Certification Steps

All applicants must complete and sign the application form. You can download a copy by clicking the form link below.

Application form (English, pdf)
Application form (English, Word)

Formulario de solicitud (Español, pdf)
Formulario de solicitud (Español, Word)

Applicants must also provide a digital copy of a government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or state ID, displaying their legal name, photo, and date of birth. The minimum age requirement for certification varies by credential. NCP and NIS applicants must be at least 18 years old, while NICP, NIS, and PNCP require a minimum age of 21. These age requirements ensure applicants have the necessary maturity and experience to transition from supervisory sitting to professional nanny work.

5 min.

Applicants for the NCP, NICP, and PNCP certifications must provide a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. A digital copy must be submitted, and if the document is in another language, both the original and an English translation are required.

For NS and NIS certifications, applicants may submit three professional references instead of a diploma. References must come from an employer, supervisor, or a family for whom the applicant has provided paid childcare services. References from relatives or friends are not accepted. Each reference must verify the applicant’s employment dates, job responsibilities, and childcare skills. References can be written independently or completed using a downloadable form provided during the application process. All references must include contact information and may be verified.

20 min.

Applicants must provide a digital copy of a current CPR and First Aid certification covering both adult and child care. Certification must be issued by a recognized training organization, such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Expired credentials will not be accepted.

10 min. or 8 hrs.

To earn a US Nanny Association credential, applicants must complete verified childcare training from a reputable provider. This training ensures they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, high-quality childcare aligned with the National Nanny Standards.

Childcare training must be directly related to childcare, early childhood education, or infant care and can be completed in any language. While not required, applicants should select training that aligns with the National Nanny Standards to prepare for the credential exam. Training must follow industry guidelines set by recognized authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC.

For NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS, training must be from a reputable organization that issues a certificate of completion, which must include the training provider’s contact information (school name, phone number, email, or website) for verification. Training that cannot be validated will not be accepted. For PNCP, training must be completed at a post-secondary institution, such as a professional trade school, community college, or university. College courses ensure instruction from credentialed faculty and require a performance metric to verify comprehension. An official transcript is required, and certificates of attendance are not accepted.

The US Nanny Association does not endorse specific training providers but requires training to come from a reputable organization. While USNA suggests programs that teach to the National Nanny Standards, this is not a requirement. Suggested training programs can be viewed at usnanny.org/childcaretraining.usnanny.org/childcaretraining For NCP and NICP, training from any reputable source, including childcare conferences, online courses, or credential programs, is acceptable. For PNCP, training must be from an accredited post-secondary institution.

Applicants must submit digital copies of training documentation, including certificates of attendance, credentials, or transcripts. Documentation must clearly show the applicant’s name, training date, course title, total hours or credits completed, and the provider’s contact information. Training may be completed through multiple reputable providers as long as the total meets or exceeds the required hours. If documents are in another language, both the original and an English translation must be submitted. Incomplete or unverifiable documentation will be rejected, and applicants will be required to provide valid proof.

Training requirements vary by credential. NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS require a minimum of 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of childcare or newborn and infant training from a reputable organization, professional trade school, or college. Certificates of attendance from parenting, foster care, or childcare-related programs are accepted. USNA exam review courses are optional but can count toward training requirements, with the NCP and NS review class being 6.5 hours, the NICP and NIS review class 10.5 hours, and the PNCP review class 17 hours (all available in English only). Sign up for a review class.

For PNCP, a minimum of 50 clock hours or 6 credit hours of post-secondary training focused on nanny care, childcare, or early childhood education is required. Training must be from an accredited trade school, community college, or university, and certificates of attendance are not accepted.

10 min. or 20-50 hrs.

The National Nanny Standards, found at usnanny.org/standards, are divided into three categories, each reflecting increasing levels of expertise:

1. Nanny (N) – this section covers essential childcare skills focusing on creating a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children.

2. Newborn and Infant (I) – this section builds on the foundational Nanny skills with specialized techniques for newborn and infant care.

