Certification

Families frequently request referrals to health professionals who are willing to listen and create a care plan that is unique to them. They appreciate knowing that a health professional shares their commitment and priorities. Families looking for health professionals who implement the most progressive, evidence based care with compassion will find them on the list of IPPE certified individuals.

They are committed to partnering with families to reduce the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal death, maternal death, and other poor pregnancy outcomes. They utilize IPPE recommendations that are based on the newest research and protocols that have shown to be effective around the world. They are willing to offer their patients the very best care, even when that may be more than is required of them.

The IPPE website has a list of certified professionals. Many will also have IPPE materials available in their offices, the IPPE seal on their websites, or use the IPPE-C credential.

Any health professional who works with expectant and postpartum families including physicians, nurses, midwives, social workers, clergy, mental health therapists, doulas, and more.

Obstetric providers are OBs, MFMs, midwives, nurse practitioners, or others who direct care during pregnancy.

Allied Health professionals are nurses, social workers, doulas, ultrasonographers, chaplains, laboratory technicians, first responders, child life therapists, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, or others who provide direct patient care in medical settings.

Mental Health professionals are therapists, counselors, social workers, chaplains, or others who work with pregnant or grieving families and focus on their mental health.

Like all medical care, there are no guarantees. However, these recommendations were created by an international team of experts using evidence-based care principles. They combine the current standards of care with the newest research, guidance from experts, the experience of seasoned professionals, and input from families. References and a research library are available on our website to learn more about each recommendation in the curriculum.

Donations to IPPE are used to support research grants, create and accredit new continuing education modules, analyze  the impact of IPPE recommendations, and promote the certified health professionals. IPPE is a  project of the Star Legacy Foundation (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

If your health professional is IPPE certified – tell them THANK YOU! They have committed to providing you with the highest level of perinatal care. Feel free to ask them about any risk factors you have and how you can work together to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

We also encourage you to complete a patient survey specific to your certified health professional. This information will help us understand the impact of these recommendations, help your professionals to know their care is appreciated, guide us in making improvements, and provide information to other families who are looking for health professional recommendations.

If your health professional is not IPPE certified – please encourage them to do so! They will join a network of dedicated professionals who share a passion for the prevention and care of poor pregnancy outcomes.

We encourage organizations to support IPPE by endorsing the recommendations, encouraging certification by staff or constituents, exhibiting at the Summit for Perinatal Excellence, or becoming a sponsor.

Certification Fees:

Physicians $750/2 years
CNM/NP/PA $350/2 years
Allied Health Professionals $150/2 years
Mental Health Professionals $150/2 years
Residents/Students $50/2 years

Certified members will receive:

• Recognition on the IPPE website and social media
• Membership in a referral network
• Monthly newsletter with practice tips and research discussions
• Access to Ask the Experts for clinical questions
• Membership seals and tool kit
• Free Continuing Education through Star Legacy Foundation
• Complimentary registration for the IPPE Summit
• Patient feedback opportunities

No. IPPE believes that improving perinatal loss prevention and care requires a unified, team approach. The recommendations will be most successful when patients and families receive the same information from all health professionals. Additionally, it is not the responsibility of one provider or type of health professional to ensure that families receive the appropriate education, support, and access to skilled professionals. Finally, these recommendations will have the largest impact when they are implemented at systems and policy levels. For this to occur, all involved in the care of these families must be committed to the care principles and their role in ensuring optimal care for all families.

No. All exams will cover the same curriculum topics. However, each exam is focused on how that information would be implemented into the type of care provided by each discipline.

No. For initial certification, the only education module that is required is the Introduction to IPPE. All other education modules are there as resources and tools for professionals who would like additional information or training. These modules are available before and after certification.

Practice metrics will help us track the implementation of the program as well as any changes to care. This will be important for future revisions and is an opportunity to measure the impact of the program.  Data will only be used for quality improvement purposes and shared in aggregate.

You do not have to go to a testing center! You can take the exam right from your laptop/desktop at your convenience. Please note, it is not recommended to try to take the test from a phone.

We suggest reviewing the Clinical Recommendations to determine your comfort level with each topic.  You can view education modules on each topic through our On Demand continuing education (modules are free with your IPPE registration code). Additional information is available through the Journal Learning, Grand Rounds (link), and Events. Feel free to email us with any questions at info@perinatalexcellence.org.

No preparation is needed!  This is the final step in the certification process and is an opportunity for you to connect with our team.  You will be asked questions about your practice philosophy and how you are implementing, or plan to implement, IPPE recommendations into care.  Additionally, you will learn more about our referral networks and how to get the most out of your certification.

All tests must be completed with a score of 85% or higher.

After completing the application, health professionals are able to take the appropriate exam up to three times, if needed. After three unsuccessful attempts, a new application must be submitted.

An international team of health professionals, researchers, policy experts, and families developed the topics to address priority issues in perinatal loss prevention and care. Many of the topics are similar to those addressed by care bundles and initiatives implemented with encouraging success in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Australia.

Certification is valid for two years. Recertification will be available for 30 days before and after your expiration date.

The first recertification will require successful completion of an exam on additional perinatal loss prevention and care topics. Obstetric providers are also required to submit updated practice metrics. The second and subsequent recertifications will require proof of approved continuing education and updated practice metrics.

Health professionals whose certification is expired by more than 30 days will be required to submit a new certification application and complete the initial certification requirements.

It can take up to 5 business days for new members to be visible on the website. If you completed your certification requirements more than 5 days ago, please email info@perinatalexcellence.org

IPPE recommendations are suggestions based on best practice, professional care guidelines, emerging research, expertise and experience of professionals, and input from families. However, they are not legal requirements. We encourage health professionals to implement these recommendations and care principles into their practice and individualize care for each person or family. There will be situations where the health professional and family may decide that some recommendations may not be appropriate; however, we expect this decision will be the result of respectful and shared decision-making discussions.