Continuing professional development and credential renewal for midwifery
Continuing professional development and credential renewal are central to sustaining safe, competent midwifery practice across diverse settings. Midwives, whether in hospital maternity units, community clinics, or telehealth roles, rely on ongoing education, documented competencies, and timely licensing steps to maintain licensure, meet certification requirements, and support career transitions such as relocations or placements.
This article outlines how licensing, certification and CPD intersect with recruitment, onboarding and workforce planning in midwifery.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
Licensing and certification in midwifery
Licensing and certification are distinct but related components of professional regulation. Licensing is issued by a state, regional, or national regulatory body and grants permission to practise; certification, often provided by professional boards, documents that an individual has met defined competencies. Midwifery regulation varies by jurisdiction: some countries have a dedicated midwifery register, others regulate midwives under nursing law. Keeping licenses current typically requires periodic renewal and demonstration of continuing competence through documented CPD or recency of practice.
Training and continuing professional development
Training and CPD cover a wide range of activities: clinical updates, simulation-based skills refreshers, workshops on emergency obstetric care, and telehealth competency modules. Many employers and professional bodies set minimum CPD hours or points per renewal period. Effective CPD is aligned with identified learning needs, supports onboarding for new placements, and can be recorded in personal portfolios or national CPD registries. Training formats increasingly include blended learning and telehealth-focused modules to reflect changes in service delivery.
Credential renewal and onboarding processes
Credential renewal often requires submission of CPD records, clinical practice evidence, immunisation or screening documentation, and verification of identity and qualifications. Onboarding for new placements commonly involves credential verification, competency assessments, and orientation to local protocols. For midwives relocating, credential transfer or new registration steps should be initiated early: processing times and specific documentation requirements differ between licensing bodies and employers, and may influence placement timelines and recruitment decisions.
Recruitment, placements and careers
Recruitment and placements are influenced by candidates’ maintained credentials and visible CPD histories. Recruiters and employers typically assess licensing status, certification validity, and evidence of continued learning during interviews and shortlisting. Midwives aiming to expand careers into education, leadership, or advanced practice roles benefit from structured CPD pathways and documented experiential learning. While career progression can be supported by targeted training and placements, specific opportunities are determined by employers and local workforce needs rather than guaranteed by any single credential.
Telehealth and workforce planning in midwifery
Telehealth is becoming an integral part of antenatal and postnatal services, requiring midwives to develop remote assessment, communication and documentation skills. Workforce planning now considers telehealth-capable staff as part of service models, and CPD increasingly includes telehealth etiquette, digital health literacy and remote triage training. Credentialing for telehealth may involve additional competencies or employer-specific training to ensure quality and continuity of care across in-person and virtual settings.
Costs for training and credential renewal
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| CPD short courses (per course) | Royal College of Midwives (RCM) UK | £20–£200 (estimate) |
| Certification maintenance / recertification | American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) / similar | $200–$600 (estimate) |
| License renewal fee | State or regional nursing/midwifery board | $30–$250 (estimate) |
| Online CPD subscriptions | Professional learning platforms | $50–$300 per year (estimate) |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
The table above provides general, real-world examples of where costs may arise: regulated professional bodies and local licensing authorities charge different fees, and commercial or society-run CPD courses vary by depth and accreditation. When planning CPD and renewals, consider whether employer-sponsored funding or professional membership discounts apply.
Conclusion Sustained midwifery practice depends on proactive continuing professional development, timely credential renewal, and clear documentation for recruitment and onboarding. Understanding the differences between licensing and certification, planning CPD activities that support both clinical competence and evolving service models like telehealth, and anticipating administrative requirements for relocation or placements help midwives and employers align professional standards with workforce needs. Regularly reviewing local regulatory guidance and available training options supports safe, competent care provision across career stages.
