NNCO Certification Exams
The highly regarded National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) formed in 1998 for the sole purpose of advancing the professional standards of technicians. The NNCO accomplishes this task through the creation and the maintenance of criteria and procedures for certification. The NNCO also works closely with the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) to ensure that the process meets the standards created by the National Organization for Competency Assurance and the American National Standards Institute.
The National Nephrology Certification Organization supports the idea that dialysis technicians should complete periodic certification as a form of credentialing. This process allows individuals to demonstrate competence in specialized areas of practice. The certification exams administered by the NNCO also meet the requirements adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Federal regulations mandate that all technicians become certified by either a validated state certification exam or a nationally recognized certification exam within 18 months of hire. The NNCO currently offers two certification exams including the Certification Examination in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) and the Certification Examination in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT).
Technician Certification Exam Details
1) The Certification Examination in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) – This exam contains a maximum of 200 multiple choice, objective questions that must be completed within a 3 hour time period. Questions are weighted so that the core industry topics are adequately addressed. Content categories and weights include infection control and safety (20%), patient care (15%), procedures and documentation (15%), complications (15%), water treatment and dialysate preparation (15%), dialyzer reprocessing (10%), and principles of dialysis (10%). As you can see, the exam questions are fairly well distributed among important industry topics and applicants will need to spend a significant amount of time reviewing all aspects of the profession before taking the exam. Those topics that receive at least 15% weighting should be reviewed in greater depth than other topics.
Eligibility – In order to take the CCNT exam, the applicant must have a high school diploma or at least four years of full-time experience in the field of nephrology technology, must complete a one-year nephrology technology training program or one year of combined education and experience, submit a completed application, and pay the required fee.
Exam Fee – $255
Special needs fee may apply
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Exam Preparation
2) The Certification Examination in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) – This exam contains a maximum of 200 multiple choice, objective questions that must be completed within a 3 hour time period. Questions are weighted so that the core industry topics are thoroughly addressed. Content categories and weights include principles of dialysis (25%), water treatment (23%), equipment functions (13%), environmental and regulatory issues (12%), dialyzer reuse and reprocessing (10%), scientific concepts (10%), and electronic applications (7%). Applicants are well-advised to spend more time reviewing topics that carry a heavier weight. This approach will better prepare individuals for those topics that receive a disproportionate number of exam questions and will improve the chances of passing.
Eligibility – In order to take the CBNT exam, the applicant must have a high school diploma or at least four years of full-time experience in the field of nephrology technology, must complete a one-year nephrology technology training program or one year of combined education and experience, submit a completed application, and pay the required fee.
Exam Fee – $255 if no special considerations are required
Exam Application – Click Here
Exam Preparation
Certification is a very important process for individuals who plan to work in the dialysis profession. Formal credentials ensure that a technician has met federal requirements and has demonstrated competency in providing high quality care. In addition, certification provides formal recognition from leading industry professionals, serves to encourage continued personal and professional growth, and creates consistency throughout facilities across the United States. Exam centers in your area can be found here.
I have completed BSc renal dialysis technology from India . I wanted go abroad and planing to write NNCo exams. If I write NNCo exam is valid for all countries? Or specified country I can go