The Examination

The ICEA Childbirth Educator Certification examination is designed to test for a thorough knowledge of the basic content in childbirth preparation. The examination is based solely on the objectives outlined in the ten parts of the ICEA Childbirth Educator curriculum.

The examination consists entirely of 150 multiple choice questions, there are no short answer or essay questions. The examination is an online “closed book” exam, and must have a proctor present during the entire exam. Three hours are given to complete the examination. The score is based on the number of correct answers.

ICEA Certification candidates for whom English is a second language must contact the office as an examination may be available in their primary language. If an examination is not available in their primary language, then ICEA Certification candidates may use a non-medical primary language/English dictionary and will be provided with four hours to complete the examination. The ICEA office must be notified in writing of these special needs, at the time the certification examination application and fee are submitted.

Applying to Take the Examination

ICEA Certification candidates have up to two years, from the date in which they enrolled in the ICEA Certification program or took the ICEA Certifying Workshop whichever came first, to complete the program requirements and apply for the ICEA Certification examination. If more than two years pass without previously applying for and being granted an extension, candidates must re-enroll in the program and again complete all of the program requirements. Examination applications will not be accepted unless they are complete, and exam payment will not be processed until complete exam application is verified. A complete exam application includes all needed forms, verifications, the examination date, examination location, proctor’s name and email, and full payment.

Applying for an Extension

An ICEA Certification candidate may apply for a single 6-month extension of the exam application deadline in order to complete the requirements. The application for an extension and $75 extension fee must be received before the exam application deadline. To apply for an extension, the Extension Request Form must be filled out and returned by email/fax/mail to the ICEA Certification Coordinator along with the $75 extension fee. The ICEA Certification Coordinator will respond via email within 10 business days of receipt that the extension has been granted. Each ICEA Certification Candidate is only able to apply for one extension per certification.

Scheduling Your Examination

All examinations are given online at a testing location chosen by the ICEA Certification candidate, but a proctor must be present for the entire exam. The testing location may be any public building where the candidate has access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. Candidates may apply to take the examination in any state, province or country, and are not limited to taking the examination in their local geographic area. An examination can be scheduled by completing and submitting the ICEA Childbirth Educator Certification Examination Application. All examinations must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to the examination date. This includes any requested changes in scheduled examinations. The online link for the ICEA Certification candidate’s exam will be emailed to the proctor 1-2 weeks in advance of the testing date.

Grading of the Examination

All ICEA examinations are taken online, therefore ICEA Certification candidates will immediately know their results upon completion. Each candidate who receives a passing score of 70% or above is considered to be an ICEA Certified Childbirth Educator, an ICCE. ICEA will issue a formal certificate via email within 10 business days of completion to those who have successfully completed the program. All ICEA Certified Professionals who maintain their ICEA Certification will have access to all ICEA Benefits.

In the event an ICEA Certification candidate fails the exam, ICEA will send the candidate a new examination application via email to retake the test. The ICEA Certification candidate will be charged a fee based on geographic location for each retake of the exam. These candidates will have up to one year in which to pass the examination. They may retake the examination as many times as necessary within one year of the first fail date, providing repeat guidelines are followed. Examinations ruled invalid will be treated as failed examinations and the ICEA Certification candidate will have one year to retake the examination per guidelines.