In validating the apprenticeship model as a valuable form of education and training for midwifery, NARM appreciates the many variations in the preceptor/student relationship. NARM has developed materials to help guide preceptors and students through the process of validating knowledge and skills as part of the certification process.

In order to maintain the integrity of the PEP process, it is necessary to register all midwives who choose to become preceptors of PEP candidates. Current preceptor registration with NARM is required for clinicals to be valid for PEP candidates.

A NARM Registered Preceptor is a midwife who meets requirements for supervising CPM candidates and has current, approved registration through NARM. The Registered Preceptor must be credentialed as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Midwife (CM); or must be a licensed practitioner legally recognized by a state/jurisdiction to provide maternity care. A preceptor must have an additional three years of experience after credentialing or fifty primary/co-primary births beyond entry-level CPM requirements. Additionally, they must also have ten continuity of care births beyond entry-level CPM requirements. A preceptor must have attended a minimum of ten out-of-hospital births in the last three years.