The Neonatal Developmental Care Specialist Designation is intended for all neonatal healthcare professionals, including, but not limited to, advanced practice nurses, nurses, and therapists. The designation offers clinicians with developmental care experience an opportunity to apply and assess their knowledge through the successful passing of a 100-item cognitive assessment and scenario-based case question exam. Questions for the designation exam are derived from the Developmental Care of Newborns & Infants, 3rd Edition book.

Once you purchase this product, you will have 90 days to take the exam. If you do not take the exam within 90 days, you will need to repurchase this product. 

A passing grade is an 80%+ on the 80-item cognitive assessment and an 80%+ on the 20-item scenario-based case question exam. 

NANN thanks the Developmental Care Specialist Designation Task Force for their hard work.

Author Information: 

William L. Hull, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, CNE, DCSD; Corinne E. George, MSN, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, RNC-LRN. C-ELBW; Danielle Campbell, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW; Elizabeth Jeanson, PT, DPT; Jacquelyn M. Wallis, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW; Stacy Greblick, CNS, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW; Victoria Gallagher-Keena, BSN, RN

DIGITAL PRODUCT

Release Date: 10/06/2025

Planned Review Date: 10/06/2028

Benefits:

• Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: The designation equips neonatal professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support the holistic growth and development of the tiniest patients.
• Validation of Expertise: Earning the designation showcases your ability to provide developmentally appropriate care and individualized, family-centered care.
• Professional Recognition: Clinicians who pass the exam are recognized with a certificate as Neonatal Developmental Care Specialists (DCSD).
• Career Advancement: The designation can be a valuable addition to professional credentials, potentially leading to career advancement opportunities.
• Continued Education: The renewal process ensures that you stay updated with the latest practices in developmental care through continuing education.

Value:

• Improved Patient Outcomes: By integrating developmentally supportive caregiving into routine practices, neonatal professionals can significantly improve the physical, emotional, and neurological well-being of neonates.
• Evidence-Based Practice: The designation is based on the latest research and best practices, ensuring that your care is grounded in evidence.
• Professional Growth: The process of obtaining and renewing the designation encourages continuous learning and professional growth.
• Collaboration: The designation involves collaboration between various neonatal professionals, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to neonatal care.

Developmental Care of Newborns and Infants, 3rd Edition

Update and improve your neonatal and newborn intensive care unit (NICU) nursing know-how with the evidence-based Developmental Care of Newborns and Infants, 3rd Edition. This leading text on developmentally supportive care of infants and their families addresses the full spectrum of neonatal care, from prenatal planning to delivery, as well as neonatal intensive care and the transition to home. 

The book presents developmental care in terms of a holistic awareness of the infant and family, as well as their interactions with the NICU environment. It provides a framework for delivering care that protects and supports the neurobehavioral development of infants through an interdisciplinary approach.