CPD Certification Examination
Upon successful completion of the application process, the candidate will be eligible to register to sit for the CPD certification exam. Registration will be completed through Prolydian.
Exam Requirements and Rules
The exam requirements and rules stipulated by the National Doula Certification Board are as follows:
- Candidates are required to present a state-issued Driver’s License, Identification Card or Passport.
- Candidates must take the exam at the confirmed location, date, and time, as indicated by Proylidian or other contracted proctor.
- Candidates must obtain a minimum score of 70% to pass the exam.
- Candidates may not access their belongings at any time during the exam.
- The exam space will be cleared of any materials that may aid or give information to use to answer any questions on the exam.
- Candidates will not be allowed to leave during the exam. If an emergency arises, they will forfeit their exam and will not be eligible to retest until the next scheduled examination date.
- Candidates must complete the exam within the two-hour time frame (unless otherwise approved).
- Candidates are not allowed to copy or attempt to make any copies of any exam materials or exam questions or answers.
- Candidates may not share, distribute, sell, photograph, or disclose any exam questions or answers and will be subject to termination of certification and possible legal action if such actions occur.
- Candidates are expected to exhibit ethical test taking behavior. Cheating and misrepresentation will be grounds for dismissal without refund.
- The timeframe in which a candidate has to complete their exam after all course work requirements are complete, is one year.
- The application expires and the candidate will need to reapply (application fees will apply again) if the candidate does not schedule the exam within 90 days of application acceptance.
Scheduling the exam
The candidate can choose their certification exam date and time through Prolydian.
No-shows and cancellations
Any candidate who fails to show up (without notification) or cancels within 24 hours of their scheduled exam will forfeit their period of eligibility and any exam fees. The candidate will be subject to additional fees for reschedule.
Extreme circumstances
If any candidate is unable to take the exam because of extreme circumstances, such as inclement weather, terrorist acts, natural disasters, or any unforeseen emergency beyond the control of the candidate, they will be allowed to take the scheduled retest exam without the required retest exam fee. The NDCB will determine whether the circumstance declared by the candidate meets the requirements of being an emergency beyond the control of the candidate.
Examination format
The CPD certification exam contains at least 140 multiple choice questions. Test questions are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure up-to-date information and accuracy. Candidates will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam and are encouraged to review the relevant test taking tips.
Delivery conditions and nondiscrimination
Exam conditions are standardized to the greatest extent possible, with reasonable accommodations, to ensure an equitable experience for all examinees regardless of their age, gender, nationality, religion, or disabilities, including visual, auditory, and physical impairment. Special considerations will be addressed when necessary or warranted.
Examination dismissal
Any candidate who is observed engaging in any misconduct may be dismissed from the certification exam, barred from future exams, and may be required to forfeit the current exam fee and/or period of eligibility. Proctors and/or National Doula Certification Board administrators are authorized to make immediate and appropriate decisions against candidates who are caught violating examination rules. However, the candidate is entitled to appeal the dismissal decision through the formal appeals process.
Retesting
Candidates who fail the exam on the first attempt will be given the opportunity to retest with a makeup exam within 30 days for an additional fee. If the candidate fails the makeup exam, they will have the opportunity to retest for a third and final time with additional retest fees. If the candidate fails the third attempt, they must reapply for certification.
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