The Credential CNM and CM

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) are educated in graduate-level midwifery programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). CNMs and CMs pass national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to receive the professional designation of CNM (if they have an active RN at the time of the certification exam) or CM.

See how the CNM and CM credentials compare to other midwifery credentials in the United States.


Legal Recognition
Laws and regulations governing the practice of midwifery are rapidly changing. CNMs and CMs are regulated on the state level, thus professional practice and interaction with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, can vary from state to state. CNMs are legally recognized to practice in every state in the US and in the District of Columbia. CMs are currently legally recognized to practice in Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

For individual state statutes and regulations, check with the regulatory agency in each state. This may be the state board of nursing, the board of medicine, the board or midwifery, or the state department of health or public health.

Visit the State Resource Center for information about state laws and regulations.