Earning a Nanny Certification Versus a Nanny Credential

I confess I am proud of myself because I have earned the US Nanny Association Newborn and Infant Care Credential (NICP).

First, I studied taking courses at the US Nanny Institute to get certificates showing that I completed the Nanny and Childcare courses and Newborn and Infant Care courses.

Then, I applied for the Newborn and Infant Care Credential. I submitted my high school diploma and my bachelor’s degree, other certificates of courses in newborn care I have completed, my current CPR and First Aid certification, current background check, and proof of employment.

Once the information I submitted was verified, I was invited to take the exam. I studied the guides provided in the US Nanny Institute courses prior to taking the exam for the USNA Newborn and Infant Care Credential.

The US Nanny Association offers different Certifications and Credentials. The difference between Certification and Credential are described below.

Certification is a formal process that recognizes and validates an individual’s qualifications in a certain subject. A certificate program is a program of education that results in a certificate of completion rather than an educational degree. The coursework is designed and must be followed without deviation to ensure equality of training regardless of instructor or location. The US Nanny Association certificate of completion is issued at the end of coursework and passing the exams and no additional renewals are required.

A credential is proof of competency and capability and demonstrates to the professional community and employers that the individual is competent, properly trained, and equipped to carry out his or her duties. To sit for a credential exam, an individual must possess a set level of education and work experience. Credentials serve as verification that a professional has achieved a baseline level of competency in his or her subject matter. To earn a Credential from the US Nanny Association, students must not only submit proof of hours worked, pass a background check, and be CPR and First Aid certified, but also pass a Credential exam. The US Nanny Association Credentials have to be renewed every three years.

What I liked most about taking courses from the US Nanny Institute is the enormous amount of information presented in a very professional manner. The courses were as good quality as the courses I took to earn my bachelor’s degree.

The US Nanny Institute online courses were easy to take on my own time via my phone or laptop.

Here are the different Certifications caregivers can earn from the US Nanny Association:

Certified Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP)

For those with a high school diploma the Nanny and Childcare Provider (NCP) Certification is designed for nannies and sitters seeking to establish and maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children.

Certified Nanny requirements:

* At least 18 years old
* High school diploma or GED
* CPR and First Aid certification
* 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of childcare training from any reputable organization
* 2000 hours (1 year) of childcare work experience
* Pay credential fee
* Complete background check
* Pass NCP proficiency exam based on National Standards

For caregivers with a high school diploma the Certified Newborn and Infant Care Professional (NICP) is designed for those caring for preemies, newborns, and infants to 12 months old.

Certified Newborn and Infant requirements:

* At least 21 years old
* High school diploma or GED
* CPR and First Aid certification
* 20 clock hours or 3 credit hours of newborn and infant training
* 4000 hours (2 years) of newborn and infant work experience
* Pay credential fee
* Complete background check
* Pass NICP proficiency exam based on National Standards

Certified Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP)

For students with a high school diploma the Certified Professional Nanny and Childcare Provider (PNCP) is designed for nannies seeking a career in childcare.

Certified Professional Nanny requirements:

* At least 21 years old
* High school diploma or GED
* CPR and First Aid certification
* 50 clock hours or 6 credit hours of trade school, college or university
* 6000 hours (3 years) of of childcare work experience
* Pay credential fee
* Complete background check
* Pass NICP proficiency exam based on National Standards

Certified Nanny Specialist

The Nanny Specialist (NS) Credential is designed for nannies and sitters who do not have a high school diploma but have investing in childcare training and have work experience. Except for the high school diploma, Nanny specialists must meet all the requirements of the Certified Nanny program. Instead of a high school diploma, applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Certified Newborn and Infant Specialist

The Newborn and Infant Specialist (NIS) Credential is designed for childcare providers who do not have a high school diploma but have investing in newborn training and have newborn work experience. Except for the high school diploma, Newborn and Infant (NIS) specialists must meet all the requirements of the Certified Newborn program. Instead of a high school diploma, applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

My Tips for Taking Courses provided by the US Nanny Institute:

1. Print and use the study guides.

2. Email info@usnanny.org with any questions during the learning, certification, and credentialed process.

Please click here to learn more.