Applicants from a Candian MEP

Applicants from a Canadian Midwifery Education Program

In Alberta, the legislation regulating the profession of midwifery requires that a person must be registered with the College of Midwives of Alberta (CMA) and hold an active practice permit to practice midwifery in the province.

This section is intended for individuals who have graduated or are about to graduate from an approved* Canadian Midwifery Education Program and have not yet registered in another Canadian Jurisdiction.

*Approved program means educational programs that are recognized by the College of Midwives of Alberta. Currently, these include: University of British Columbia, McMaster University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Laurentian University, Universite de Trois-Rivieres, University of Manitoba and Mount Royal University.

Please note: Midwifery services are publicly funded through Alberta Health Services. We recommend that if you are applying for any midwifery position you contact Alberta Health Services PMAO at: midwives@ahs.ca to learn about their appointment and privileging process and to ensure the position is funded. Also, AHS is responsible for approving your insurance (requirement for registration) and they will only do so once you have a secured AHS midwifery position.

To start the application process, you must complete and submit the online application with the applicable fee(s) and documentation.

Requirements for Registration

For Registration a New Graduate must submit:

Application for registration
Submit NR application forms for mentor and practice approval
Original documentation of graduation, including transcript and clinical records
Evidence of completion of the Canadian Midwifery Registration Exam (CMRE)
Current Certification in:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (valid within 2 years),

Obstetrical Emergency Skills (valid within 2 years),

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (valid within 1 year) and

Fetal Health Surveillance through Perinatal Services BC (valid within 2 years)

See Continuing Competence Program Policy for more information on approved courses.

Completion of Competence requirements
Provide evidence of English language proficiency if applicable - See English Language Proficiency Policy for more information.
Provide a current criminal record check (within 6 months)
Submit a copy of government identification
Submit proof of eligibility to work in Canada
Provide a letter of standing and professional conduct if applicable
Provide character declarations and answer the professional conduct questions
Provide evidence of professional liability insurance
Payment of application and practice fees

Use the Checklist for Registration - Canadian Midwifery Education Program to ensure the required documents and fees are enclosed with your application.

What to Expect After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit an initial application (except for insurance and practice fees), your application and supporting documents will be reviewed by CMA staff.
Within 5 business days, you will receive notification as to whether your initial application is complete or if any requirements are still pending.
If your initial application is complete, you will be notified of your eligibility for registration pending insurance and practice fees. You will also be notified of your registration number. Important: at this point, your registration is NOT yet complete.
With your registration number available, you will be able to apply for insurance with the Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM) and start your application process with the AHS Provincial Midwifery Administration Office (PMAO).
Once your insurance is ready, you should contact the CMA for assistance with your practice fees. Please note: Since AHS provides insurance coverage, your certificate will only be issued by the AAM once AHS PMAO confirms your eligibility for insurance.
When the above requirements and any pending requirements are met, your application is considered complete.
Upon a complete application, CMA should be able to approve your application within 10 business days unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Upon approval, CMA will notify you via email and issue your certificate of registration and your practice permit entitling you to practice as a midwife in Alberta.
Your name will appear on the public registry enabling the public and employers to verify your registration status.

Costs

An invoice for the application fee is generated as soon as you complete your online application through CMA's website or when you request a change of status through the CMA Registrant Portal if you already have a student registration with the CMA.

Application fee ------------------------------------------------------------------------C$300

Change of status fee (if you are a registered student) ---------------------------------C$25

Practice Permit fee* -------------------------------------------------------------------C$4550

Practice fees will be prorated according to the month you start

Review fee (if applicable) --------------------------------------------------------------C$300

The practice fee is paid annually and must be renewed by November 30 for the new permit year beginning January 1. The fee covers the cost of the regulatory process that assures the Alberta public that registrants are able to provide safe, competent, ethical midwifery care.

Fees can be paid into two installments of $2275.00 - payments may be made by cash, cheque, or by email transfer to info@albertamidwives.org.

*fees quoted are for 2024 and subject to change, confirm current fees and payment methods with CMA office.

CMRE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------C$900

Fees for 2024, please confirm if there has been any changes.

Transcripts - at the discretion of the academic institution

Membership with AAM and Insurance --------------------------------------------------C$750

Criminal Record Check Canada -------------------------------------------------------C$40-$50

Criminal Record Check Other Countries - varies

Please note these are estimates only and may vary depending on a variety of circumstances.

Mandatory Competencies (NRP, CPR, FHS, ES) - at the discretion of the institutions

Additional Costs

There may be additional fees for:

Letter of Standing or Verification of Registration Letters from other jurisdictions
English proficiency test
Document translation in case your documents are not in English

Timelines

Decision: within 10 business days of a complete application unless there are extenuating circumstances
CMRE: offered twice a year (May and October)
Transcripts: at the discretion of the academic institution
Liability Insurance: at the discretion of the insurance provider
Criminal Record Check: varies
Letter of Standing or Verification of Registration Letters: varies
English Language Proficiency: at the discretion of the institution

Apply for Registration

To apply for registration, you must submit a completed application and fulfill all necessary requirements. Apply here.

To Consider

Processing may take longer when there is a high volume of applications (for example, during renewal November-December, new graduates application May-June).
Applications are typically reviewed by CMA staff and approved by the Registrar. If your application is referred to the Registration Committee by the Registrar, processing time may take longer and additional fees may apply.
The Registrar or the Registration Committee may request additional information in accordance with the Health Professions Act, the Midwives Regulations, and the CMA Bylaws.
Coordination of the application process is important to ensure a document does not expire before all required documents are received and approved. Please confirm with AHS PMAO regarding their process so you can coordinate similar requirements (for example: criminal record check).
An application is valid for 6 months from the date of submission. Your file will be closed if your application expires and we do not receive further communication from you.
Canadian graduates who complete their program, pass the national exam (CMRE), and submit a complete application for registration, will be registered as General Registrants with a New Registrant condition. All midwives registered under this category will be required to complete the New Registrant Program as per the CMA New Registrant Handbook.
To be included in the general register, you must pass the CMRE. If you are unsuccessful, you can still be registered under the provisional register, but with certain conditions. According to the Midwives Regulations, registration under the provisional register cannot last more than two years from the initial issue date or after three failed CMRE attempts, whichever comes first.

Fees paid to the CMA

Fees paid to a different provider