Steps to Doula Certification
You have two years to complete all the certification requirements after you enter the certification program. The steps to certification are as follows:
- Be a member of CAPPA
- Enter certification program by purchasing the labor doula certification packet
- Read five books from the CAPPA reading list
- Attend a CAPPA approved labor doula training
- Pass a test on basic labor doula skills and knowledge. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification. 85% passing grade required
- Attend a childbirth education class. The class must be taught by a certified childbirth educator (proof required) and write a short synopsis of what you learned.
- Attend three labors/births as a doula. Submit copies of good evaluations from the parents, from a doctor or midwife, and from a nurse (total of 3 evaluations for each birth) from each birth. These births must be attended after the CAPPA labor doula training.
In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification, they must sign and agree to the CAPPA philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice and grievance policy.
