Verify a nanny certification
You can check whether a nanny holds a current US Nanny Association certification in two ways. First, search the register below by certification type and then alphabetically by last name.
Some nannies opt out of the public registry so a nanny who is not listed on the register may still be certified. If you want to confirm the authenticity of a certification provided to you by a nanny or newborn care specialist, you can send a photo of the certification to info@usnanny.org. We can only confirm or deny authenticity of an image. Due to privacy laws, we cannot provide any additional information.
3 ways to verify a nanny or newborn care specialist certification
Search the register
Certification holders who have opted in are listed below by certification. Names are shown in alphabetical order.
Ask to see the certificate
Every holder receives both an electronic certificate. The issue date is printed on the certificate and certifications are valid for three years.
Send us a photo
Email a photo of the certificate to info@usnanny.org. We will confirm or deny that it is authentic. We cannot share any other information about a nanny.
What it takes to earn a US Nanny Association certification
Every US Nanny Association certification requires documented training, documented paid childcare experience, current CPR and first aid certification, a background check dated within the past 12 months, and a score of at least 80% on a proctored exam based on the National Nanny Standards.
Defining the abbreviations: certified nanny and childcare provider (NCP), nanny specialist (NS), certified newborn and infant care professional (NICP), newborn and infant specialist (NIS), certified professional nanny and childcare provider (PNCP)
| Requirement | Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) Nanny Specialist (NS) |
Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS) |
Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 | 21 | 21 |
| Education | NCP: High school diploma, GED or equivalent. NS: Three professional references instead. |
NICP: High school diploma, GED or equivalent. NIS: Three professional references instead. |
High school diploma, GED or equivalent. Professional references cannot replace this requirement. |
| Documented training | 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of qualifying childcare training. | 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of qualifying newborn and infant care training covering ages 0 to 18 months. | 50 clock hours or 6 credit hours of qualifying training from an accredited college, university, vocational school or trade school, documented by an official transcript. |
| Documented paid experience | 2,000 hours caring for children ages 0 to 13, or up to age 18 for children diagnosed with additional support needs. | 4,000 hours caring for newborns and infants ages 0 to 18 months. | 6,000 hours caring for children ages 0 to 13, or up to age 18 for children diagnosed with additional support needs. |
| CPR and first aid | Current certification. | Current certification. | Current certification. |
| Background check | Dated within the past 12 months. | Dated within the past 12 months. | Dated within the past 12 months. |
| Proctored proficiency exam | 100 questions. | 100 questions. | 200 questions. |
| Passing score | At least 80%. | At least 80%. | At least 80%. |
What is the difference between NCP and NS certification?
The US Nanny Association Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) and Nanny Specialist (NS) certifications have the same training, work experience, CPR and first aid, background check, and exam requirements. Both require the same passing score. NCP applicants provide a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. NS applicants provide three professional references in place of the high school diploma requirement. An NS certification holder passes the same proficiency exam as an NCP certification holder.
What is the difference between NICP and NIS certification?
The US Nanny Association Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) and Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS) certifications have the same newborn and infant training, work experience, CPR and first aid, background check, and exam requirements. Both require the same passing score. NICP applicants provide a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. NIS applicants provide three professional references in place of the high school diploma requirement. An NIS certification holder passes the same proficiency exam as an NICP certification holder.
