Certification
Eligibility
It is recommended that PPA candidates have experience supporting families in-person through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. (You may attend a PPA training regardless of prior experience).
Your application for certification must be received within 6 months of attending your training (testing fees are waived if applying within 3 months of training).
Process
- Attend our 2-day Advocacy Training (co-hosted by Intentional Birth)
- Study the materials from your training, from the PPAC Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and from any assigned online modules.
- Submit your application for certification, along with your $50 testing fee. The testing fee is waived if your training took place within the past 3 months.
- Sit for written and oral exams (conducted virtually)
Examination
The PPAC exam takes place in two parts, both accomplished virtually. Once you have submitted your certification application, you will receive a link to take your written test, and a link to book your 15-minute oral examination.
- The written test will assess your knowledge of the PPA’s role, the PPAC Codes, and the principles, tools, and skills learned in your training.
- The oral test, conducted by one of the PPAC leadership, will include a simulation of a birth-room advocacy scenario, wherein you demonstrate your ability to speak on behalf of your client’s rights, needs, or values.
Recertification
PPAs must renew their certification every 3 years. Recertification costs $300, and PPAs may either choose to:
- Attend a full day of in-person simulations (day 2 of the Advocacy Training) OR review assigned modules.
- Sit again for the two-part PPAC examination