3. Professional Nanny (P) – this section builds on the Nanny and Newborn and Infant skills adding advanced childcare practices, professionalism and ethical responsibilites.

Before taking a certification exam, applicants should review the National Nanny Standards to ensure they are comfortable with all topics. If any areas were not covered in prior training, applicants may self-study or enroll in an optional review and test preparation course. These optional review courses are available but are not required and do not guarantee a passing exam score. Fees for review courses are separate from the credential fee and are non-refundable.

Optional Review and test preparation courses:

• NCP and NS Review Course – 6.5 hours, available in English only.
• NICP and NIS Review Course – 10.5 hours, available in English only.
• PNCP Review Course – 17 hours, available in English only.

The NCP and NICP review courses can be used toward the NCP, NICP, or continuing education training requirement. When completed, participants receive a certificate of attendance.

The PNCP review course is intended as a study resource for the PNCP certification exam but cannot be used to fulfill the PNCP training requirement, as USNA is not a post-secondary institution. The PNCP review course hours can be used for NCP and NICP.

Sign up for review class

All review courses provide 24/7 online access, allowing applicants to study at their own pace. However, attendance does not guarantee a passing exam score. These courses serve as an optional resource for applicants looking to reinforce their knowledge before taking their certification exam.

10 min. or 7-17 hrs.

To qualify for a US Nanny Association credential, applicants must provide documented, paid childcare experience to demonstrate their practical skills in a professional setting. Work experience must involve direct, independent supervisory responsibility for at least one child. For NCP, NS, and PNCP credentials, experience must include children ages 0-12, or up to age 18 for children with special needs. For NICP and NIS, experience must specifically involve newborns and infants aged 0-12 months.

Qualifying roles include sitters, nannies, daycare workers, teachers, pediatric medical assistants, pediatric nurses, and camp counselors whaich are positions requiring direct and independent supervision of children in a home or childcare setting. Work that does not qualify includes caring for siblings, family members, or dependents (even if paid), unpaid childcare or volunteer work, and experience gained before age 16.

Work experience requirements vary by credential. NCP and NS applicants must document at least one year (2,000 hours) of paid childcare experience, while NICP and NIS require two years (4,000 hours) specifically in newborn and infant care. PNCP applicants must demonstrate at least three years (6,000 hours) of paid childcare experience.

All applicants must submit documentation to verify their work experience, and the US Nanny Association may contact employers for confirmation. Accepted documentation includes pay stubs or W-2 forms that clearly show dates of employment and hourly rate, a signed letter of employment verification from the employer detailing dates of employment, weekly hours worked, ages of children cared for, and job responsibilities, or a signed nanny work agreement or contract that includes employer contact information and job details. If no other documentation is available, applicants may submit a completed Employer Verification Form, available for download upon registering for the credential. This form has to be completed and signed by the Employer.

For applicants with undocumented employment, the US Nanny Association recognizes that many childcare providers are paid in cash and may not have payroll documentation. In these cases, an employer must provide a signed verification letter or complete the Employer Verification Form. However, if an employer refuses to verify employment, that experience cannot be counted toward the credential requirements. Applicants should ensure they can submit at least one accepted form of documentation for each role they wish to include.

1-2 hrs. or up to 3 years

All applicants must submit a comprehensive background check from a reputable screening provider to verify their eligibility for certification.

The background check must be official, complete, and include the applicant’s full legal name, current address, and a government-issued identification number (such as a driver’s license or passport number) for identity verification. It must also include searches of federal, state, and local criminal records, sex offender registries, motor vehicle records, and any other relevant background information. The provider’s name and contact details must be included and may be verified.

Background checks must be dated within 9 months of the date of submitting the credential application. Background checks older than 9 months are not accepted.

The US Nanny Association reserves the right to deny certification to applicants whose background check results indicate conduct that violates the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct or suggests they may not be suitable for professional childcare. Applicants with offenses or violations that conflict with the US Nanny Association’s Code of Ethics may be disqualified at the Association’s sole discretion.

