Apply for the Certified Perinatal Doula Credential
The CPD is Pennsylvania's voluntary statewide doula certification recognized by Medicaid. Follow the steps below to earn your credential and begin billing for your services.
What is the CPD Credential?
The Certified Perinatal Doula (CPD) credential is administered by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) and is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for Medicaid reimbursement. Earning your CPD demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and opens the door to sustainable income as a doula in Pennsylvania.
Visit the PA Certification BoardChoose Your Pathway
The CPD credential offers three pathways depending on your training and experience level. Review each pathway to determine which best fits your background.
Experienced Pathway
For doulas with documented client experience
Designed for doulas who have been practicing and can demonstrate experience through client evaluations and documentation, even without formal certification from a training organization.
Trained Pathway
For doulas who completed a training program
For doulas who have completed a doula training program that meets CPD education requirements. You will need to provide proof of training completion and client evaluations.
Certified Pathway
For doulas certified by a recognized organization
For doulas who hold a current certification from a doula training organization recognized by the PA Certification Board. This pathway may require fewer additional documentation steps.
Application Steps
Follow these steps to complete your CPD application through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
- 01
Determine Your Pathway
Review the three CPD pathways — Experienced, Trained, or Certified — and identify which best matches your background and documentation.
Tip: Visit the PA Certification Board website to review the full requirements for each pathway before gathering documents.
- 02
Gather Your Documentation
Collect all required materials: proof of doula training or certification, client evaluations, continuing education records, and any other pathway-specific documentation.
Tip: Client evaluations must be completed by clients you supported during births or postpartum periods. Start collecting these early.
- 03
Create a PCB Account
Register for an account on the Pennsylvania Certification Board's online portal. This is where you will submit your application and track its status.
Tip: Keep your login credentials in a safe place — you will use this account for renewals and continuing education tracking.
- 04
Submit Your Application
Complete the online CPD application through the PA Certification Board portal. Upload all required documentation and pay the application fee.
Tip: Double-check all uploaded documents are legible and complete before submitting to avoid processing delays.
- 05
Enroll as a Medicaid Provider
Once you receive your CPD credential, enroll with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services as a Medicaid provider to begin billing for your doula services.
Tip: Provider enrollment is a separate process from the CPD credential. Visit the DHS PROMISe portal to begin your enrollment.
Helpful Resources
PA Certification Board — CPD Application
The official application portal for the Certified Perinatal Doula credential.
DHS PROMISe Provider Enrollment
Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
PA Doula Commission Resources
Access guides, training materials, and policy resources on our Resources page.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit the Pennsylvania Certification Board to begin your CPD application. If you have questions, the Pennsylvania Doula Commission is here to help.