Overview
Two paths into midwifery
U.S. midwifery has two education-and-credential routes, each with its own accreditor:
- ACME — the CNM / CM routeThe Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (part of ACNM) accredits nurse-midwifery and midwifery programs, leading to the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) or Certified Midwife (CM) credential via the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). USDE-recognized.
- MEAC — the CPM routeThe Midwifery Education Accreditation Council accredits direct-entry midwifery programs, leading to the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential via the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).
The Gate
Accreditation and licensure
CNMs are advanced-practice registered nurses licensed in all states, typically requiring a graduate degree from an ACME-accredited program plus AMCB certification. CPMs are licensed or authorized in many states (not all), typically via a MEAC-accredited program or NARM’s portfolio route. The NCCA accredits the CPM, CNM, and CM credentials themselves.
A 2026 Nuance
MEAC and federal recognition
MEAC withdrew from U.S. Department of Education recognition in 2026, as several programmatic accreditors did. That did not change its role as the accreditor for the CPM route — another example that recognition status and field role are separate. ACME remains USDE-recognized.
Do It Yourself
Verify a midwifery program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits midwifery programs? Two bodies: ACME (the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, part of ACNM) for the nurse-midwifery/CNM-CM route, and MEAC (the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council) for the direct-entry/CPM route.
- What is the difference between a CNM and a CPM? A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is an advanced-practice nurse from an ACME-accredited program, licensed in all states; a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) comes from a MEAC-accredited or NARM portfolio route and is licensed in many states.
- Which exam does each path use? CNMs and CMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB); CPMs are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).
- Did MEAC lose its recognition? MEAC withdrew from U.S. Department of Education recognition in 2026, as several programmatic accreditors did. It remains the accreditor for the CPM route; ACME remains USDE-recognized.
- Are midwives licensed in all states? CNMs are licensed in all states; CPMs are licensed or authorized in many states but not all. Check your state's rules.
- What degree do nurse-midwives need? Typically a graduate degree from an ACME-accredited program, plus AMCB certification.
- Who accredits the midwifery credentials themselves? The NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredits the CPM, CNM, and CM credentials.
- How do I verify a midwifery program? Search the ACME or MEAC directory depending on the path, and confirm certification with AMCB or NARM and licensure with your state.