Renew your nanny certification
Is it time?
Certifications expire on the 3 year anniversary of the issue date. Certified Nannies (NCP), Nanny Specialists (NS), Certified Newborn and Infant Care Professionals (NICP), Newborn and Infant Specialists (NIS) and Professional Nannies (PNCP) can maintain their certification by renewing every 3 years.
To renew your certification, you will need to submit a current CPR and First Aid certification, 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of continuing education training, a background check dated within the past 12 months and pay the renewal fee. If you hold a current credential, you do not have to retake the proficiency exam.
Why renew your nanny certification?
When your certification expires, your name is removed from the website and US Nanny Association isn’t able to verify your certification.
- Your name remains on the certification verification page
- No exam. As long as you renew on time, you won’t have to retake the exam.
- Two year window. You can renew 12 months before and up to 12 months after your expiration date.
- You’ve likely done the work already. You’ve renewed your CPR and first aid, have a recent background check and completed some continuing education
Nanny certification renewal requirements
| What | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Term | 3 years from the issue date |
| Renewal window | 12 months before expiry through 12 months after |
| Hard cutoff | 4 years from issue. After that, certify again in full |
| Continuing education | 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours, dated after your issue date |
| CPR and First Aid | Current, adult and child |
| Background check | Dated within the past 12 months |
| Exam | Not required if your credential is current |
| Fee | $199 |
| Time to complete | 90 days from sign-up |
| Review time | 2 to 5 business days |
How to renew your Nanny and Newborn Care certification
If you have any questions about what documents are accepted for CPR and first aid and the background check, please review the certification instructions.
Step 1 : Check your certification expiration date
Every certification has an issued date located in the middle of the page under the certification title and to the right of the Executive Director signature (see image below). The certification is valid for 3 years after the issue date. You can renew up to 12 months prior to the expiration date through 12 months after the expiration date. This policy provides you with a 2 year window to renew.
If more than 4 years have passed since the issue date of the certification, then you must complete the certification process again in its entirety. There are no exceptions or extensions to this policy.
1 min.
Step 2 : Gather all the documents needed to renew
You will need several documents to renew including:
1. Update your CPR and first aid certification for adults and children. Expired certifications can not be accepted.
2. You must have completed at any time during the certification and/or within 12 months after expiration at least 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of documented childcare and/or newborn and infant continuing education training from any reputable training organization. You cannot use the same training that was submitted to get the certification and the training must be dated after the issue date of the certification.
Documentation must have the name of the school or conference, instructor and/or title of the class or program and duration of the class or program. The documentation must also have the name of the student, date of the course or program and current contact information (school address, phone number, email and website).
3. Background check. Complete a background check dated within 12 months and get an official copy to submit with the application.
10 min.
Step 3 : Sign up and pay the renewal fee
Before you pay, read why an application can be denied and how to request a review: Certification Review and Reconsideration Policy.
Apply online, paying the $199 non-refundable credential renewal fee. You will immediately get a receipt and you can log into your student account. Your username is your email address and you have the option to update your password, if needed.
All steps to renew the credential must be completed within 90 days.
The certification fee covers the cost for the secure online platform to upload and house the certification documents and fees to create the certifications. The fee also provides for annual training for US Nanny Association to be administrators approved to review all submitted documents and exam results against the published renewal requirements.
The fee does not include any childcare training, CPR and First Aid training or a background check. Training and background checks are paid separately and directly to businesses and organizations that provide those services.
5 min.
Step 4 : Complete and submit application
Log into your online account and complete the application form, uploading all the forms and documentation required. Files must be submitted digitally, and multiple files can be uploaded, if needed to meet a requirement. Digital files are accepted in the following formats: pdf. jpg, jpeg, png, pages, doc, or docx. After uploading all the files to meet all the requirements, you will see a checklist. When you check each box and hit submit, the US Nanny Association will receive your application.
Administrators will then review the application and all submitted documents against the published renewal requirements. Typically, the application review period takes 2 to 5 business days. If the US Nanny Association has any questions about an application, an administrator will email the applicant with further instructions.
The US Nanny Association may conduct an audit to confirm the experience and education documented. Audits may include contacting employers and educational institutions about the documentation submitted. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of what they provide.
30 min.
Step 5: Get renewed certification
When the required documents have been submitted, reviewed and approved, the US Nanny Association administrator will approve the renewal. You will get a new certification with an updated issue date.
You have the option to be added to the US Nanny Association verification page. You also have the option to submit a photo and get a social media banner.
The renewal is valid for 3 years. If you don’t hear from the credential administrator within 10 days of submitting your documents, you can follow up by contacting us at info@usnanny.org.
5 min.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I renew my US Nanny Association certification?
Renewing your US Nanny Association certification keeps your credential current and allows families and agencies to verify your certification status. Renewal also documents your continuing education, current CPR and first aid certification, and updated background check.
When your certification expires, your name is removed from the certification verification page, and the US Nanny Association can no longer verify your credential as current.
Do I have to retake the exam to renew my nanny certification?
No. US Nanny Association certification holders who complete renewal within the permitted renewal window do not retake the proficiency exam. This applies to the Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP), Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP), Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP), Nanny Specialist (NS), and Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS) credentials. After the renewal window closes, you must complete the full certification process again, including the exam.
What happens if my US Nanny Association certification has expired?
You may renew your US Nanny Association certification for up to 12 months after its expiration date. During that time, your credential is expired and cannot be verified as current. Once the renewal window closes, four years after the credential was issued, you must complete the full certification process again. There are no exceptions or extensions.
Can I renew my nanny certification early?
Yes. You may renew your US Nanny Association certification starting 12 months before its expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten your next three-year certification term and helps you avoid a gap in your current certification status.
What counts as continuing education for nanny certification renewal?
The US Nanny Association accepts documented childcare or newborn and infant training from reputable training organizations, including qualifying industry conferences. Renewal requires 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of continuing education. Documentation must include your name, the training date, the school or conference name, the instructor’s name or class title, the training duration, and current contact information for the provider.
Can I reuse training from my original nanny certification application?
How much does US Nanny Association certification renewal cost?
The renewal fee is $199. It covers the secure document platform, administrative review of your submission, and issuance of your renewed US Nanny Association certification. Childcare training, CPR and first aid training, and the background check are separate costs paid directly to their providers.
How long do I have to complete my certification renewal after paying?
You have 90 days from payment to complete the US Nanny Association certification renewal process. Renewal fees are non-refundable, including when an application is incomplete, expires, or does not meet the renewal requirements.
How long does the US Nanny Association take to review a renewal application?
Renewal applications are typically reviewed within 2 to 5 business days after submission. If the US Nanny Association needs additional information, an administrator will email you. If you have not received a response within 5 business days, contact info@usnanny.org.
Can my nanny certification renewal application be audited?
Yes. The US Nanny Association may randomly select renewal applicants for an audit. An audit may include contacting employers or training institutions to verify submitted documentation. These checks help maintain the credibility of US Nanny Association certifications.
Do I have to live in the United States to renew my nanny certification?
No. US citizenship, US residency, and living in the United States are not required to renew a US Nanny Association certification. The Association welcomes applicants worldwide. Its name reflects its commitment to US laws and customs.
Are US Nanny Association certification resources available in Spanish?
Yes. The US Nanny Association National Nanny Standards and certification exams are available in English and Spanish. The Association provides other content in both languages whenever possible.
Will a US Nanny Association certification help me obtain a work visa?
No. Earning or renewing a US Nanny Association certification does not help an individual obtain a visa to the United States or another country. It also does not help an employer obtain a visa or immigration status for a nanny.