Nanny Certification
The International Nanny Association offers a Nanny Basic Skills Exam and a Nanny Credential Exam, which allows a nanny to obtain an INA Credentialed Nanny certificate. These tests allow nannies to prove their wits when it comes to professional child care, although, according to NannyJobs.com, there are no universal nanny certifications.
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Nanny Credential Exam
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The INA Nanny Credential Exam is used to assess a nanny's knowledge of child care. The INA Nanny Credential Exam is a 90-question multiple-choice exam used to assess a nanny's knowledge of child care. The test is used to determine the level of professional competence of a nanny. It helps show if the nanny is able to observe, plan and create an age-appropriate schedule and daily routine for the employer's family. While this test helps show the nanny's abilities, it should only be used as a tool, not to replace an employer's own assessment. Test takers are encouraged to have at least 2,000 hours of in-home child care experience, as well as currently be employed in the in-home child care industry. Test takers are require to have current infant/child CPR and first aid certifications, as well as a photo identification.
Testing
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The INA suggests you purchase the study guide to help prepare for the exam. To take the test you need to register with the INA. Arrange for a professional educator, librarian or a staff member of a college or university assessment center to be the proctor for your exam. Then complete and submit the instructions agreement form to the INA along with your application, fee, copies of your CPR and first aid certificates and the date and time you are going to take the test. The cost of the test is $40 for INA members and $50 for nonmembers.
The test will be given online. The login name and password for your exam will be sent to your proctor before the day of your test. If you do not have Internet access, a paper exam is available.
The test topics are designed to demonstrate the nanny's knowledge of child care as well as her professional quality. Topics include: child development, child guidance, learning environment, safety, nutrition, family/provider communication, multicultural/diversity awareness, personal qualities of a nanny, management skills and professionalism.
The INA suggests you purchase the study guide to help prepare for the exam. "Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association's Official Guide to In-Home Child Care" by Sara McCormack-Hoffman and Michelle LaRowe is available at Nanny.org.
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Pass/Fail
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To pass the exam and receive a certificate, a nanny must score at least a 70 percent. After you finish your test you will find out your test results immediately. To pass the exam nannies need to score 70 percent or higher. Upon passing the test the nanny will receive a certificate in the mail. The INA will keep a record of all scores and responses of exams.
If you do not receive a 70 percent you may take the test again six months after your first attempt. You have to go through the whole process of applying and paying the fee again. The test will not be the same as the first test, so you are encouraged to continue studying and attending childhood education workshops and conferences.
To apply go to Nanny.org.
INA Nanny Basic Skills Exam
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The INA Nanny Basic Skills Exam tests a nanny's basic knowledge of child care. The INA offers an online exam to test a nanny's basic knowledge of child care. The timed test consists of 40 multiple-choice question. The exam topics include health, safety, nutrition, professionalism and child development. The exam costs $20 for members of INA and $25 for nonmembers. To pass the test the nanny needs to score a 70% or higher. Upon passing the test the nanny will receive a certificate stating that he or she passed.
To purchase the exam go to Nanny.org and click on "Shop the INA Store."
Continuing Education
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Nannies are encouraged to continue their childhood education through seminars and nanny workshops. The INA encourages nannies to continue their education by enrolling in continuing education programs and attending professional child care training sessions and conferences.
NannyJobs.com suggests nanny training schools including the American College of Early Childhood Education in San Francisco, Hocking College, in Nelsonville, Ohio, and Sullivan University in Louisville, Ky.
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References
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