What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The Kettering NPS course breaks down the massive volume of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care into highly digestible, focused modules.

Students will deeply explore maternal and fetal history, learning how to identify high-risk pregnancies and anticipate complications before delivery.

The syllabus heavily emphasizes advanced airway management specifically tailored to the unique anatomical structures of premature babies and young children.

You will master the nuances of neonatal and pediatric mechanical ventilation, including high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and non-invasive strategies.

Furthermore, the course provides rigorous training on pathophysiology, specialized emergency transport protocols, and the interpretation of neonatal blood gases.

Every topic covered is meticulously aligned with the official NBRC exam matrix, ensuring you are only studying what is clinically relevant and testable.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

When you sit for the official NBRC NPS examination, you will face a rigorous, multiple-choice format designed to test critical thinking and clinical application.

The exam typically consists of 140 multiple-choice questions, though only 120 of these items are scored, while the remaining 20 serve as pre-test questions for future exams.

Candidates are given a strict time limit of three hours to complete the entire examination.

To achieve a passing score, you generally need to answer roughly 85 to 90 of the 120 scored questions correctly, though the exact cut score can vary slightly depending on the difficulty of the specific test form.

Calculators are provided within the testing software, and strict security rules mean personal items, mobile phones, and outside study materials are completely banned from the testing room.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Success on the NPS exam requires a strategic, multi-faceted approach to your study sessions.

Begin by completing the Kettering audio lectures and workbook in tandem, pausing to ensure you deeply understand the rationale behind every concept.

Take full advantage of the Kettering practice exams to build your stamina and identify any weak points in your knowledge base before the real test day.

When you are ready to test, you will need to register through the official NBRC website.

The physical exams are administered nationwide at specialized PSI testing centers, which provide secure, proctored environments.

Alternatively, depending on current NBRC policies, you may have the option to take the exam via a highly secure online proctoring portal from the comfort of your home.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning your NPS credential unlocks highly rewarding and specialized career paths within the respiratory care field.

You will be highly qualified for the role of Neonatal Respiratory Therapist, working directly with premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Another prominent career path is becoming a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist, managing the critical respiratory needs of children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Many NPS credential holders also transition into thrilling roles as Flight and Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapists, stabilizing and moving vulnerable young patients between facilities.

Additionally, this certification opens doors to becoming a Clinical Educator or Respiratory Therapy Supervisor within specialized children’s hospitals.