US Nanny Association certification registry
Certified Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP)
- Clara Akwarandu, PNCP
- Paige Brickl, PNCP
- Carlee Cook, PNCP
- Tami Ellis, PNCP
- Madison Haskell, PNCP
- Zaneta Lyall, PNCP
- Alby Monterroso, PNCP
- Lý Nguyễn, PNCP
- Claudia Palacios, PNCP
- Amanda Staudenraus, PNCP
- Jessica Sweet, PNCP
- Maia Wachter, PNCP
Certified Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) or Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS)
- Evelyn Arias, NICP
- Mariela Argueta, NICP
- Patricia Arevalo, NICP
- Susana Caracas, NICP
- Xiao Qin Cao, NICP
- Ana Gabriela Comparan, NICP
- Meaghan Doorley, NICP
- Tami Ellis, NICP
- Damaris Equihua Maya, NICP
- Jenniffer Escalante, NICP
- Marianne Galvan, NICP
- Marilina Gomez, NICP
- Ana Henriquex, NIS, NICP
- Ana Lopez, NICP
- Liliana Madys, NICP
- Angelica del Rosario Monzon Herrera, NICP
- Kelly Rodas, NICP
- Marisela Santana, NICP
- Shannon Shaffer, NICP
- Amadilia Sosa De Leon, NICP
- Karina Pecero Tellez, NIS
- Christina Tucker, NICP
- Maria Dolores Vazquez, NICP
- Tatiana Vilas Boas, NICP
- Maria E Villa, NICP
- Yadira Villalobos, NICP
Certified Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) or Nanny Specialist (NS)
- Kathryn Davi, NCP
- Jenniffer Escalante, NCP
- Cierra Garibay, NCP
- Laura Hamilton, NCP
- Makenna O’Hare, NCP
- Patience Parsons, NCP
- Delmy Posadas, NS
- Matthew Spina, NCP
Using the US Nanny Association registry
If you are a parent. A certification tells you the nanny’s training, paid experience, CPR and First Aid, and background check were reviewed against published requirements, and that they passed an exam on the National Nanny Standards. It does not replace your own hiring checks. Interview, check references, and make your own decision.
If you are an agency. Certification gives you a documented, dated standard you can screen against rather than a self-reported claim. Certifications expire three years from the issue date, so check the date as well as the name.
If you are a certified nanny. Being listed lets a family or agency confirm your certification without contacting you. Listing is optional and you can ask to be added or removed at any time. Once removed, names are not added back for at least 12 months.
Fake certifications
Unfortunately, people are claiming they are certified when it’s not true. These false claims violate the US Nanny Association Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct allow the US Nanny Association to remove nannies who misrepresent themselves from the US Nanny Association and certification programs. If you are aware of a nanny misrepresenting one of our certifications, please let us know at info@usnanny.org.
Frequently asked questions
Does US Nanny Association certification guarantee that a nanny is safe to hire?
No. Certification confirms that the applicant submitted training, paid experience, CPR and first aid, and background check documentation that was reviewed against the US Nanny Association’s published requirements, and passed a proficiency exam based on the National Nanny Standards. Families and agencies should still conduct interviews, check references, and complete their own hiring checks.
Can the US Nanny Association provide personal or employment information about a certified nanny?
No. The US Nanny Association can confirm whether a certificate is authentic. It does not provide additional personal or employment information about certification holders.
How do I add my certification to the US Nanny Association register?
You’ll get the option to add your name to the verification webpage as one of the final steps in the certification process. If you elected not to and want to change your mind or you want your name removed from the public registry, you can email info@usnanny.org to make the request. Participation is optional, and you may request removal at any time. If you have your name removed, you must wait at least 12 months before it can be added again.
How do I report a false claim of US Nanny Association certification?
Email info@usnanny.org with details of the claim. False certification claims violate the US Nanny Association Code of Conduct and may result in removal from the Association’s certification programs.
Can a nanny without US Nanny Association certification still be qualified?
Yes. Nanny certification is voluntary, and experienced caregivers may choose not to pursue it. If a nanny is uncertified, review their training, paid experience, CPR and first aid credentials, background check, and references directly. Use the same careful hiring process with every candidate.
What should I check on a nanny's certification?
Check the nanny’s name, the issuing organization, the credential name, and the issue and expiration dates. For a US Nanny Association certificate, confirm that the name matches the caregiver and
Can I hire a nanny whose US Nanny Association certification has expired?
yes. While an expired US Nanny Association credential does not represent current certification, it can represent past certification. You may still evaluate the nanny’s qualifications, but ask for updated training, CPR and first aid, background check, and reference information. If current certification is one of your hiring requirements, ask the nanny to complete renewal before representing the credential as current.
How should a nanny share US Nanny Association certification with prospective employers?
