Certification and Licensure

Certification agencies are made up of consumers and experts in the profession. They develop criteria for education, training and clinical experience based on what experts in the field determine is necessary for someone to practice safely as an “entry level” practitioner. An “entry level” midwife has completed education and training to know how to care for healthy women with a normal pregnancy, labor and delivery, how to risk screen for problems, when to consult, refer or transfer care, and how to handle emergencies while getting medical help. Certification agencies administer a written examination and in some cases also a skills practicum examination.

A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) has earned national certification through the North American Registry of Midwives(NARM). Client continuity of care and clinical birth experiences in out­-of-­hospital settings (birth center or home) are required for certification. Education can be obtained through a MEAC-­accredited or non­-accredited school or program, or through apprenticeship. Midwifery practice guidelines, an informed consent document, and an emergency care plan are required. Graduates of a MEAC­-accredited program must pass the NARM national written certification examination. Graduates of other educational programs or routes must complete the NARM Portfolio Evaluation Process and pass a skills practical examination in addition to the written examination.

A Certified Nurse­-Midwife or Certified Midwife has earned national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board. They must complete a graduate-­level educational program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education that provides clinical birth experiences in hospitals, and pass the AMCB national certification examination.

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) was created in 1987 by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence(formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance) to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the public through accrediting a variety of certification program/agencies that assess professional competence. NCCA accredits over 200 programs from more than 100 organizations. NCCA­-accredited programs certify individuals in a wide range of professions and occupations. Both the North American Registry of Midwives and the American Midwifery Certification Board are recognized by the NCCA.