While the US Nanny Association offers an optional discounted background check through an approved provider (PFC Caregiver and Household Screening), applicants may obtain one from any legitimate screening service that meets the outlined criteria. By submitting a background check, applicants acknowledge that the US Nanny Association has the authority to review and assess results to ensure compliance with certification standards.

PFC Background check

This background check is for certification purposes only and does not replace employer-required screenings.

1 hr.

To apply for a US Nanny Association credential, applicants must complete the online application, pay the credential fee, and upload all required documents through their private student account.

Visit the US Nanny Association website, select your desired credential, and complete the payment process. After payment, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions to set up your private student account. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.

Credential fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including:

• Failure to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Incomplete applications that are not finalized within the required timeframe.
• Failure to pass the proficiency exam.

The US Nanny Association does not offer financial aid, but applicants may seek scholarships or reimbursement from nanny agencies, family employers, childcare businesses, and industry organizations.

Applications remain active for 90 days. All steps, including document submission and exam completion, must be completed within this period. Applicants are encouraged to gather all necessary documents before signing up and paying the credential fee. If an application expires, the process must be restarted, including paying the credential fee again, as previously submitted documents cannot be transferred.

Pay Credential Fee

After payment, applicants will receive an email with a login link to create their secure student account. This account is used to submit documents and track application progress. Files must be uploaded digitally in accepted formats, including PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, DOC, or DOCX.

10 min.

Log into your online account and complete the application form, uploading all the forms and documentation required. Files must be submitted

To complete your application, upload all required documents according to the credential requirements. Once all documents are uploaded, review the submission checklist and check each box before submitting your application for review. Do not submit your application until all required documents have been uploaded, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If you experience any issues with the checklist form, email info@usnanny.org to notify the team that your application is ready for review.

Once submitted, applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days to ensure completeness and accuracy. If any additional documentation is needed, an administrator will email the applicant with specific instructions.

To maintain the integrity of the credentialing process, some applications may be  selected for an audit. During an audit, the US Nanny Association may contact employers or training institutions to verify work experience, education, or training. These audits help uphold industry standards and ensure that all credentialed individuals meet the highest professional qualifications.

30 min.

While your application and documents are under review, use this time to prepare for the proficiency exam. Proper preparation ensures you are ready to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as outlined in the National Nanny Standards.

Review the National Nanny Standards. The proficiency exam is based on the National Nanny Standards, which outline essential childcare knowledge, best practices, and safety protocols. Reviewing the standards ensures you are familiar with the topics and expectations covered in the exam.

Watch the video quiz game. A video quiz game is available to provide additional practice in an interactive format. This tool helps reinforce key concepts from the National Nanny Standards in a fun and engaging way.

Take the practice exam. The credential process includes a practice exam to help applicants prepare.

• The practice exams include:
• 25 questions for the NS/NCP and NIS/NICP exams.
• 50 questions for the PNCP exam.
• Practice exams are not timed or proctored, allowing applicants to:
• Retake the practice exam as many times as needed.
• Review correct answers to missed questions for better understanding.

Use the practice exam to identify areas where you need additional review. If you do not score at least 80% on the practice exam, consider investing in an optional review class. Sign up for a review class.

2-4 hrs.

The proficiency exam is the final step in the credentialing process, designed to assess an applicant’s childcare knowledge and skills based on the National Nanny Standards.

The exam is conducted online and must be taken independently, without the use of notes, external materials, or assistance. Each applicant will receive a private, single-use link to access the exam, which must be completed within three (3) weeks of receiving access. The exam is available in English and Spanish and must be taken in a secure testing environment. The exam platform may request permission to access your camera and web browser to ensure compliance. Images may be used to verify identity against the government-issued ID submitted with the application.

A passing score is 80% or higher. Once an application is approved, the online exam will be added to the applicant’s student account with the following structure:
✔ NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS: 100 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit
✔ PNCP: 200 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour time limit

Retaking the Exam. Applicants are allowed two (2) exam attempts. If an applicant does not pass on the first attempt, the exam will be locked for 7 days to encourage further study. Applicants who do not study after failing the first attempt rarely pass the second attempt.

