How We Evaluate Doula Certifications
The doula occupation is unlicensed and unregulated. With over 200 organizations certifying doulas, there is no occupation-wide standard for what a certified doula should know and be able to do. We use a rubric to evaluate each organization's certification requirements for competency-based elements that demonstrate a doula's progress over time. Additionally, we evaluate each organization on several factors that promote the protection of families, and increase the strength of the certification credential awarded.
Our blog post https://blog.doulamatch.net/blog/doulas-need-certification-standards describes our position on doula certification.
DoulaMatch.net evaluates certification programs using a structured scoring rubric. Each element is scored from 0 to 3 points, with higher scores indicating stronger standards.
| Element | 0 points | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certification Credential Evaluation Max 15 points | ||||
| Requires submission or portfolio of client work experience | No requirement for client experience. | Yes, but no requirements for minimum hours or clients. | Yes, minimum hours under 25 or fewer than 10 clients required. | Yes, minimum of at least 25 hours or 10 clients required. |
| Requires evaluation of performed work | No evaluation of work performed. | Optional at the doula's discretion. | Required, client evaluations only. | Required, client evaluations plus additional observers. |
| Requires mentorship | No mentorship required. | Available as an option, but not required. | — | Mentorship is required. |
| Uses a standardized assessment to evaluate the doula's skillset, knowledge and competencies | No standardized assessment. | Self-assessment only. | Standardized assessment, open book. | Standardized assessment, proctored. |
| Requires recertification and continuing education | Lifetime certification — no recertification required. | Optional recertification and continuing education to maintain credential. | Recertification required, but no standards for continuing education. | Requires standardized continuing education from approved sources. |
| Certification Organization Evaluation Max 12 points | ||||
| Has a standard of practice with a code of ethics | No standards of practice or code of ethics. | Doulas write their own standards. | Standards of practice only. | Both standards of practice and a code of ethics. |
| Has a grievance procedure | No grievance procedure. | — | — | Yes, a formal grievance procedure exists. |
| Organization structure | Private, for-profit business. | — | Non-profit, community-based organization without a board of directors. | State certification or non-profit with a board of directors. |
| Awards certification credential through a process that occurs after initial training workshop | No post-training certification process. | — | — | Yes, certification is awarded through a process after initial training. |
Organizations Currently Certifying Doulas
DOULAMATCH
Copyright 2008 - 2026 DoulaMatch.net - Find Your Perfect Doula Now