NNCC Exam & NNCC Certification Info
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) is an independent organization that promotes the highest quality of care in nephrology through the certification of nurses who specialize in nephrology and dialysis care.
Step 1: Eligibility and Application
Before you can take an NNCC certification exam, you need to meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on the specific certification you're seeking, but they generally include a certain amount of experience in nephrology nursing and a current, unrestricted registered nursing license. You can find detailed eligibility requirements on the NNCC's website. Once you meet the requirements, you can submit an application for certification through the NNCC's website.
Step 2: Scheduling the Exam
After your application is accepted, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. This email will include instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are administered by PSI, a professional testing company, at locations throughout the United States and can be scheduled online or by phone.
Step 3: Taking the Exam
On the day of your exam, you'll need to arrive at the testing center with valid, government-issued identification. The exam itself consists of multiple-choice questions and is taken on a computer. Once you've finished the exam, you'll receive a preliminary score report immediately. Your official results will be mailed to you within two weeks.
Location Information
NNCC certification exams are administered at PSI testing centers, which are located throughout the United States. You can find the testing center nearest you by visiting PSI's website.
Website
For more information about the NNCC and its certification programs, visit their website at www.nncc-exam.org.
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) exists to establish credentialing mechanisms to promote patient safety and to improve the quality of care provided to nephrology patients.
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission Exams
The NNCC Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician certification test is a professional exam designed for technicians who provide direct patient care in dialysis units. It covers core areas such as clinical skills, water treatment, machine technology, patient care, and infection control. The certification is globally recognized, validating the competency and proficiency of the technician in the hemodialysis field. It enhances career opportunities, professional credibility, and patient trust. The exam requires at least one year of professional experience and is recommended for committed technicians seeking advanced knowledge and skills in hemodialysis care.
Technical - 23%
Environment - 15%
Role - 12%
The NNCC Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A) certification test is designed for technicians with a minimum of three years of experience in nephrology. It validates a technician's advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in hemodialysis, a process that removes waste and excess fluid from the blood of patients with kidney dysfunction. The test covers areas such as patient care, machine technology, water treatment, dialyzer reprocessing, and infection control. Passing the CCHT-A test demonstrates a technician's commitment to quality care and professional development.
The NNCC Certified Dialysis LPN/LVN certification test is a comprehensive examination designed to certify licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in the field of dialysis. The test covers a wide range of topics, including patient care, dialysis procedures, machine operation, and infection control. Successful completion of the exam demonstrates the nurse's competency and dedication to providing high-quality care to patients undergoing dialysis. It further validates LPNs and LVNs' specialized knowledge and skills, enhancing their professional credibility in the dialysis nursing field.
Fulfill role responsibilities to assure optimal patient outcomes in hemodialysis (e.g., quality improvement, confidentiality, precepting staff, reinforcing patient/family teaching). - 18%
Apply physiologic and technical principles of hemodialysis. - 17%
Recognize pathologic processes and complications that occur with kidney disease and/or hemodialysis. - 15%
Select appropriate actions when administering medication to patients receiving hemodialysis. - 15%
Apply principles of infection control in hemodialysis. - 10%
Cognitive Level & Percent of Test Questions
Knowledge - 5%
Comprehension - 20%
Analysis & Application - 75%
The NNCC Certified Dialysis Nurse certification test is a comprehensive exam that validates the skills, knowledge, and abilities of registered nurses who specialize in dialysis. It covers topics such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, and management of chronic kidney disease. This rigorous examination ensures that the certified nurse can provide high-quality care for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. The test includes multiple-choice questions in a computer-based format. Successful completion of this certification test demonstrates the nurse's proficiency and commitment to the nephrology nursing field.
Hemodialysis - 54%
Peritoneal dialysis - 12%
Transplant - 4%
The NNCC Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) certification test is a rigorous exam designed to evaluate the competency of registered nurses in the specialized field of nephrology. The test covers a wide range of topics, including kidney diseases, dialysis treatment, patient care, and medical ethics. The certification exam is designed to ensure that nurses possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide excellent care to patients with kidney disease. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including nursing experience in nephrology. Upon passing the exam, nurses receive a certification validating their expertise in nephrology nursing.
Hemodialysis - 30%
Peritoneal dialysis - 18%
Transplant - 12%
Acute Therapies
(CRRT, SLEDD, pheresis, acute HD, acute PD) - 5%
The NNCC Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) certification test is a professional credentialing examination. It validates the competency and advanced knowledge of nurse practitioners specializing in nephrology, the branch of medicine concerned with kidney diseases. The comprehensive exam covers various aspects of nephrology, including chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplantation, and hypertension. It ensures that a certified CNN-NP possesses the necessary skills to provide superior patient care, improving outcomes in nephrology settings. Passing the test demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, continuing education, and excellence in the field of nephrology nursing.
Acute Kidney Injury - 4-6%
CKD Stages 1 & 2 and General Nephrology - 4-6%
Stage 3 CKD - 11-13%
Stages 4 & 5 CKD - 19-21%
Kidney Replacement Therapies (KRT) - 57-59%
Hemodialysis
Peritoneal dialysis
Transplant
CRRT/Pheresis
Axis II - Nurse Practitioner Activities
Assess and diagnose pathologic processes and complications that occur in kidney disease. - 38-40%
Prescribe interventions, including evidence-based treatments, therapies, and procedures consistent with comprehensive care needs. - 43-45%
Pharmacology - 21-25%
Other - 21-25%
Evaluate, select and/or design strategies/resources to educate client, family, other health profes- sionals, and the public - 8-10%
Facilitate an interdisciplinary process with other members of the health care team. - 3-6%
Ensure the development of a holistic plan of care that reflects an individual's values and beliefs - 3-5%