ICEA is dedicated to maintaining a rigorous standard of excellence, and thus all ICEA certifications are valid for three years.  At the completion of the three years, all ICEA Certified Birth Doulas must apply for recertification.

ICEA believes that birth doulas are continually educating themselves and learning from their clients. Recertification validates commitment to the profession and ensures the continuation of receiving the benefits of ICEA affiliation.

Recertification Requirements

During each three-year period of certification, the certified birth doula is expected to work towards completion of the recertification requirements. The requirements are as follows:

1. Obtain a minimum of 24 Continuing Education Units
2. Participate in three labors or births of at least six hours each
3. Apply for recertification and pay the recertification fee

Recertification Procedure

The application and fee must be submitted by the certification expiration date. Upon completion of the recertification requirements and payment of the recertification fee, the birth doula will be considered ICEA certified for another three years and will have access to ICEA Benefits for the duration of their certification.

Within 15 business days of receipt of the completed recertification application, ICEA will send the newly recertified birth doula a formal certificate via email indicating status as an ICEA Certified Birth Doula, ICBD.

ICBDs who encounter serious difficulties during their certification period and cannot complete the recertification requirements on time may apply for an extension of the application deadline or inactive status.

Extension of the Recertification Application Deadline

An ICBD may apply for a single 6-month extension of the recertification deadline in order to complete the requirements. The application for an extension and $75 (USD) extension fee must be received before the certification expiration date. 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 (USD) extension fee. The ICEA Certification Coordinator will respond in writing via email within 15 business days of receipt that the extension has been granted. Each ICEA Certification candidate is only able to apply for one extension per certification period. This extension will not change the regular certification dates, thus the next certification period expiration date will still be based on the date of initial certification.

Inactive Status

ICBD’s who encounter a family emergency including serious illness, illness or death of a close family member, divorce, major relocation, birth of a baby, or who have temporarily left the field may request to be put on Inactive Status for a maximum of three years. The request for inactive status must be received by the expiration of the current certification period. The request must be in writing via email to info@icea.org and state why the inactive status is needed. The ICEA Certification Coordinator will respond via email within 15 business days that the inactive status has been granted. Only one inactive status will be granted per certification period. An inactive status fee will need to be paid when the individual decides to go inactive, and a recertification fee will need to be paid to become active again.

If an ICEA certified professional needs to go inactive, at the time of renewal they will be required to:

• Pay an inactive fee
• Continue to maintain the requirement of 24 contact hours every 3 years
• NOT teach or act in the role of a Birth Doula
• NOT use the credentials of an ICEA Certified Birth Doula (ICBD)
• This inactive status is for a period of three years. At the end of three years, the individual needs to either become active or forfeit their certification

Expired Certification

If a former ICBD’s certification has expired up to 12 months past their rectification date, the individual will be required to:

•  update their contact hours to meet the requirement of 24 contact hours in 3 years
•  pay a $115 (USD) late fee (half of the standard recertification fee)
•  pay their regular recertification fee

If a former ICBD’s certification has expired past 12 months but under 3 years from their recertification date, the individual will be required to use the experience pathway to obtain current certification, paying all applicable fees. The reinstated certification period begins when the individual has passed the certification examination.

If a former ICBD’s certification has expired past 3 years (at least one certification cycle) from their recertification date the individual will be required to use the traditional pathway to obtain current certification, paying all applicable fees.  If the individual has an active birth doula certification with an ICEA approved organization and has been actively practicing for a minimum of two years, they may utilize the experience pathway paying all applicable fees.  The reinstated certification period begins when the individual has passed the certification examination.

Equity Pricing

ICEA’s recertification pricing structure is a reflection of our goal to improve birth outcomes for all families in the international community. Find your country’s category here.

*Payments made to ICEA are non-refundable. By choosing to recertify you are accepting responsibility for the payment you make.*

For answers to all your certification questions, please visit our FAQ page.