The C-NPT Exam: Should You Get Certified? Why Being Certified in Neonatal Pediatric Transport Matters

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March 19th is Certified Nurse’s Day. A day to celebrate the dedication and expertise of nurses who go the extra mile to pursue specialty certifications. For those of us in neonatal and pediatric transport, one valuable certification we can achieve is the National Certification Corporation (NCC) Certified Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT).

Whether you're a transport nurse of 10 years, or someone considering applying for their local transport team, the C-NPT is worth considering. Here’s what you need to know about the exam and why I believe it's worth it for every neonatal and pediatric transport nurse to pursue it.

What is The C-NPT Exam?

The C-NPT exam is a test that one must take in order to earn their subspecialty certification in neonatal and pediatric transport. It is offered by the NCC and it is designed to validate the specialized knowledge and critical thinking skills required to safely transport critically ill newborns and children.

The exam covers a wide range of topics, including those on this list (not intended to be all-inclusive):

• Transport Core Knowledge (48%)

  • Regulation, Legal and Ethical

  • Safety, Communication and Environment

  • Procedures and Management of Invasive Devices

  • Pharmacology

  • Respiratory Physiology

  • Principles of Mechanical Ventilation

  • Thermoregulation

  • Resuscitation and Stabilization

  • Flight Physiology

  • Fluid and Electrolytes

  • History and Physical Assessment

• Clinical Issues in Neonatal Transport (26%)

  • Pulmonary

  • Cardiovascular

  • Glucose and Electrolyte Management

  • Neurological

  • Surgical Emergencies

  • Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate

• Clinical Issues in Pediatric Transport (26%)

  • Pulmonary

  • Cardiovascular

  • Metabolic and Hematologic

  • Neurological

  • Exposure to Drugs, Poisons, and Toxins

  • Accidental and Non-accidental Trauma (e.g. burns and smoke inhalation, penetrating, blunt and submersion injuries)

Costs to take the exam can seem pretty daunting at $210, which is why it's not recommended that you schedule your exam unless you're truly ready to buckle down and study for it. Test takers will have 2 hours to complete 125 questions (100 scored questions and 25 pretest questions that do not count towards the final score). Unlike the NCLEX, you have to answer every single question.

Who Should Get the C-NPT Certification?

If you're in neonatal and/or pediatric transport, or considering applying for a transport team, this certification is designed for you. Some transport teams will require their nurses to be certified prior to hiring, or by a certain date after being hired to the team. For those whose teams do not require the certification, it’s seen as a goal for transport nurses who want to stand out in their field.

When Should You Get C-NPT Certified?

If your team requires you to become certified within a certain period of time then it's no question when you should sit for your exam by, but that's not always the case. For example, the C-NPT is not a requirement for my team. While there’s no “perfect” time, here are a few key indicators that you might be ready:

• You have at least 2 years of experience in NICU, PICU, or emergency/transport medicine.

  • It's important to note that, unlike the RNC-NIC, this exam does not have a requirement for a number of hours practiced before sitting to take it. The only requirement is a current, active, unencumbered license in the US or Canada. That being said, I personally recommend 2 years of hands on experience in a critical/acute care setting with the population you will be transporting.

• You frequently care for critically ill neonates and children in transport situations.

• You’re ready to advance your career and prove your expertise.

Right now the NCC is running a "second chance free" promotion where those who register to take their exams between February 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025 are eligible to re-test for free should they fail the exam on their first attempt. If you have been considering applying for your exam, but have been anxious over the thought of potentially failing, NOW is the time to schedule!

Why I Got My C-NPT Certification (And Why I Believe You Should Too)

I pursued my C-NPT because I wanted to deepen my expertise, validate my skills, and ensure that I was providing the best possible care to my patients on transport. This certification has given me confidence, credibility, and opportunities for career advancement.

Here’s why I believe you should get certified too:

✅ It sets you apart— not all transport nurses are certified. Having the C-NPT gives you an edge in competitive job markets.

✅ It validates your expertise— you already have the skills; this certification proves it to employers, colleagues, and patients.

✅ It improves patient outcomes— the more knowledgeable and prepared you are, the better care you can provide during high-risk transports.

✅ It can open doors— some transport teams require or prefer certified nurses. Holding a C-NPT may lead to leadership roles and increased job opportunities.

How to Prepare for the C-NPT Exam

Studying for the C-NPT can be overwhelming. The NCC has their own list of study resources that you can find in their exam candidate guides, but here are a few resources that I personally used and loved:

• Study guides and practice questions

  • Certification Review Neonatal Pediatric Transport for NCC - I found that the questions in this book most mirrored the ones that I saw on the exam.

  • F.A.S.T Exam Prep - C-NPT - The questions in this book were WAY harder and honestly had me second guessing whether I could actually pass the exam. I still recommend it for the challenge and the bonus of learning the rational for the answers.

• Online asynchronous review course

  • Skills on Point Certified Neonatal Pediatric Transport Review - This course is long and a little expensive, but is chock full of information and insight. The teacher is a wealth of knowledge, but admittedly goes on A LOT of tangents. You will learn far more than is necessary to pass the test, which can be overwhelming, but also a great resource for future reference.

Final Thoughts

On Certified Nurse’s Day, I want to encourage every current and aspiring transport nurse to invest in their education and professional growth. The C-NPT isn’t just a title— it’s a testament to your dedication to neonatal and pediatric transport medicine.

If you’re considering taking the leap, go for it! And if you have questions about the process or need guidance, you know where to find me! 😌