Access test and reading materials

How to access purchased online modules

« Back to CE  Modules 

In order to access your online CE modules visit the Modules and tests page within your profile. You must sign in for access.

The Modules and tests page will list all incomplete CE modules.  Click the link for reading materials and test to begin.  The questions will appear one at a time and you can print out or review the entire test by clicking "review your answers" during the test. You can exit the text and return as many times as you wish as long as you don't submit your answers.

If a test you have purchased is not listed under your modules and tests, please contact us.

Your modules and tests


Printing the online exam and reading materials

« Back to CE Modules

The online test can be printed from the "review your answers" screen before you submit your test for grading or anytime during testing. The reading materials can be printed.  Most are in PDF format or are accessed from the publisher's secure platform.   

Your online CE module will no longer be available to you after you successfully complete the test, submit your test for the second attempt or the module expires. If you would like a hard copy of your online test or the reading materials, you will need to print hard copies prior to submission of the test.  Printed materials are to be used in a single-use fashion only.

These reading materials are copyrighted and can be used only for the purpose of taking the NCC CE module.  Other uses or distribution of the reading materials are strictly prohibited. 


Certificates of completion

« Back to CE Modules

Certificates for tests submitted online

Your certificate of completion will appear after passing the test and can be accessed from the CE History page in your profile. Certificates are provided in a PDF format.


Troubleshooting: online reading material access

« Back to CE Modules

Because there is no standardization in the computer field in terms of type of browsers, number of ISPs, security settings, spam filters etc., you can experience difficulty when accessing reading materials for online modules.

If you are having trouble accessing the reading materials or if you get a message that the reading materials are not available, please double-check the following:

Cookie settings and browsers

Cookies must be set to enabled. Many ISPs default to disabled, especially AOL, Hotmail and Gmail. To set cookies, go to your internet help menu and search for cookies and follow the stated instructions.

You should be using the latest version of your browser.  Changing your browser should be tried if other strategies don't resolve the access problem; google chrome is the optimal browser.

Using an employer or networked computer

When using an employer or other networked computers, firewalls and other filters may be in place and can deny you access to the CE Module reading materials. Speak to your IT personnel to determine if these settings can be changed if you encounter a problem. Otherwise, your best bet is to access from a non-networked computer.

Spam filters

Make sure spam filters and other filters are not set to block links or attachments.

Alternate access

Copying the link and placing it directly in your browser window (instead of directly clicking on the link) is also a strategy to consider as this sometimes bypasses the filters that are creating the access block.

Access from another computer

If you continue to have difficulty with access, your best bet would be to try from a different computer.   Oftentimes personal computer settings create interference that the user may be unaware of. 

The NCC online modules have reading materials in two formats

PDF Files To access you must have Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your computer. This is a free software and available at www.adobe.com

OVID Files Access to the reading materials is available directly from the publisher site OVID. You will need to click on the provided link and insert the ID and password given once directed to the OVID site. IDs and passwords can be found at the online testing center and are provided on the payment page when your order is confirmed.

Common error messages

"The materials are no longer available." This means you have a filter or firewall blocking access to the information. You can try copying the link and placing it in your browser window to attempt to bypass the block. If that fails, you should access from a different computer.

"Limit for Concurrent Users…has been reached - Try Again Later." Most publisher sites have a maximum number of individuals that can access the same materials at the same time. The above message means that is what has occurred. A short wait before reattempting access usually resolves the issue.


Notes about online test taking

« Back to CE Modules

Taking a  CE Module test: You do not have to take the test in one sitting. You can go in and out of the test as long as you don't submit your answers.

Reviewing questions: The questions appear one at a time. You can print out or review the entire test by clicking preview your answers during the test. You can exit the test and return as long as you don't submit your answers. You can print out the test and reading materials if you wish.

Attempts: You have two tries to successfully take a CE Module test. A try means that you have submitted your answers. There is no limit on how many times you can access the test as long as you don't submit your answers.  After a second attempt, repurchase of the module will be required for further attempts to successfully complete the module.

Seeing the right and wrong answers  When you submit your answers and if you achieve a passing score of 70% or higher, you will be provided with a copy of your test showing your right and wrong answers.  YOU MUST PRINT OUT A COPY IF YOU WANT IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.  Once you exit from the site, this information is not retrievable.  Answers will not be provided to those who are not successful.


Retaking the CE Module 

« Back to CE Modules

If you fail your first attempt, modules can be taken a second time at no charge.  After the second time, repurchase of the module will be required for additional attempts.


How does using NCC CE Modules affect my NCC maintenance?

« Back to CE Modules

Any completed NCC CE module with online test submission will be automatically posted and specialty coded to your NCC online maintenance application.

Core (RNC & NP) certification maintenance costs $100, but you can earn discounts for using NCC CE Modules

Earn 15 contact hours through our program and your maintenance cost will be $80
Earn 30 contact hours through our program and your maintenance cost will be $70
Earn 45 contact hours through our program and your maintenance cost will be $60

Subspecialty certification costs $50 and there are NO available discounts.

Alternate maintenance costs $175 and there are NO available discounts.

Using CE modules is not tantamount to maintaining.  A maintenance application and maintenance fee must also be submitted to complete the maintenance process once appropriate CE is earned.


Where are my results?

« Back to CE Modules

Results for tests submitted online

Your certificate of completion will appear after passing the test and can be accessed from the CE History page in your profile. Certificates are provided in a PDF format.