Ready to earn your RNC-OB? Get the eligibility rules, exam cost, study tips and a realistic timeline to become a certified labor and delivery nurse.

<p class="">The RNC-OB is the board certification for inpatient obstetric nurses, including labor and delivery nurses. It shows hospitals, patients and your team that you have proven knowledge in caring for patients and babies during pregnancy, birth and recovery. With two years of experience and a focused study plan, it is well within your reach.</p>
<p class="">Here is how to earn it, what it costs and how long it takes.</p>
<h2 class="">What Is the RNC-OB Certification?</h2>
<p class="">The RNC-OB, or Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification, is awarded by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). It covers pregnancy complications, labor and birth, fetal monitoring, postpartum care and newborn care. You maintain it every three years.</p>
<h2 class="">Why Earn Your RNC-OB?</h2>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li class=""><strong class="">Stand out to employers:</strong> Many L&amp;D jobs list the RNC-OB as preferred.</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Build confidence:</strong> Studying sharpens your judgment in high-risk situations.</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Open new doors:</strong> It strengthens your application for charge, educator and advanced practice roles.</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Show your commitment:</strong> It tells your team you take obstetric nursing seriously.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="">Who Is Eligible for the RNC-OB Exam?</h2>
<p class="">To sit for the RNC-OB, you need:</p>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li class="">A current, active, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or Canada</li>
  <li class="">24 months of specialty experience as an RN, with at least 2,000 hours</li>
  <li class="">Work in the specialty at some point in the last 24 months</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p class="">Both the 24 months and the 2,000 hours must be met.</p>
<h2 class="">How to Become an RNC-OB in 7 Steps</h2>
<h3 class="">Step 1: Earn and Keep an Active RN License</h3>
<p class="">Your license must be current and unrestricted. If you work in more than one state, our <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/licensure-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="">Licensure Guide</a> can help you stay on track.</p>
<h3 class="">Step 2: Build Your Obstetric Experience</h3>
<p class="">Work toward 24 months and 2,000 hours in inpatient obstetrics. Keep a simple record of your units and dates.</p>
<h3 class="">Step 3: Apply Through NCC</h3>
<p class="">Submit your application and fee online through NCC. There is no application deadline. Ask your employer first, since many hospitals cover certification fees.</p>
<h3 class="">Step 4: Schedule Your Exam Within 30 Days</h3>
<p class="">Once approved, you are placed in the next available 90-day testing window. You must schedule your exam within the first 30 days of that window, so be ready to book quickly.</p>
<h3 class="">Step 5: Study With a Plan</h3>
<p class="">Most nurses study for two to three months. Start with NCC’s candidate guide and test outline, then add practice questions and a review course. Spend extra time on fetal monitoring and topics you see less often.</p>
<h3 class="">Step 6: Take the Exam</h3>
<p class="">The RNC-OB is a 3-hour exam with 175 multiple-choice questions. Of those, 150 are scored and 25 are unscored test questions.</p>
<h3 class="">Step 7: Keep Your Credential Current</h3>
<p class="">Your certification is maintained every three years. At the start of each cycle, you take a continuing competency assessment. Based on your results, you complete between 10 and 50 hours of continuing education. You must also keep an active RN license.</p>
<h2 class="">How Much Does the RNC-OB Cost?</h2>
<p class=""></p>
<table class="">
  <tbody class="">
    <tr class="">
      <td data-row="1" class="">Cost Item</td>
      <td data-row="1" class="">Amount</td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="">
      <td data-row="2" class="">RNC-OB exam (includes $50 application cost and $275 testing fee)</td>
      <td data-row="2" class="">$325</td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="">
      <td data-row="3" class="">Change of testing window</td>
      <td data-row="3" class="">$125</td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="">
      <td data-row="4" class="">Maintenance (every 3 years)</td>
      <td data-row="4" class="">$100</td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="">
      <td data-row="5" class="">Study materials</td>
      <td data-row="5" class="">Varies, from free resources to paid review courses</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>
<p class=""></p>
<p class=""><strong class="">Tip:</strong> Ask your manager about reimbursement. Cross Country travel nurses also get unlimited free CE credits, which can help with maintenance hours.</p>
<h2 class="">How Long Does It Take to Become an RNC-OB?</h2>
<p class="">From the start of nursing school, most nurses earn the RNC-OB in about four to six years:</p>
<ol style="margin-left:20px">
  <li class=""><strong class="">Nursing school:</strong> About two years for an ADN or four years for a BSN</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Obstetric experience:</strong> At least 24 months and 2,000 hours</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Study time:</strong> Two to three months</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Testing window:</strong> 90 days, scheduled within the first 30</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Maintenance:</strong> Every three years</li>
</ol>
<h2 class="">What Is on the RNC-OB Exam?</h2>
<p class="">The exam covers the full inpatient obstetric experience, including:</p>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li class="">Pregnancy complications and high-risk conditions</li>
  <li class="">Labor and birth</li>
  <li class="">Fetal heart monitoring</li>
  <li class="">Recovery after birth</li>
  <li class="">Newborn care and newborn emergencies</li>
  <li class="">Professional practice and patient safety</li>
</ul>
<p class=""></p>
<p class="">Always check NCC’s current candidate guide, since topics and weights are updated over time.</p>
<h2 class="">RNC-OB Study Tips From the Unit</h2>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li class=""><strong class="">Study in short bursts:</strong> 20 to 30 minutes on your days off adds up fast</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Link patients to topics:</strong> Connect each patient you care for to an exam area</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Practice fetal monitoring:</strong> Review tracings until patterns feel familiar</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Find a study buddy:</strong> Quiz each other on break or in a group chat</li>
  <li class=""><strong class="">Book your date early:</strong> The 30-day scheduling rule keeps you on track</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="">Frequently Asked Questions About the RNC-OB</h2>
<h3 class="">Is the RNC-OB exam hard?</h3>
<p class="">It is challenging, but very passable with L&amp;D experience and steady prep. Practice questions are the best way to see if you are ready.</p>
<h3 class="">Do postpartum or antepartum hours count?</h3>
<p class="">The RNC-OB covers inpatient obstetrics, which can include more than labor and delivery. Check NCC’s candidate guide to confirm your hours qualify.</p>
<h3 class="">Does the RNC-OB increase pay?</h3>
<p class="">Some hospitals offer a certification bonus or pay differential. Even where pay does not change, the RNC-OB can help you qualify for more competitive roles.</p>
<h3 class="">What comes after the RNC-OB?</h3>
<p class="">Many L&amp;D nurses go on to become certified nurse-midwives. See our guide on <a href="/blog/ld-to-certified-nurse-midwife" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="">moving from L&amp;D to certified nurse-midwife</a>.</p>
<h2 class="">Put Your RNC-OB to Work</h2>
<p class="">Your certification makes you a strong candidate for L&amp;D roles nationwide. Explore <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel/travel-nursing-jobs" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="">travel L&amp;D nursing jobs</a>, find <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/local/per-diem-nursing-jobs" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="">local and per diem shifts</a>, or learn <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/how-travel-nurses-identify-high-quality-assignments" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="">how to spot high-quality assignments</a> before you sign. When you are ready, <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/apply-now" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="">apply with Cross Country</a>.</p>


RNC-OB Certification: Steps, Cost and Timeline

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