Recertification & Cross Training

Whether you are maintaining an existing NBDA certification or coming to NBDA after completing doula training with another organization, this page will help you identify the pathway that applies to you.

Renew My NBDA Certification
Explore Cross Training

Maintain Your NBDA Certification

NBDA recertification supports continued professional development and helps certificants maintain an eligible NBDA credential.

Recertification Requirements

NBDA recertification follows a 2-year renewal cycle.

  • Complete 12 continuing-education (CE) hours during the 2-year certification period.

  • Submit the required recertification materials.

  • Pay the $227 recertification fee.

Continuing Education That May Count

Eligible continuing education should support professional development and strengthen your work with families.

  • NBDA Masterclasses

  • Practice How You Doula

  • CPR & First Aid

  • Approved book summaries

  • External workshops reviewed by NBDA on a case-by-case basis

Important CE Note

Placenta-related continuing education does not count toward the 12-hour recertification requirement. If you plan to use an external workshop toward your CE requirement, NBDA may review the activity to determine whether it qualifies.

Recertification Process

  • Step 1

    Review Your Certification Period

    Know where you are within your current 2-year certification cycle.

  • Step 2

    Complete 12 CE Hours

    Complete eligible continuing education during the certification period.

  • Step 3

    Keep Your Documentation

    Keep records showing completion of the CE activities you plan to submit.

  • Step 4

    Submit Your Recertification Materials

    Complete the NBDA recertification process and provide the required information and documentation.

  • Step 5

    Pay the Recertification Fee

    Submit the $227 recertification fee.

  • Step 6

    NBDA Review

    NBDA will review the submitted recertification materials and communicate the outcome and any additional next steps, if needed.

NBDA Cross Training

Already Trained With Another Doula Organization?

NBDA Cross Training is designed for doulas who have already completed doula training outside of NBDA and want to pursue an applicable NBDA credential.

Cross Training provides NBDA-specific education and a pathway for previously trained doulas to move forward within the applicable certification process.

Explore Cross Training

Who Should Explore Cross Training?

Doulas who are interested in pursuing an applicable NBDA certification pathway.

Previous training with another organization does not automatically result in NBDA certification.

Doulas who want to complete NBDA-specific Cross Training.

Doulas who completed training through another organization.

How Cross Training Works

  • Apply

    Submit the NBDA Cross Training application and information about your previous doula training.

  • Application Review & Interview

    NBDA reviews your training background and completes the applicable interview/review process.

  • Complete NBDA Cross Training

    Approved applicants complete the required NBDA Cross Training experience.

  • Complete the Requirements for the Applicable Credential

    After Cross Training, participants complete any additional requirements connected to the NBDA credential they are pursuing.

  • Certification Review

    Once the applicable requirements are complete, the participant moves through the appropriate NBDA certification review process.

Which Pathway Applies to You?

Doulas who are interested in pursuing an applicable NBDA certification pathway.

Previous training with another organization does not automatically result in NBDA certification.

Questions About the Right Path?

If you are unsure whether Recertification, Cross Training, or another NBDA certification pathway applies to you, contact NBDA before registering.

Our team can help you identify the appropriate next step based on your current training and certification status.

Contact NBDA