CCE - Certified Childbirth Educator

The Certified Childbirth Educator (CCE) is offered by the Prepared Childbirth Educators, Inc. (PCE). Certified Childbirth Eductors instruct and teach new parents on skills needed to prepare for pregnancy, labor, birth, and parenthood.

The CCE is knowledgeable in the following areas:

• Prenatal exercises

• Pain management theories during labor

• Nonpharmacologic pain management strategies

• Psychological and emotional effects of labor

• Breathing and relaxation techniques during labor

• Teaching the labor support person

Eligibility Requirements for the CCE Exam

Applicants must hold a current and active nursing license in the U.S. and meet one of the following experience requirements:

• One year of childbirth education instruction

• One year working in obstetrics 

• Completed training on teaching childbirth education

Applying for the Examination

Applicants who have previously taken a Prepared Childbirth Educators, Inc. (PCE) prep course can email them directly for a discounted rate and registration form.

Applicants testing without a prep course paying full price can register directly online.

Exams are held in cycles throughout the year. Specific deadlines for registration and payment, proctor submission, and returned examinations apply to each cycle.

Fees

If the applicant completed PCE’s prep course within three years of applying for the exam, a discounted rate of $150 is offered.

The exam cost without the prep course discount is $450.

Exam Format

Exams are not currently held on-site due to COVID-19 restrictions. Exams are conducted via off-site proctors.

After registration and payment are processed, candidates will receive a proctor form via email. The candidate chooses a proctor who is in a management role (nursing supervisor, director of education, etc.) who will fill out the proctor form, signed by both individuals, and sent via email back to PCE by the candidate.

The examination will be sent directly to the proctor and must be mailed to a work address with a dedicated office or mailbox. The exam is then conducted in a public setting (library, conference room) with the proctor supervising. One hour is allotted to complete the exam and the use of textbooks and study resources is not allowed.

It is the responsibility of the proctor to mail the completed exam back to the PCE office by the exam due date specified in the selected cycle.

Candidates may also choose a designated testing center if they do not wish to use their own proctor.

The CCE credential is valid for 3 years. To maintain the CCE credential, 18 hours of continuing education specific to childbirth or obstetrics must be obtained. The CCE Recertification Renewal Form must be completed and emailed or mailed to PCE along with a payment of $60 and copies of the CE certificates.

Recertification candidates who do not meet the education requirements for renewal can purchase a PCE education packet for $75.

The PCE offers the following resources:

• Candidate Handbook

• Exam Outline and Study Resources

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

• Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC)