Become a CAPEA Certified Educator or Trainer
Recognising your commitment to professional excellence in childbirth and parenting education across Australia
What is CAPEA Certification?
CAPEA Certification recognises childbirth and parenting educators and trainers who have demonstrated their competency against the National Competency Standards 2025.
It is a voluntary, peer-assessed credential that validates your professional knowledge, skills and experience — giving consumers, employers and colleagues confidence in your practice.
Why Get CAPEA Certified?
Professional Recognition
Enhanced personal CV and a verified record of your professional development and competency.
Public Listing
Optional public listing of your name and workplace on the CAPEA website for prospective clients.
Networking
Connect with peers for further training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities across Australia.
Conference Recognition
Recognised at the biennial National CAPEA Conference for your achievement and commitment.
Fee Reductions
Potential for further reductions to registration fees for CAPEA training and events.
Industry Standing
Demonstrates competency against rigorous National Standards in the absence of formal regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can consumers expect from a CAPEA Certified Educator?
Prospective consumers can check the competency of any intended provider. They are assured that CAPEA Certified Educators and Trainers are measured against rigorous National Competency Standards — in the absence of any national regulatory system for childbirth and parenting educators in Australia.
How does certification benefit CAPEA as an organisation?
Certification raises the profile of CAPEA as a national organisation to members, providers, and receivers of childbirth and early parenting education across Australia.
What does CAPEA Certification NOT provide?
CAPEA Certification does not provide certification or registration recognised in any legal sense in Australia (e.g. AHPRA or AQF). It does not provide an internationally recognised qualification, nor does it provide indemnity insurance for CAPEA members or consumers.
How does the assessment process work?
Applications are assessed by at least 2 members of the CAPEA Further Education Committee. Confidentiality is assured. Assessment may take up to 2 months, after which applicants are notified and a certificate is forwarded.
How do I apply?
Download the application form, prepare a cover letter with your contact details and workplace, then attach a summary of how you meet each criterion with supporting documents. Submit to certification@capea.org.au.
Certification Criteria
Two levels of certification recognising your experience and expertise
Level 1
CAPEA Certified Educator
- Current CAPEA membership
- Evidence of course attendance or completion relevant to Childbirth and/or Parenting Education and group facilitation (minimum 20 hours). Provide: dates, hours, provider, course outline and assessment process. Examples: Certificate IV; Calmbirth; Hypnobirthing; Positive Parenting Program; NCT (UK); Lamaze Certified (USA).
- Evidence of Competency as described in the National Competency Standards 2025
Level 2
CAPEA Certified Trainer
- Meet all Certified Educator criteria (or currently hold Certified Educator status)
- Evidence of Certificate or postgraduate studies in Childbirth/Parenting Education and/or Adult Education. Examples: Certificate IV; Birth International Diploma; Lamaze Trainer.
- Evidence of training role — at least 40 hours of facilitation/formal mentoring over 4 years
- Evidence of a leadership role — meet at least 4 of 7 criteria including: developing resources, peer development, consulting/mentoring, active CAPEA contribution, committee participation, journal contributions, or research coordination
- Names and contact details of two referees
⏳ Certification as a Trainer is awarded for 4 years.
Ready to Apply?
Download the application form and submit your documentation to our Further Education Committee. Assessment takes up to 2 months.
Questions? Email certification@capea.org.au
