CM - Certified Midwife

The Certified Midwife (CM) is a professional credential for individuals who have met educational and practice standards in midwifery. This certification, administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), is designed for midwives who provide a full range of primary healthcare services to women, including gynecological and maternity care, family planning services, and newborn care. The CM certification is distinct from the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) in that it is available to individuals without a nursing background but who have completed a graduate-level midwifery program.

CMs are licensed in Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia. They’re also authorized by permit to practice in Delaware and authorized to practice in Missouri.

Eligibility

• Complete an ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)-accredited midwifery education program, with verification from the program director

• Earn a graduate degree from an accredited college/university, including completion of specific science courses

  • A master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for the CM exam

• Attain clinical skills meeting Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Education, including management of primary care for women throughout the lifespan (reproductive health care, pregnancy and birth). care of normal newborns and management of sexually transmitted infections in male partners

Completion Time: 4 Hours

Cost: 

• National Certification Examination: $500

• Re-examination: $350

• Nonrefundable processing fee is rescheduling exam more than once or in less than 2 business days: $121

Exam Format

The CM certification exam is a computer-based test, with 175 multiple-choice questions and a 4-hour time limit. Content includes:

• Antepartum (21%)

• Intrapartum (21%)

• Postpartum (18%)

• Newborn (10%)

• Well Woman/Gyn (19%)

• Women’s Health/Primary Care (11%)

The converted raw passing score (scaled score) for all AMCB Certification exams is 75 on a scale of 0 to 100. Candidates receive their official score report at the testing center. Candidates have up to 4 attempts to pass the CM exam within 24 months of completion of their educational program.

Application Process

• Applications may be submitted online or by mail

• Complete all sections of the application

• Keep a copy for your records

• AMCB Headquarters notifies applicants by email if they meet eligibility requirements and may schedule the certification examination

CM certification expires on December 31 of the 5th year following the date of issue. Completion of the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program is required to renew certification. All certification holders are automatically enrolled in AMCB’s Certificate Maintenance Program, which requires an annual fee due on May 31 every year.  Recertification with the American Midwifery Certification Board does not require RN licensure.

Recertification with the AMCB doesn’t require RN licensure. Candidates must complete continuing education (CE) or they can use 9 alternatives in place of part of their CE hours once per certification cycle.

Renewal Fees

• Annual Certificate Maintenance Program Fee: $70

• Late Fee if paid after May 31 deadline: $50

• CMP Article Sets: $75 (unless the applicant has access elsewhere)

Candidates must complete 20 contact hours of CE. The Certificate Maintenance Program accepts midwifery practice-related CE units approved by the following organizations:

• ACNM

• Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Category 1

• American Medical Association (AMA) PRA Category 1

• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

• National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH)

• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

• American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)

• Candidate Handbook

The AMCB also offers the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).