How to get nanny certified
You’ve done the work. The childcare classes, the years of experience, CPR and first aid certification and the background check. This is how you pull it all together. Parents can verify a US Nanny Association certification.
Here is every step, start to finish. Most of the effort goes into gathering documents. It’s also important to review the National Nanny Standards before you pay the fee so you know if you are ready for the exam or need additional classes or self-study.
The certification fee is $299 and is non-refundable. You have 90 days to finish once you’ve paid so please read this page before you do.
If you need further assistance, contact us at info@usnanny.org.
Certification instructions – the details you need to complete each certification step
Download certification instructions, application and forms
US Nanny Association certification requirements
| Requirement | NCP / NS | NICP / NIS | PNCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Ages of children | 0 to 13 | 0 to 18 months | 0 to 13 |
| Training | 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours | 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours | 50 clock hours or 6 credit hours, accredited, transcript required |
| Paid experience | 2,000 hours | 4,000 hours | 6,000 hours |
| High school diploma | Required for NCP, or 3 references for NS | Required for NICP, or 3 references for NIS | Required |
| Exam | 100 questions, 2 hours | 100 questions, 2 hours | 200 questions, 4 hours |
| Passing score | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Fee | $299 | $299 | $299 |
Step 1. Review the Code of Conduct and Application Agreement
All applicants must read and agree to the US Nanny Association Code of Conduct and the application agreement before applying for certification. These documents explain the standards, responsibilities, and terms applicants agree to when they apply.
Code of Conduct. The Code sets expectations for professional behavior so families, agencies, and caregivers understand the standards certification holders are expected to follow. Concerns about a certification holder can be sent to info@usnanny.org. The Association reviews concerns that relate to a published certification requirement or a ground published in the Code of Conduct or National Nanny Standards.
Application agreement. The application agreement explains the terms of the certification process. Applicants agree that they are responsible for submitting accurate, complete, and authentic documents and for meeting the requirements for the certification they select. The agreement also explains that USNA makes certification decisions, fees are non-refundable except in limited circumstances, the 90-day completion period begins on the purchase date, exams must be taken independently, and certifications are not a state license, immigration benefit, employment assessment, or hiring recommendation.
Applicants should review these terms before purchase so they understand the requirements, deadlines, refund policy, privacy and data-sharing terms, exam rules, certification use rules, and dispute terms. Before you pay, read the grounds on which an application can be denied and how to request a review with the Certification Review and Reconsideration Policy.
Step 2. Confirm eligibility and gather your documents
Before you pay the certification fee, confirm that you meet the requirements for the certification you want and have digital copies of your documents ready to upload.
Minimum age. Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) and Nanny Specialist (NS) applicants must be at least 18 years old. Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP), Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS), and Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP) applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Government identification. You need a passport, driver’s license, state ID, or other government-issued identification that shows your legal name, photo, and date of birth. You do not have to be a US citizen or resident. Many US Nanny Association certified nannies are residents of and/or reside in other countries.
High school diploma, GED, or professional references. NCP, NICP, and PNCP applicants must submit a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent secondary education document. If the document is in another language, include the original and an English translation.
NS and NIS applicants may submit three professional references instead of a high school diploma or GED. A references must be an employer, supervisor, agency placement director, lead teacher, or another professional who has directly observed you caring for children. References from relatives or friends are not accepted. A reference may use the Childcare Reference Form, or write their own letter covering the same information: contact details, employment dates, ages of the children, job responsibilities, and a description of your childcare skills.
CPR and First Aid certification. You need a current CPR and First Aid certification that covers both adults and children. Expired certifications are not accepted.
Background check. Your background check must be dated within 12 months of submitting your application. It must include your full legal name, current address, and government-issued identification number. It must also include searches of federal or national criminal records, state and local criminal records, sex offender registries, motor vehicle records, and any other relevant background information. The background check provider’s name and contact information must appear on the report.
The existence of a criminal record does not automatically determine eligibility. Where legally permitted, the Association considers the nature and seriousness of the conduct, its relationship to childcare responsibilities, the time elapsed, the disposition of the matter, evidence of rehabilitant or subsequent conduct, and information provided by the applicant. An arrest or accusation alone does not establish that the alleged conduct occurred.
Before making a final unfavorable certification decision based in whole or in part on the background report, the Association will provide notice of the concern, a copy of the report relied upon, applicable notices of rights, and a reasonable opportunity to identify inaccuracies or provide relevant information.
The background check is for certification purposes only. It does not replace an employer’s own background screening, and employers remain responsible for their own hiring diligence.
Step 3. Childcare training
Training must be directly related to childcare, early childhood education, newborn care, or infant care. Training may be completed in any language.
Training guidance. Applicants should choose training that follows guidance from recognized authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. Applicants should also review the US Nanny Association National Nanny Standards before selecting training, because the certification exam is based on the standards.
Documentation must show. Training documentation must include the applicant’s full name, date of training or completion, course or program title, total number of hours or credit hours completed, and the training provider’s name and contact information.
NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS training. Training must come from a reputable organization that issues a certificate of completion or transcript. The document must include a way to contact the provider and confirm the training was completed. The provider information should include the school or organization name, phone number, email, website, or other contact information.
PNCP training. Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider applicants must complete training from an accredited college, university, vocational or professional trade school focused on nanny care, childcare, or early childhood education. An official transcript is required. Certificates of attendance are not accepted for PNCP.
Hours required. NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS applicants need at least 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of childcare or newborn and infant training. PNCP applicants need at least 50 clock hours or 6 credit hours of post-secondary training.
Training from multiple providers. Applicants may combine training from multiple reputable providers as long as the total hours or credits meet or exceed the requirement.
If the training document is in another language, applicants must provide both the original document and an English translation. Training documentation that is incomplete, or that the Association is unable to confirm, will not be accepted.
The US Nanny Association does not endorse a specific training provider and does not require applicants to use a particular school or program. Suggested training programs can be viewed at usnanny.org/childcaretraining.
Step 4. Work experience
Applicants must provide documentation of paid childcare work experience. The work must include direct, independent supervisory responsibility for at least one child.
Age of children. For NCP, NS, and PNCP, qualifying work must involve at least one child ages 0 to 13, or up to age 18 if the child has been diagnosed with additional needs. For NICP and NIS, qualifying work must involve newborns and infants ages 0 to 18 months.
Qualifying roles. Qualifying childcare roles may include nanny, daycare worker, teacher, pediatric medical assistant, pediatric nurse, camp counselor, or another role that required direct and independent supervision of children in a home or childcare setting. Sitter experience only qualifies if the provider was aged 16 or above at the time of employment.
What does not qualify. Caring for siblings, family members, or dependents does not qualify, even if paid. Unpaid childcare, volunteer work, and work experience gained before age 16 also do not qualify.
What qualifies
- Paid work with direct, independent supervisory responsibility for at least one child
- Nanny
- Daycare worker
- Teacher
- Pediatric medical assistant
- Pediatric nurse
- Camp counselor
- Sitter, if you were 16 or older at the time
- Any other role requiring direct and independent supervision of children in a home or childcare setting
What does not qualify
- Caring for siblings, family members or dependents, even if you were paid
- Unpaid childcare
- Volunteer work
- Any work before age 16
Hours required. NCP and NS applicants need at least 2,000 hours, or about one year, of paid childcare work experience. NICP and NIS applicants need at least 4,000 hours, or about two years, of paid newborn and infant care experience. PNCP applicants need at least 6,000 hours, or about three years, of paid childcare work experience.
Accepted documentation. Applicants may submit a combination of pay stubs, W-2 forms, signed employment verification letters, signed nanny work agreements, completed Childcare Experience forms, or signed letter from a nanny placement agency.
Employment verification letters, nanny work agreements, contracts, and agency letters must include the employer’s or agency’s name and contact information, dates of employment, weekly hours, ages of the children cared for, and job responsibilities.
If you were paid in cash
If pay stubs or tax forms are not available, submit a signed employment verification letter from your employer or a completed Childcare Experience Form.
If an employer will not provide documentation
That work cannot be counted toward the work experience requirement. Make sure you can provide at least one accepted form of documentation for every role you want to submit.
If you signed a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement
Work covered by a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement may count toward certification if you can provide documentation that identifies the employer, includes contact information, and confirms your employment and hours.
If the agreement prevents you from providing that information, those hours cannot be counted. The US Nanny Association cannot accept documents with the employer’s name or contact details removed, or references that cannot be contacted.
If an agency placed you
The agency can document your work instead of the family. Ask the agency for a letter that includes your employment dates, weekly hours, the ages of the children you cared for, your job responsibilities, and the agency’s name and contact information. This is often the simplest route when a confidentiality agreement is in place.
Step 5. Sign up and apply
After you confirm that you meet the requirements and have your documents ready, choose the certification that matches your experience and complete the payment process.
