​​​Licensure with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) is required in order for an individual to practice midwifery in British Columbia. If you are a graduate from a BCCNM recognized midwifery education program, you can apply for licensure to practice in one of the following licensure classes:

Practisin​​​​​g midwife licensure

Midwives who hold practising licensure are permitted to practice in the full scope of midwifery care in B.C. They must meet all standards, and QA requirements.​ 

Provisional midwife licensure

​​If you do not meet all the requirements for practising midwife licensure you may be eligible for provisional midwife licensure. Under provisional licensure, you may practice the full scope of midwifery pending a successful result of the Canadian Midwifery Registration Examination (CMRE). Provisional midwife licensure may also be granted with limits and conditions while completing educational upgrading courses or a period of supervised practice​ during a monitored and specific time frame to address deficiencies in the knowledge, skills, or abilities required for practising midwife licensure.

Application an​​d process​

Instructions on how a graduate from a BCCNM-recognized midwifery education program can seek midwife licensure are provided below. BCCNM recommends submitting applications for licensure a minimum of 4-6 weeks in advance of your anticipated licensing date. If you believe your application may be considered complex, you may wish to submit your application earlier.

​1. Prepare your documents

To avoid delays in processing your application, prepare the following documents before you start your application. Refer to the Policy on Continuing Competencies to ensure that your certifications and courses meet BCCNM's requirements:

• Program completion letter
• Notarized copies of two pieces of identification​
• A letter of standing and professional conduct/verification of licensure from any regulator with which you have held or currently hold licensure. This must be received by BCCNM directly from the regulator.

2. Apply to BCCNM

• Create an online account if you d​o not already have one.

• Co​​mplete ​ Form 159 Application for Midwife Licensure- Approved Program Graduate​.
  

• Submit t​​he form and a​​​ll required supporting docume​​ntation to BCCNM Licensing Services by:

  Email: ​ registermidwives@bccnm.ca
  

  Fax: 604​.899.0794

  Mail: 900-200 Granville Street, Vancouver B.C​., V6C 1S4
  

3. Pay fees​

Pay the application fee. Instruction for online payment will be provided once your application is received.

4. Canadian Midwifery Registration Exam

Write​ and pass the Canadian Midwifery Registration Exam​.​

5. Criminal record check

Consent to a criminal record check. Instructions on how to request and consent to a criminal record check in Canada and/or other applicable jurisdictions will be provided once application is reviewed.

6. Pa​y licensing fees

Pay ​your licensing fee. Instructions on online payment by credit card and the amount required will be provided once application is approved.

7. Professional liability protection

Obta​​in professional liability protection from the Midwives Association of BC​.

8​. Wait for confirmation of licensure from BCCNM

Once yo​​u have paid your licensiong fees, we will send you an email confirming that you have been granted licensure. You must not practise as a midwife until you receive confirmation of licensure.

Haven'​​t received a confirmation email?

Licensure will not be granted until your payment has ​​​been received and liability protection has been confirmed. Before calling to check on the status of your application, please:

• Double-check that you submitted your application and that your payment went through.
  
• Check your junk mail and spam folders​​​.​
  

9. Once registered: hospital privileges and MSP

• Yo​​u will be able to request a Certificate of Professional Conduct (CPC) through your account on our website. Please note: this feature is only available as of the date of your registration. BCCNM cannot issue a CPC prior to this.

• You can​ apply for a Medical Services Plan (MSP) number once you have been granted registration. ​​​​​​