Overview of the CPM Certification Process
The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) process includes two primary components:
Step 1. Verification of Eligibility
Candidates must meet NARM’s general requirements and the requirements of an approved eligibility pathway. Eligibility may be demonstrated through:
- NARM’s Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP),
- graduation from an eligible midwifery education program,
- another recognized midwifery credential (CNM, CM)
- or legal recognition previously evaluated by NARM for equivalency.
Each pathway includes requirements intended to demonstrate that the candidate has completed the required education, supervised clinical experience, and other preparation for entry-level practice.
Step 2. Assessment and Certification
After NARM determines that a candidate is eligible, the candidate must successfully complete the NARM Examination and any remaining certification requirements. NARM awards the CPM credential only after all applicable requirements have been met.
Eligibility for CPM Certification
Educational Preparation
Candidates may become eligible for CPM certification through several recognized pathways. These pathways differ in how education, supervised clinical experience, and prior credentials are documented, but all candidates must meet NARM’s requirements for entry-level practice.
Entry-level CPM candidates are expected to demonstrate competence across the knowledge and skill areas required for safe and effective midwifery practice. These areas are identified through NARM’s job analysis process and are reflected in the NARM Exam Content Outline (test specifications). NARM separately establishes the education, clinical experience, and documentation requirements for certification eligibility.
NARM does not prescribe specific educational curricula; however, candidates are responsible for acquiring the competencies assessed on the examination. NARM provides an Exam Content Outline and Reference List to support candidate preparation.
Regardless of pathway, candidates must demonstrate completion of the required education and clinical experience, meet all applicable eligibility requirements, successfully complete the NARM Exam, and satisfy any remaining requirements before the CPM credential is awarded.
Eligibility Pathways for CPM Certification
Candidates may establish eligibility for CPM certification through one of the following pathways:
- Completion of NARM’s Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP);
- Graduation from a midwifery education program that meets NARM’s requirements for recognition under the accredited-program pathway.
- Current certification by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) or Certified Midwife (CM); or
- Current legal recognition in a state, territory or country whose requirements NARM has previously evaluated and accepted as meeting the applicable CPM eligibility requirement
Each pathway has specific documentation and clinical experience requirements. Candidates must meet the requirements in effect for their pathway at the time of application.
The clinical component of the educational process must be at least two years in duration.