EFM Certification Exam

I took the exam last summer and it was easier than I thought. I passed. I bought the NCC case study materials (a book and a CD ROM) and went over these thoroughly. I also used Strong-Perifax cases, which I had access to through this job I had last year -- each case has a fetal monitor strip that correlates with the maternal condition highlighted, with explanation of physiological changes in the fetus and strip. I also bought Michelle Murray's book, Antepartal and Intrapartal Fetal Monitoring and used that as my resource. There are practice tests with the NCC case studies and Strong Perifax. I reviewed every aspect of these questions using Murray's book. I also had a few study materials from the teaching hospital affiliated with the MSN program I was in last year which helped -- I don't have them with me right now but they included ACOG statements on fetal monitoring, and copies of chapters about physiology underlying monitoring principles from a book on monitoring (sorry, dont' have the name of it).

Use the study materials your CNS may provide you, go through practice exams, and understand the physiology behind FHR patterns -- much of the test is about maternal and fetal physiology, circulation, distress, &c. The exam format is like the practice exams -- mulitiple choice questions, and cases with strips with questions. Know ACOG and AWHONN guidelines for interventions with bad tracings. I recommend investing in the Murray book as a reference book for your library. Get the NCC case studies if possible.

You will be even sicker of monitors by the time you're done with this ... but it's worth it. Good luck!

Another suggestion is take the AWHONN Intermediate Fetal Monitoring Course (formerly FHMPP-Fteal Heart Monitoring Practice and Principles) It will cover the exact same information and includes strip review. It is an excellent course and will also get you up to speed on the NICHD definitions, which you will definately need. What state are you in?

I took the course in las vegas they do it a couple times a year in diffrent places it is through the pro-ed center. I highly recommend it.

I practice in Ct and the new requirment is due to certain issues that we have been having on my unit. I was planning on picking up the Michelle Murry book, I went to one of her seminars 2 years ago. I know that she does not agree with using the new NICHD terminology, so I wasn't sure how her book would be in that regard. Has anyone heard of Carol Curren? I went to one of her seminars today and she has a new book out that is supposed to be all up to date with the new guidelines.

Thanks for all the help.

Strong Perifax and Michelle Murray materials are excellent resources and will help you succeed.

I just took the NCC exam this past summer. I think there were about 110 questions on the test, with only about 20-30 actual strips. You definitely need to know the new terminology and pathophysiology of both mom and infant during labor (nervous systems, chemoreceptors....)

The material I got from CCPR wasn't very helpful, was just strips, you know, what's the baseline, any decel, what would you do...

My AWHONN fetal monitoring book was a good resource, even though it didnt have the new terminology.

Good luck, it really feels good when you complish this

The NCC certificate of added qualification exam is something that I am also planning to take next year. I hear from sources that it is a difficult exam. Professional Education Center is offering a 2 day review course and the chance to sit of the exam after the course. There are 4 sites for next year planned. Lisa Miller is teaching the course and if you haven't heard her speak, I would highly recommend it.

Any of the Michelle Murray books will be helpful, but just make sure that you are up to date on NICHD nomenclature. Her books do not have updates on this. I really really like the AWHONN Principles and Practices book (get the 3rd Edition). It has great physiology and the NICHD nomenclature. If you can attend the Intermediate and Advanced course, that may help you also. I teach both of those and find that they give a great physiological base for EFM, and integrates NICHD quite well.

I am looking forward to the exam actually...but I am nervous just the same.