Choose your certification:
Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) or Nanny Specialist (NS). For applicants with at least 2,000 hours, or about one year, of paid childcare work experience. NS is the alternate pathway for applicants who submit professional references instead of a high school diploma or GED.
Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) or Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS). For applicants with at least 4,000 hours, or about two years, of paid newborn and infant care experience with children ages 0 to 18 months. NIS is the alternate pathway for applicants who submit professional references instead of a high school diploma or GED.
Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP). For applicants with at least 6,000 hours, or about three years, of paid childcare work experience and accredited childcare, nanny, or early childhood education training.
Certification fee. The certification fee is non-refundable except as stated in the US Nanny Association Refund Policy. Review the requirements before paying. Paying the fee starts the application process, but certification is issued only after the applicant meets all requirements, submits acceptable documentation, and passes the exam. Paying the fee does not guarantee certification.
90-day completion period. Applications remain active for 90 days from the purchase date. All required steps, including document submission and the exam, must be completed within that timeframe. If an application expires, the applicant must restart the process and pay the certification fee again.
Student account. After payment, you will receive an email with instructions to set up your private student account. Check your spam or junk folder if the email does not arrive within a few minutes. Use your student account to access the application instructions and upload your documents. You can log into your student account on Litmos. The email address provided during payment is the username.
Application submission. Files must be clear, legible, and uploaded in an accepted digital format, including PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, PAGES, DOC, or DOCX. Upload all required documents before submitting your application for review. After all documents are uploaded, complete the submission checklist and submit the application. Incomplete submissions are not reviewed.
Application review. After submission, your application is reviewed for completeness and consistency with the certification requirements. The US Nanny Association reviews applications within 5 business days. If additional documentation is required, an administrator will email you with instructions. If your application is denied, the US Nanny Association will tell you in writing which requirement was not met and the factual basis for the decision. You may request reconsideration within 30 calendar days at no cost. Reconsideration is an internal review and is not an independent appeal. See the Certification Review and Reconsideration Policy.
Certification review and reliance. US Nanny Association certification requires applicants to submit documentation for each certification requirement. Applicants attest that all information and documents they submit are accurate, complete, and authentic, and applicants remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their submissions.
Certification reflects the Association’s determination that an applicant met its published requirements based on the application, supporting information, and examination results reviewed during the certification process. Applicants are responsible for providing accurate and complete information. The Association relies on information supplied by applicants and third parties and may seek clarification or confirmation. Its review does not independently establish the authenticity of every document or accuracy or completeness of every statement. Certification does not guarantee future conduct, judgment, or suitability for a particular position. Families, agencies, and employers must conduct their own screening and hiring diligence.
The Association may contact employers, training providers, references or issuing organizations to clarify or confirm submitted information. Such inquiries are limited to the certification review and do not constitute comprehensive authentication of every document or independent verification of every statement.
Certification confirms that, based on the information submitted and reviewed, the applicant met the published certification requirements at the time certification was issued. Certification does not guarantee a caregiver’s character, conduct, judgment, future performance, employment suitability, or compliance with any family’s, agency’s, employer’s, state’s, or country’s requirements. Families, agencies, and employers remain responsible for conducting their own diligence, including interviews, reference checks, background checks, and any other screening they determine is appropriate.
Step 6. Prepare for the proficiency exam
While your application and documents are under review, use this time to prepare for the proficiency exam. The exam is based on the US Nanny Association National Nanny Standards, not on a specific training provider’s curriculum. Exams are available in English and Spanish.
Review the National Nanny Standards. Every exam question comes from the published National Nanny Standards topics. Training programs vary in how much of the standards they cover, so review the standards carefully and study any topics your training did not include.
Take the practice exam. The practice exam is included with certification. NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS practice exams include 25 questions. The PNCP practice exam includes 50 questions. Practice exams are not timed or proctored. You may retake the practice exam as needed and review correct answers to missed questions. Use the practice exam to identify areas that need more study before taking the proficiency exam.
Example exam questions. Example questions are provided so applicants can see the style and format of the exam. They are examples only and do not represent the full exam content.
NCP or NS example questions.
1. A nanny arrives on time, follows the family’s written instructions, keeps private household information confidential, and communicates honestly when a concern comes up. Which professional quality is the nanny demonstrating?
- Dependability
- Confidentiality
- Professionalism
- Creativity
2. A nanny is caring for a toddler who is upset because it’s time to leave the park. The nanny gets down to the child’s level, names the feeling, gives a brief explanation, and offers two acceptable choices. Which approach is the nanny using?
