ACNM and MANA both seek to certify non-nurse midwives.

The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) is the first certifying body to offer both a national examination and a national validation process for professional direct-entry midwives who come to their practices through multiple educational routes, including apprenticeship. NARM bases their examination on the Core Competencies and Standards of Practice established by MANA. NARM has been offering a Registry exam of entry-level midwifery knowledge since 1991. NARM has recently completed a pilot certification project that validates skills, knowledge, and experience, and their certification process, which leads to the credential "Certified Professional Midwife" (CPM), is now available nationwide.

NARM certification is aimed at a large group throughout North America; it is estimated that there are currently two to three thousand independent midwives in the U.S. alone, with an additional three thousand Certified Nurse-Midwives, some of whom will be seeking NARM certification. The availability of the credential CPM will make it easier for these women to interact with other health professionals and deal with agencies such as governments and insurance companies.

In a surprise move, ACNM has also recently come up with a plan to certify non-nurse midwives. "The ACNM is taking a leadership role in setting the standards for professional midwifery in the U.S. It will use its well-established credentialling mechanisms to help assure that women and infants receive safe, family-centered care from well-educated health care providers." To receive the ACNM professional designation of Certified Midwife (CM), a midwife must graduate from an accredited basic midwifery education program with no less than a baccalaureate degree and then pass the national certification exam administered by the ACNM. ACNM is recognized by the Department of Education to accredit basic certificate and basic graduate nurse-midwifery education programs, and they are seeking funds from the government to certify non-nurse midwifery educational programs as well.

The Midwives' Alliance of North America (MANA) is pleased to announce that they have received a $20,000 grant earmarked for public education and midwifery advocacy. MANA will use their grant to develop new brochures, fact sheets, and legislative education packets. The materials being developed will be made available to states for their own public education and legislative efforts.

The Midwifery Education and Accreditation Council (MEAC) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) have also received grants to continue their current projects in certification and accreditation. This is important progress in their efforts to promote Certified Professional Midwives!