MEAC-Accredited Program Pathway Requirements and Eligibility for the Pathway
In July 2026, the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) withdrew its application for recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. In response, the NARM Board of Directors voted on July 20, 2026 to grant MEAC and MEAC-accredited schools/programs an 18-month provisional recognition period from October 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. The goal of this temporary measure is to give affected candidates a stable, reasonable path forward while preserving the rigor and integrity of the CPM credential. The framework outlined below reflects the rules governing the MEAC-accredited pathway specifically during this October 1, 2026–March 31, 2028 window.
The MEAC-accredited program pathway is available to graduates of midwifery education programs that NARM accepts for this eligibility route. Programs currently accepted under this pathway include those accredited or pre-accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), subject to NARM’s current policies and certification requirements.
NARM does not accredit educational programs. Acceptance under this pathway means that NARM recognizes the program’s accreditation status for purposes of determining eligibility for CPM certification. Candidates must also meet any additional clinical experience, documentation, examination, and certification requirements established by NARM.
Eligibility for the Pathway
A candidate may use the accredited-program pathway if the candidate graduates or completes all graduation requirements on or before March 31, 2028 from a midwifery education program that meets NARM criteria for eligibility.
Programs provisionally accepted through March 31, 2028 under this pathway include those accredited or pre-accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). This is subject to NARM’s current policies and certification requirements. NARM may require documentation confirming the program’s accreditation status and the candidate’s enrollment and graduation dates.
Eligibility under this pathway is based on the program’s status and the applicable NARM requirements in effect during the candidate’s period of enrollment, at graduation, or at the time of application, as provided in NARM policy. Graduation from an accepted program does not, by itself, establish eligibility for CPM certification. Candidates must also meet the General Requirements for All Candidates and all additional requirements of this pathway.
Candidates who did not graduate from an accepted program, or whose circumstances do not meet the requirements of this pathway, may be required to qualify through another eligibility pathway.
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.