Become a Certified Newborn Care Specialist®
For families looking to hire an NCS, certification is a ‘one-stop’ verification that an NCS has all the requirements and is up to date with everything a family is looking for when hiring a newborn care specialist.
For all Certifications, please review the options below and select which certification applications you require. All certifications are paid for when you submit your application.
There is no time limit on hours accepted towards certification as long as they are completed after successful completion of an NCSA-approved NCS foundational course.
Please contact us to discuss any requirements for certification you have difficulty with. Support and allowances will be made on a case-by-case basis, confidentially and by approval of the board.
How to become a Certified Newborn Care Specialist®:
NCSA-Approved NCS Training Courses
The NCSA is proud to connect you with the following approved educational providers. These training academies offer NCS courses that have met the high standard required by the NCSA and are approved for certification with the NCSA.
The NCSA is in no way affiliated with any of our approved training academies.
Choose your Certification Level and Apply Today!
NCSA Level 1 Foundational Certification
REQUIREMENTS
Additional Course Requirements
Basic Lactation Management
Lactation Education Resources
Basics of Lactation Management - $65
(or a similar course taught by a qualified expert)
Finding and Evaluating Academic Sources Video Lecture
Watch now.
Bonding and attachment (Infant Mental Health)
Introduction to infant mental health by First Three Years - $20
Early Brain Development Attachment and Bonding by First Three Years - $20
Perinatal Mood Disorders
Postpartum Support International PSI
Free Webinar on Maternal Mental Health
(or a similar course taught by a qualified expert)
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood by first three years - $20
BACKGROUND CHECKS
The NCSA recommends the use of SafetyPIN and/or Trustline for parents, agencies, and Newborn Care Specialists where applicable. Other forms of background checks are acceptable – but both Trustline and SafetyPIN not only conduct a thorough background criminal check – they do ongoing screening.
Each state has its own requirements for a background check. Please check with the state in which you live or will be working.
Other suitable companies to use for a background check include eNannySource, and GoodHireWatch to run a personal background check on yourself.
NCSA Level 2 Advanced Certification
REQUIREMENTS
NCSA Level 3 Premier Certification
REQUIREMENTS