The National Certification Corporation's (NCC) subspecialty credential for nurses working in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) care, validating knowledge across the full scope of fertility evaluation, assisted reproductive technology, and the psychosocial dimensions of infertility care. C-RHI is aimed at nurses working specifically in fertility clinics and reproductive endocrinology practices, a specialized field distinct from general obstetric or gynecologic nursing.
Who it's for
Registered nurses working in fertility clinics, reproductive endocrinology practices, and IVF (in vitro fertilization) programs who coordinate and provide care throughout the infertility evaluation and treatment process. It's commonly pursued by nurses who've built clinical experience in this niche specialty and want a credential that specifically validates their reproductive health and infertility expertise.
What's covered
- Reproductive Anatomy, Physiology & Endocrinology (25%) — the hormonal and physiological processes underlying the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility
- Infertility Evaluation & Diagnosis (25%) — the diagnostic workup for infertility in both female and male patients, including identifying underlying causes
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) & Treatment Management (30%) — ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, and related treatment protocols and nursing management
- Psychosocial, Ethical & Professional Issues in Reproductive Health (20%) — the emotional impact of infertility, ethical considerations in reproductive technology, and professional practice standards
What to expect
The C-RHI exam is a multiple-choice exam testing both the reproductive endocrinology science underlying fertility care and the practical nursing management of infertility evaluation and ART treatment cycles, along with the psychosocial and ethical dimensions that are especially significant in this specialty given the emotional weight of infertility care.
How to prepare
Because this is a genuinely specialized field, candidates benefit from building strong foundational knowledge of the menstrual cycle's hormonal regulation first, since it underlies both diagnostic and treatment content throughout the exam. The psychosocial and ethical domain is often under-studied relative to its weight, despite covering distinct, specific content — the emotional impact of infertility on patients, and the ethical considerations unique to reproductive technology — that doesn't overlap with the clinical/scientific domains.
Certification details
- Certifying body: National Certification Corporation (NCC).
- Eligibility: Current RN licensure and relevant clinical experience in reproductive health/infertility nursing; candidates should verify specific eligibility requirements directly with NCC.
- Exam format: Multiple-choice exam covering reproductive physiology/endocrinology, infertility evaluation/diagnosis, ART/treatment management, and psychosocial/ethical/professional issues.
- Renewal: Requires periodic recertification through continuing education or retesting, per NCC's renewal cycle.