Developmental Care Specialist Exam Readiness Toolkit

NANN's recently updated Neonatal Developmental Care Specialist Designation (DCSD) is intended to provide an opportunity for all neonatal healthcare professionals with Developmental Care experience to apply and assess their knowledge by successfully passing a 100-item cognitive assessment and a scenario-based case question exam, which is derived from the Developmental Care of Newborns & Infants, 3rd Edition text. To prepare potential exam takers, NANN's DCSD Task Force has curated a readiness toolkit that includes a handbook and a practice test.

The readiness manual will allow participants to gain a clear understanding of the DCSD, including its purpose, professional value, exam structure, and renewal requirements.

The free practice test contains a total of 15 questions: 10 knowledge questions and 5 scenario questions. The setup will mimic what a user sees during the official exam. 

Ready to take the Developmental Care Specialist Designation Exam? Click here to get started! 

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, DCSD; Danielle Campbell, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, DCSD; Elizabeth Jeanson, PT, DPT, DCSD; Jacquelyn M. Wallis, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, DCSD; Stacy Greblick, CNS, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, DCSD

DIGITAL PRODUCT

Release Date: 4/6/2026

Planned Review Date: 4/6/2028