Include the full credential name, abbreviation, and certification dates on your resume or professional profile. Have your printed and electronic certificates available for review, and direct families to the US Nanny Association verification register if you have opted into a public listing.
Does US Nanny Association certification mean the Association endorses or recommends a nanny?
No. Certification indicates that an applicant met the US Nanny Association’s published requirements and passed a proficiency exam based on the National Nanny Standards. The Association does not employ, place, refer or recommend nannies. Certification is not an endorsement of an individual caregiver.
If the US Nanny Association reviewed a nanny's background check, should I still obtain my own?
Yes. Families and agencies should conduct their own screening before hiring. The US Nanny Association does not conduct background checks. Applicants obtain a background check from a provider they choose and submit it for certification review. That report reflects information available at a particular time and does not replace an employer’s screening process.
Does US Nanny Association certification guarantee that a nanny is safe to hire?
No. Certification does not guarantee a caregiver’s conduct, judgment, performance or suitability for your family. Families, agencies and employers should conduct interviews, check references, review current safety credentials, and complete appropriate background screening before hiring.
Does the US Nanny Association monitor nannies after certification?
No. The US Nanny Association assesses applicants during certification and renewal. It does not supervise their work or continuously monitor their conduct, employment or background information. Renewal requires a new background check dated within the past 12 months.
Does the US Nanny Association authenticate applicants' documents?
No. The US Nanny Association reviews submitted documents against its published requirements and may contact employers or training providers for clarification or confirmation. It relies on information supplied by applicants and third parties. It’s review does not independently establish the authenticity of every document or the accuracy or completeness of every statement. Applicants are responsible for providing accurate and complete information.
Is US Nanny Association certification a government license?
No. US Nanny Association certification is a voluntary credential issued by the Association. It is not a government-issued license and does not establish legal authorization to work or satisfy any licensing requirements that may apply to other childcare settings.
How do I report misconduct by a US Nanny Association certification holder?
Email the US Nanny Association at info@usnanny.org with the relevant details. Alleged violations of the Code of Conduct may be reviewed through the Association’s formal ethics process. A finding of a violation may result in certification revocation or disqualification from future certification. The Association does not resolve employment disputes. Immediate safety concerns or suspected crimes should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Who is responsible for hiring and supervising a certified nanny?
The family, agency or employer making the hiring decision is responsible for evaluating the candidate and establishing appropriate employment arrangements and supervision. US Nanny Association certification is one qualification to consider during that process. It does not transfer hiring or supervisory responsibilities to the Association or determine legal responsibility if an incident occurs.
Nanny certification verification at a glance
The US Nanny Association issues five nanny certifications. Certified Nanny (NCP), Nanny Specialist (NS), Certified Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP), Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS), and Certified Professional Nanny (PNCP).
NCP and NS meet an identical standard and use the same exam. NICP and NIS meet an identical standard and use the same exam. The difference within each pair is how the applicant documented their education. NCP, NICP and PNCP applicants hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. NS and NIS applicants submit three professional references instead. The PNCP has no references route.
Every US Nanny Association certification requires documented childcare training, documented paid childcare experience, current CPR and First Aid certification, a background check dated within the past 12 months, and a passing score on a proctored exam written from the National Nanny Standards. The minimum age is 18 for NCP and NS, and 21 for NICP, NIS and PNCP.
Every US Nanny Association certification is valid for three years from the issue date printed on the certificate. Holders renew by documenting continuing education, current CPR and First Aid, and a new background check.
There are three ways to verify a US Nanny Association certification. Search the public register on this page. Ask the nanny to show both the printed and the electronic certificate. Or email a photo of the certificate to info@usnanny.org, and the US Nanny Association will confirm or deny that it is authentic.
Listing on the public register is voluntary. A nanny who does not appear on the register may still hold a current certification. The US Nanny Association does not share any information about a nanny beyond confirming whether a certificate is authentic.
A US Nanny Association certification means the nanny’s training, paid experience, CPR and First Aid, and background check were reviewed against published requirements, and that the nanny passed an exam on the National Nanny Standards. It does not replace a family’s own interviews, reference checks and hiring decisions.