MEAC accredited pathway provisional recognition status update

In July 2026, the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) withdrew its  application for recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. In response, the NARM Board of Directors voted on July 20, 2026 to grant MEAC and MEAC-accredited schools/programs an 18-month provisional recognition period from October 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. The goal of this temporary measure is to give affected candidates a stable, reasonable path forward while preserving the rigor and integrity of the CPM credential. The framework outlined below reflects the rules governing the MEAC-accredited pathway specifically during this October 1, 2026–March 31, 2028 window.

The accredited-program pathway is available to graduates of midwifery education programs that NARM accepts for this eligibility route. Programs currently accepted under this pathway include those accredited or pre-accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), subject to NARM’s current policies and certification requirements.

NARM does not accredit educational programs. Acceptance under this pathway means that NARM recognizes the program’s accreditation status for purposes of determining eligibility for CPM certification. Candidates must also meet any additional clinical experience, documentation, examination, and certification requirements established by NARM.

IMPORTANT NOTICE — State Licensure Varies and May Be Affected by MEAC’s Change in Federal Recognition Status

The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a national credential administered by NARM. NARM determines eligibility for the CPM examination and CPM certification; NARM does not determine state licensure eligibility. The state regulatory status of the CPM credential and the authorized scope of practice for Certified Professional Midwives are governed by individual state laws and regulations, which vary widely and are subject to change. Because the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) has withdrawn its petition for continued U.S. Department of Education recognition, some states may interpret this change in ways that affect licensure requirements for graduates of MEAC-accredited programs. NARM strongly advises each applicant to independently verify the current licensure requirements in the state(s) where the applicant intends to practice by contacting the applicable state licensing board or regulatory agency. NARM cannot provide state-specific licensure guidance and makes no representation regarding any applicant’s eligibility for state licensure.