Midwife Licensing Information

Apply for a License

Frequently asked questions | Exam information

Apply online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.

Fee Schedule

See fee information below
Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount
Non-Refundable Fee Type Initial application Fee Amount $541*
Non-Refundable Fee Type State examination (initial/retake) Fee Amount $155
Non-Refundable Fee Type Renewal Fee Amount $541*
Non-Refundable Fee Type Late renewal penalty Fee Amount $265
Non-Refundable Fee Type Duplicate license Fee Amount $10
Non-Refundable Fee Type Verification of license Fee Amount $25
Non-Refundable Fee Type Expired license reissue Fee Amount $300
Non-Refundable Fee Type Inactive license Fee Amount $266*
Non-Refundable Fee Type Student midwife permit Fee Amount $175

* Includes the $16 fee to access the University of Washington HEAL-WA health resources website.

WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable.

Licensing Requirements

See licensing requirements below

Licensed midwives, routes to licensure

Graduation from a Midwifery Education Accreditation Council-approved midwifery program. Transcripts must be sent directly from your school that show you have received a midwifery certificate or degree, and course curriculum. This includes verification of all classroom subjects and clinical training, and completion of the birth requirements in WAC 246-834-140; or

Graduation from a foreign institute on midwifery of equal requirements conferring the right to practice in the country in which it was issued. Foreign graduates may need to supply more information about their program to determine if the requirements are equal. Foreign applicants must also have proof of their licensure in the foreign jurisdiction sent directly from the agency from which it was issued; or

Hold a current certified professional midwife certificate. Provide proof of current CPM certification and documentation of attendance at 100 births; proof of prenatal and postpartum care exams; completion of epidemiology and obstetric pharmacology courses; and a signed legend drugs and devices form per WAC 246-834-065. If you don't meet these licensing requirements you may be eligible for a CPM trainee permit under WAC 246-834-066.

State license verification

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal data questions

Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If a case is pending, applicant must indicate status.

Additional information/documents required

  • Proof of three years of midwifery training
  • Applicants must obtain a passing score on both the North American Registry of Midwives and Washington State licensing exams.
  • Applicants must complete the online jurisprudence examination and pass with a score of 100 percent.
  • Other documents as required by route to licensure.

Process for approving/denying applications

Credentialing staff members review the application and supporting documents to make an initial determination on eligibility. The recommendation is based upon the requirements outlined in chapter 18.50 RCW and chapter 246-834 WAC. Credentialing supervisors approve applications that don't have positive answers to personal data questions, have questionable verifying documents or are otherwise a “red flag” application. "Red flag" applications are forwarded to the exception application process for determination by the appropriate disciplinary authority. An applicant will be formally notified of a denial and has the opportunity for a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewal requirements

  • Midwives must renew their license every year on or before their birthday.
  • Submit the Consultation, Emergency Transfer and Transport form. You may fill this form out electronically online or download, print and mail it in.
  • Data submission on all courses of care for every mother and newborn under your care to a department-approved research organization. The department-approved research organizations are Midwives Alliance of North American (MANA stats) and American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).
  • Participation in a peer review program. At least five clinical cases every two years are required.
  • Thirty hours of continuing education (CE) every three years:
    • A minimum of 25 hours must be directly related to the clinical practice of midwifery.
    • Any remaining hours may be in professional development activities that enhance the practice of the licensed midwife.
    • A licensed midwife shall obtain CE hours through one or more of the categories listed in WAC 246-834-355. Documentation for all activities must include licensee's name, date of activity, and number of hours. The department does not pre-approve continuing competency courses for presenters or licensees.

License Renewals

Renew your license

Is your contact information current?

In order to serve you better, we must have your correct mailing address in our system. This is especially important because we mail your courtesy renewal notice and updated credential to the address on file. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward Department of Health mail. If your contact information is not current in our system, please complete and submit the contact information change form. If you have questions, feel free to contact our staff.

How to renew

By mail

In person

Online

Questions?

If you have questions about the renewal process, see our Frequently Asked Questions.