Healthcare and safety certification exams, field by field

The two NCC exams share one blueprint shape, with 175 items, of which 150 count and 25 are unflagged tryout items, over 3 h, with three options per question (A, B, C). The patient population is what separates them. On the obstetric exam the heaviest area is labor and birth; on the neonatal one it is pathophysiology. Which unit's hours qualify for which exam is set out on the obstetric and neonatal nursing page.

These two rows overlap. The radiation exam stands alone and is also one of three parts of the certification, so the second row counts it again among GC + RHS + ICE. Both use the same scaled scoring, and 400 passes. What either one permits you to do chairside depends on your state; the dental assisting page carries the state table.

Of the format rows, the board's current pages confirm only the sitting length, 4 h, and the Pearson VUE delivery; the question count comes from its 2018 guide. No pass mark is published, although the pass rate in the board's annual report for 2024 is 61.8%. How this exam relates to sibling credentials from the same board and to OSHA outreach cards is covered on the occupational safety page.

Calendar time differs more than money. NCC makes you wait 45 days and allows 2 per year at the same exam. The safety board requires 6 weeks between attempts, and every attempt must fall inside the eligibility year that starts at approval. DANB's handbook names no waiting period; you reapply and pay the fee again.

NCC renewal begins with an assessment that sets your continuing education plan. DANB asks for yearly credits on the full certification, while the radiation certificate does not expire. The safety board pairs a yearly fee with a five-year points cycle. Each exam's overview spells out its own route.