCN Certification

Core RNC-OB Exam Content Outline

Maternal Newborn Nursing

1. Pregnancy, Birth Risk Factors & Complications (7%)
   • Antenatal & intrapartum factors
2. Maternal Postpartum Assessment, Management & Education (26%)
   • Physiologic Changes and Physical  Assessment (including Laboratory Values)
   • Nursing Care
   • Psychosocial and Ethical Issues
   • Lactation, Newborn Feeding and Nutrition
3. Newborn Assessment & Management (20%)
   • Transition to Extrauterine Life
   • Physical Assessment and Gestational Age Assessment  (including Laboratory Values)
   • Newborn Care and Family Education
   • Resuscitation and Stabilization
4. Maternal Postpartum Complications (25%)
   • Hematologic, cardiopulmonary, infection, diabetes, mental health/substance use
5. Newborn Complications (22%)
   • Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Neurological, Gastrointestinal, Hematologic, Infectious Diseases and Genetic, Metabolic, Endocrine
     
     

Low Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

1. General Assessment (15%)
   • Maternal risk factors and birth history
   • Physical and gestational age assessment
   • Laboratory and diagnostic data
2. Pathophysiologic Conditions (37%)
   • Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary, Musculoskeletal,  Integumentary, Neurological, Hematology, Genetic, Metabolic and Endocrine
3. General Management (45%)
   • Resuscitation & Stabilization
   • Nutrition and Feeding
   • Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
   • Fluid, electrolytes and glucose homeostasis
   • Oxygenation, non-invasive ventilation and acid-base balance
   • Thermoregulation
   • Neurodevelopmental Care
   • Infection and immunology
   • Psychosocial support, grieving, family education and  discharge planning
4. Professional Issues (3%)
   • Legal, ethical, safety, quality improvement

RNC-OB Study Resources and Online Communities

Be sure to review the Registration Catalog, Candidate Guide, NCC Guide to Testing Methods and website materials for the exam you are taking so you can become familiar with all NCC policies and procedures

Top resources to prepare for your RNC-OB exam:

• 2025 Registration Catalog
• ANN Certification Review Offers review course for the NIC examination
• Center for Certification Preparation and Review (CCPR) Hard copy review courses and on-line practice tests created to simulate NCC exams.
• NANN RNC Certification Review Course. The review features modules with interactive knowledge checks and e-learning activities and test preparation.
• Nurse Builders 17 Offers exam prep review e-courses, practice question books and study guides for RNC (NIC, LRN, MNN, IAP, OB) and C-ELBW, C-ONQS and C-EFM
• Reddit’s r/nursing community
• OB nurse Discord or Facebook groups

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain RNC-OB Certification

The total cost to obtain RNC-OB certification includes a $50 NCC application fee, a $275 exam fee, and optional study materials ranging from $50–$150, with an additional $275 retest fee if needed. Understanding these RNC-OB certification costs can help nurses plan their certification journey effectively.

Pro Tip: Some travel nurse agencies reimburse certification fees. Remember to check your benefits.

Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

The RNC-OB certification is valid for 3 years. To renew:

• Earn 45 CE hours in relevant topics
• Submit renewal application via NCC
• Pay renewal fee (varies)

NCC offers CE modules directly through their site.

How Nomad Health Supports Your RNC-OB Journey

At Nomad Health, we’re committed to empowering OB nurses to grow in their careers—with or without recruiters.

Here’s how we help:

• Personalized licensing support for RNs
• Endorsement support for clinicians that have completed an assignment with Nomad
• License reimbursement when going on assignment with Nomad
• Transparent job search platform
• Access to high-paying OB contracts nationwide
• Resources and guidance for certification prep
• Built-in flexibility to explore different facilities while maintaining career progression
• Certification filters coming soon to job listings

Nomad’s mission is to empower nurses to pursue clinical excellence—wherever their journey takes them. Our team works closely with travel nurses to ensure they're fully credentialed and ready to start assignments on time.