- Positive guidance
- Punishment
- Ignoring behavior
- Peer mediation
NICP or NIS example questions.
1. A parent asks how long the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding when possible. Which answer best matches AAP guidance?
- About 6 months
- About 3 months
- Only until solid foods begin
- Only during the newborn period
2. A newborn has a thick, white, waxy coating on the skin shortly after birth. What is this substance called?
- Vernix
- Lanugo
- Erythema toxicum
- Cradle cap
PNCP example questions.
1. A parent prefers short updates with the main point first. The nanny usually gives long explanations with background details. What should the nanny do to communicate more effectively?
- Adjust the update to match the parent’s preferred communication style
- Continue giving long explanations so nothing is missed
- Stop giving updates unless the parent asks
- Ask the child to explain the day instead
2. A nanny notices repeated concerns about a child’s development and behavior over several weeks. The parents ask the nanny what they should do. What is the most professional response?
- Share clear observations and encourage the parents to consult the child’s healthcare provider, school, or another qualified professional
- Tell the parents the child likely has a specific diagnosis
- Wait to mention it until the parents bring it up first
- Post in a caregiver group to ask what other nannies think
3. 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
Step 7. Take the proficiency exam
The proficiency exam unlocks when all your documents have been reviewed and approved. It’s the final step in the certification process and tests your knowledge of the National Nanny Standards for the certification you selected.
Exam access. The exam is online. After your application is approved, the exam is added to your student account. The exam must be completed within three weeks of receiving access.
Exam rules. You must take the exam independently. You may not use notes, outside materials, devices, software, artificial intelligence tools, another person, or any other unauthorized help. Exam links, logins, and exam attempts are personal and may not be shared.
Exam format. NCP, NS, NICP, and NIS exams include 100 multiple-choice questions with a two-hour time limit. The PNCP exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions covering all three sets of National Standards – the Nanny Standards, the Newborn and Infant Standards and the Professional Standards, with a four-hour time limit.
Passing score. A passing score is 80% or higher. Applicants are allowed two exam attempts. The exam is available in English and Spanish.
Secure testing. The exam must be taken in a secure testing environment. The exam platform may request permission to access your camera or web browser to monitor activity during the test. Images may be used to compare identity against the government identification submitted with the application.
Retaking the exam. If you do not pass on the first attempt, the second attempt will lock for seven days so you have time to review and prepare. If you do not pass both attempts, you must restart the certification process, including paying the certification fee again. The US Nanny Association strongly encourages additional childcare training before reapplying.
Step 8. Receive your certification
After you complete all certification requirements and pass the proficiency exam, your digital certification is immediately available in your student account.
Digital certification. You can download your certification from your student portal after passing the exam.
Printed certificate. Printed certificates for U.S. residents are mailed within 1 to 2 weeks after final approval.
Badge and verification listing. Certification holders may upload a photo and receive a social media badge. You may also opt in to be listed on the USNA certification verification page so agencies and employers can confirm your active certification status.
Certification term. US Nanny Association certifications are valid for three years. Renewal is required to maintain active certification.
Using your certification. You may use the NCP, NS, NICP, NIS, or PNCP designation and corresponding logo on resumes, LinkedIn, and job boards while your certification is active. Whenever possible, include the dates of validity, such as Jane Smith, PNCP 2025-2028.
Step 9. Renew your certification every three years
US Nanny Association certifications are valid for three years and must be renewed to remain active. Renewal requires current adult and child CPR and First Aid certification, 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of continuing education, a new background check, and payment of the renewal fee.
Current certification holders do not retake the exam during renewal. If a certification is not renewed within one year after expiration, the applicant must restart the certification process, including retaking the exam and submitting all required documents.
Ready to start?
Before you pay, review the requirements for the certification that matches your experience. Choose the certification pathway that fits your childcare background, training, and documentation.
Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) or Nanny Specialist (NS). For applicants with at least 2,000 hours of paid childcare work experience.
Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) or Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS). For applicants with at least 4,000 hours of paid newborn and infant care experience with children ages 0 to 18 months.
Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP). For applicants with at least 6,000 hours of paid childcare work experience and accredited childcare, nanny, or early childhood education training.
Select a certification below to review the full requirements and begin the application process. Before you buy, read the grounds on which an application can be denied and how to request a free review with the Certification Review and Reconsideration Policy.