If an applicant fails both attempts, they must restart the certification process, which includes paying the full credential fee again. The US Nanny Association strongly encourages additional childcare training or participation in a review class before reapplying.

2-4 hrs.

Once all credential requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants can immediately download their digital certificate from their student portal.

For applicants residing in the United States, a printed certificate will be mailed within 2-4 weeks after final approval.

Certified individuals can:
✔ Upload a photo and receive a social media badge to showcase their achievement.
✔ Opt-in to be listed on the USNA credential verification website, allowing agencies and employers to confirm certification status.
✔ Use the NCP, NICP, PNCP, NS, or NIS logos on resumes, LinkedIn, and job boards to enhance their professional profile.

All credentials are valid for three (3) years. To maintain certification, renewal is required before expiration. Whenever possible, credential holders should display their certification with dates of validity, such as Jane Smith, PNCP 2025-2028.

10 mins.

Learn how to renew your credential at usnanny.org/credentials/renew-nanny-certification/

No. Our Association is named the US Nanny Association to communicate a commitment to US laws and customs. The US Nanny Association welcomes all persons living in any part of the world.

Whenever possible, the US Nanny Association provides content in English and Spanish. The nanny standards, certification programs and certification exams are available in English and Spanish. The review and exam preparation classes are currently available in English only.

No. US Nanny Association membership and/or earning a NS, NCP, NIS, NICP or PNCP Credential will in no way help individuals obtain a visa to the US or any other country.

No. The US Nanny Association does not provide direct financial aid. Many private organizations, nanny agencies, family employers, and childcare businesses offer scholarships or financial assistance for professional development.

Placement agencies, nanny groups, or businesses purchasing five (5) or more review classes and/or credentials may be eligible for a discounted group rate. For details, contact info@usnanny.org.

No, all applicants must meet the stated eligibility criteria, including training, work experience, background checks, and passing the proficiency exam. There are no exceptions or waivers for any requirements.

Yes. The credential program includes a trivia game and a practice exam. The NCP and NICP practice exam have 25 questions and the PNCP practice exam has 50 questions.

Here are some example NCP questions.

1. Conforming to conventional expectations of social behavior by not texting and driving, making eye contact when speaking with another person, and wearing appropriate clothes to work is demonstrating which of the following professionalism traits?

• Etiquette
• Authenticity
• Humility
• Integrity

2. Smiling and saying thank you to the checkout clerk, not swearing at the driver who cut you off, and putting aside your phone when talking with others is demonstrating which professionalism trait?

• Patience
• Perseverance
• Role model
• Forgiveness

Here are some example NICP questions.

1. What are the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations regarding breast feeding?

• Continued breastfeeding for 18+ months
• Exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months
• Breast and formula feed for 3 months
• Formula feed after 12 months

2. What is the hive-like rash made up of red blotches with pale or yellowish bumps on the baby’s skin?

• Erythema toxicum
• Vernix
• Pustular melanosis
• Lanugo

Here are some example PNCP questions.

1. Amanda is a nanny for 6-year-old Connor. When communicating with Connor, Amanda likes to share details, timelines and communicates well thought-out plans in a step by step manner. What type of communication style is Amanda using?

• Analytical
• Intuitive
• Functional
• Personal

2. Lori failed to properly secure her 3-year-old charge in the back of the car for a quick trip to the corner store. Lori’s car was hit by another car, the accident was not Lori’s fault, and the child was injured. The parents are suing Lori for negligence. Do they have a basis for this lawsuit?

• No, because Lori was not at fault for the accident
• Yes, because Lori did not use the ordinary standard of care, as standard care requires the proper use of a car seat
• No, because the child is over the age of 2 and a car seat or restraint is not required
• No, because they hired Lori to care for their child and therefore trusted her judgement