Preparing for the NARM Exam
The NARM Skills Exam
All skills, and the supporting knowledge base behind them, must be verified during training by a qualified preceptor.
Performance of skills must be verified a second time by someone who was not responsible for the initial training, either by:
- A NARM Qualified Evaluator (PEP Skills Assessment)
- A second instructor (MEAC-accredited program)
- A second CPM preceptor (NARM’s Second Verification of Skills option)
- A state licensing process (State License application), or
- By a midwife with another accredited midwifery credential (CNM/CM)
Performance on the NARM Skills Assessment is evaluated according to the breakdown of skills steps in the Practical Skills Guide for Midwives.
The NARM Written Exam
Basis for the Test
The knowledge base for competency is measured by the NARM Written Examination. All candidates, regardless of route of application or verification of skills, must pass the NARM Written Examination.
The NARM Job Analysis determines the knowledge and skills that are tested for certification. All of the knowledge and skills must first be verified through an educational process, and must be taught and evaluated by an instructor or preceptor. The testing process serves as a second verification of the acquisition of knowledge and skills, providing an evaluation through a performance assessment and a written exam.
Written Exam Questions and Scoring
The exam questions are written and reviewed by specially trained CPMs according to standards set for accreditation by the [National Commission for Certifying Agencies]. The passing score for all exams is set through a process called the modified Angoff Method, which allows for evaluation of the difficulty level of each item on a mathematical scale. …
Read more »Preparing for the Written Exam
The exam content outline and reference books are available in the Candidate Information Booklet (CIB). The content outline is called the Test Specifications. The best way to prepare for the exam is to go through the content outline and study those topics in the reference materials. Think about situations where you would need to apply …
Read more »Registering for the Exam
There are two ways to register for the NARM exam. You must be a CPM candidate, or have been approved to take the exam for licensure by a state licensing agency. CPM Candidates: Candidates who are applying for the CPM certification must submit a NARM application to the NARM Applications Department. Application forms are based …
Read more »The Day of the Exam
The test will begin at 8:00am. Candidates should arrive at the test site by 7:45 to allow time to find the testing room and to check in. Every effort is made to have the proctor arrive and open the test room by 7:45, but some test sites may not open until 8:00am. Candidates must bring …
Read more »Issuance of the Certified Professional Midwife Credential:
Test results will be mailed approximately three weeks after the test date. If the candidate wishes to receive the test results at an address different from where they received the Admission Letter, please notify the Test Department of the new address by e-mail at testing@narm.org. CPM certificates will be mailed approximately 4 weeks after passage …
Read more »
