Certification and Legal Authority to Practice

The CPM credential is a professional certification and does not, by itself, grant legal authority to practice midwifery. Laws governing midwifery practice and licensure vary by jurisdiction. Applicants and certificants are responsible for understanding and complying with all laws and regulations that apply where they practice.

IMPORTANT NOTICE — State Licensure Varies and May Be Affected by MEAC's Change in Federal Recognition Status

The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a national credential administered by NARM. NARM determines eligibility for the CPM examination and CPM certification; NARM does not determine state licensure eligibility. The state regulatory status of the CPM credential and the authorized scope of practice for Certified Professional Midwives are governed by individual state laws and regulations, which vary widely and are subject to change. Because the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) has withdrawn its petition for continued U.S. Department of Education recognition, some states may interpret this change in ways that affect licensure requirements for graduates of MEAC-accredited programs. NARM strongly advises each applicant to independently verify the current licensure requirements in the state(s) where the applicant intends to practice by contacting the applicable state licensing board or regulatory agency. NARM cannot provide state-specific licensure guidance and makes no representation regarding any applicant's eligibility for state licensure.