1. Graduation from a nurse-midwifery education program accredited by ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME);
AND
2. Verification by program director of completion of education program;
AND
3. Active registered nurse (RN) license

1. Graduation from a midwifery education program accredited by ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME);
AND
2. Verification by program director of completion of education program

Graduate degree from accredited college/university

1. Some programs require RN license. If the applicant has a graduate degree, but not an RN license, some programs will require attainment of an RN license prior to entry into the midwifery program; others will allow the student to attain an RN license prior to graduate study;
OR
2. If the applicant is an RN but does not have a graduate degree, some programs provide a bridge program to a graduate degree prior to the midwifery portion of the program; other programs require a graduate degree before entry into the midwifery program.

There are two primary pathways for CPM education, with differing admission requirements:

1. Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP) pathway: an apprenticeship program; no degree or diploma required. Student must find a midwife preceptor who is nationally certified or state licensed, has practiced for at least 3 years, and attended at least 50 out-of-hospital births;
OR
2. Accredited formal education pathway: for this pathway, a high school diploma from an accredited state or private school is required for admission.

Attainment of clinical skills must meet Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Education (ACNM 2008).

Clinical education must occur under the supervision of an AMCB-certified CNM/CM or Advanced Practice RN (APRN) who holds a graduate degree and has clinical expertise and didactic knowledge commensurate with content taught.

Clinical skills include management of primary care for women throughout the lifespan, including reproductive health care, pregnancy, and birth; care of the normal newborn; and management of sexually transmitted infections in male partners.

Attainment of clinical skills must meet the Core Competencies maintained by the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM).

Clinical education must occur under the supervision of a midwife who must be nationally certified, legally recognized, and who has practiced for at least 3 years, and attended at least 50 out-of-hospital births.

Clinical skills include management of prenatal, birth and postpartum care for women and newborns.