RNC-NIC for travel nurses Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing · National Certification Corporation (NCC)
Board certification in neonatal intensive care. Preferred on many NICU contracts. Eligibility: A current U.S. or Canadian RN license and 24 months of NICU experience totaling at least 2,000 hours (both are required), with specialty employment in the last 24 months. Cost: $325, including a $50 non-refundable application fee. Valid 3 years.
Updated October 2026
Type
Board certification (exam)
Valid
3 years
Cost
$325, including a $50 non-refundable application fee
Issued by
National Certification Corporation
Which travel specialties ask for it
- NICU travel nurseOften preferred
Eligibility and exam
- Who can get it
- A current U.S. or Canadian RN license and 24 months of NICU experience totaling at least 2,000 hours (both are required), with specialty employment in the last 24 months.
- Cost
- $325, including a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Valid for
- 3 years.
- Renewal
- A continuing competency assessment, then continuing education based on it, and a maintenance fee.
Tips for travelers
- Both the 24 months and the 2,000 hours have to be met. If you've worked part time, check NCC's candidate guide before you apply.
- Ask your agency whether it reimburses the exam fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
- Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.
Questions
- Do travel nurses need RNC-NIC?
- NICU contracts often prefer it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.
- Who is eligible for RNC-NIC?
- A current U.S. or Canadian RN license and 24 months of NICU experience totaling at least 2,000 hours (both are required), with specialty employment in the last 24 months.
- How much does RNC-NIC cost?
- $325, including a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- How long is RNC-NIC valid?
- 3 years. A continuing competency assessment, then continuing education based on it, and a maintenance fee.
Other certifications: BLS · ACLS · PALS · NRP · NIHSS · TNCC · CEN · CCRN · PCCN · CMSRN · CNOR · CPN · PMH-BC