Apply for a doula certification

The Doula Certification Program is a formal credentialing process through the Department of Public Health (DPH). DPH doula certification is voluntary, free, and is not required to practice as a doula in Massachusetts. The Program establishes minimum standards for training, experience, knowledge, and professional conduct for doulas practicing in the state. 

DPH doula certification and MassHealth doula provider enrollment are two separate processes. Becoming a MassHealth doula provider is not required for DPH certification and vice versa. If you want to be both a MassHealth doula provider and a DPH-certified doula, you must apply to each program separately. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for DPH doula certification, applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in all six core competencies below either through the Experience Pathway, Training Pathway, MassHealth Pathway, or Reciprocity Pathway:
   1. Maternal anatomy and physiology during the perinatal period, including basic fetal growth and development in each trimester of pregnancy
   2. Common medical interventions during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
   3. Common potential complications associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, including but not limited to:
      1. Pregnancy and infant loss
      2. Mental health conditions, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)        
      3. Substance use disorder (SUD)
      4. High blood pressure
   4. Labor and delivery comfort measures
   5. Best practices for supporting members in advocating for their needs and making informed decisions using a trauma-informed approach
   6. Basic newborn care, including the fundamentals of breastfeeding/chestfeeding
3. Have successfully completed a MassHealth-related requirement, either through the MassHealth Doula Provider Training or an on-demand webinar on benefits, support available for, and opportunities inherent in being a MassHealth doula provider.
4. Be of good moral character.
5. Attest to the Doula Code of Conduct.

Required documentation

View all application requirements and the four pathways in Doula Certification Program Application Checklist | PDF.  

• All new applications should contain: 
  • Your headshot 
  • A signed and notarized CORI Acknowledgement Form | PDF 
  • A copy of your government-issued identification 
  • Completion for MassHealth Doula Provider Training (optional) 
• For MassHealth provider pathway applicants, accepted proof of MassHealth provider status includes but are not limited to your: 
  • Welcome letter 
  • Other email correspondence screenshot 
  • MassHealth Portal screenshot 
  • Provider Enrollment Status lookup page 
• For Experience pathway applicants: 
  • 3 completed Client Recommendation Form | PDF 
  • 2 completed Provider Recommendation Form | PDF 
• For Training pathway applicants: 
  • Certificate of completion of your doula training program 
• For State Reciprocity pathway applicants: 
  • Doula certification from Rhode Island or New York 

Certification guidance

• More information about the Doula Certification Program: Doula Certification Program Guidelines | PDF 
• Answers to commonly asked questions: Doula Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | PDF
• About the CORI check: Doula Certification Program CORI Check Guidance | PDF 

Complaints 

DPH reviews complaints to ensure that certified doulas uphold state standards, ethical guidelines, and the expectations of the Doula Certification Program. Learn about the process and how to submit a complaint: DPH Doula Certification Program Complaint Process Overview | PDF.