• ICEA has been established for more than 60 years as a leader in the field of perinatal education
• Recognized nationally and internationally for our high standards
• Rigorous programs ensure each certified professional has been trained to a high standard and has access to current evidence-based information
• Test required to qualify for certification
• One of the few certifications accepted by Tricare and Medicare

• A member chooses to be affiliated with ICEA, and receives access to benefits
• A certified professional has enrolled in an ICEA program, completed the requirements, and passed the exam

Cost information for certifications and memberships is available on our pricing page.

• Those who are in financial need are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Learn more about our scholarship program here.
• ICEA’s equity pricing structure is a reflection of our goal to improve birth outcomes in the international community. Find your country’s category here. All pricing is based on data provided by the World Bank based on Gross National Income

• You must be certified through one of the following organizations: Lamaze, DONA, CAPPA, or ToLabor. You may submit the name of a different certification program for our review if not listed above
• Must have been actively teaching/practicing for a minimum of 2 years

• ICEA exams are taken online
  You may choose a day or time that best fits your schedule
• Must be taken with confirmed proctor who is not a family member.
• Exam results are shown immediately after completing your online exam.
• You will also receive an email from the ICEA office with further details and information.

To find a proctor for your exam, you can contact your local public library or testing center. Also look into online proctoring services such as examity.com and proctoru.com. For more help. contact info@icea.org.

ICEA currently offers its exams in English and Chinese (Mandarin), and Spanish will be coming soon. Please let the ICEA office know if you need a translated exam

You may change your exam date or time up to 15 days before the scheduled exam date. Please contact the ICEA office to make the appropriate arrangements

• In the unlikely event that you fail the exam, you are able to retake it within one month of the original date for a $100 fee
• You are permitted to take the exam up to three times before having to start the program over again
• If you fail a second time, our Director of Education will reach out. We want you to succeed, and will explore ways to assist to that end
• We can provide test modifications if you have special circumstances. Please notify us of your needs when applying to take the exam email info@icea.org

ICEA has a no refund policy, which is clearly stated before you are able to make any purchases

You are responsible for keeping track of your certification renewals and continuing education requirements. The ICEA office will send reminder emails when certifications are near to expiration, but technology issues can arise and the office cannot be held responsible for a missed deadline

• You may apply for a single 6-month extension to complete the requirements
• A $75 fee must be received before the certification expiration date and the recertifcation application deadline.
• To apply for an extension, please complete this form. The ICEA office will respond via email that the extension has been granted.
• The extension only allows for a later date to submit application. The next certification period expiration date is based on the date of the initial certification.

• Pay an inactive fee
• Continue to complete 24 continuing education credits every three years
• Do NOT teach childbirth classes or act in the role of a birth or postpartum doula
• Do NOT use your credentials for childbirth education or birth or postpartum doula
• Inactive status is for a maximum period of three years. At the end of the three years you must become active by paying a recertification fee and verifying CEs, or forfeit your certification.
• When you have indicated that you want to return to active status, there will be a probationary period not to exceed six months in which you can teach at least one class (of a minimum of six hours). Upon approval of CEs and the completed class you may be reinstated to active status.

Under a year past your recertification date:

• Update contact hours to meet requirement of 24 hrs in three years
• Pay $115 late fee
• Pay the usual recertification fee

More than a year but less than two years past your recertification date:

• Use the experienced pathway to obtain current certification
• New certification period begins when you pass the certification exam

More than two years past your recertification date:

• Use the traditional pathway to obtain current certification
• If you have an active certification with an ICEA-approved organization and have actively teaching/practicing for a minimum of two years, you may utilize the experienced pathway
• New certification period begins when you pass the certification exam

If you are getting certified as an ICCE, you will need a current ICCE to watch and evaluate you teaching a childbirth class series. Any current ICCE can be asked. Some may charge a fee for their time. If you took a live workshop from an ICEA IAT, they are a great resource for being an evaluator for you or helping you to find one. If you took the self-paced online workshop, email info@icea.org for help in finding an evaluator.

If you are getting certified as an ICCE, you will need to observe a current ICCE teaching a childbirth class series. Any current ICCE can be asked. If you took a live workshop from an ICEA IAT, they are a great resource. If you took the self-paced online workshop, email info@icea.org for help in finding a class to observe.