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Postpartum Doula Certification

Exam Details

Everything you need to know about the ADA Certification Examination.

Exam Overview

The ADA Certification Examination evaluates your readiness to provide professional postpartum doula care. The exam consists of a written portion and a practical evaluation, both designed to assess your knowledge of evidence-based practices and hands-on competency. Candidates who pass receive an ADA certification valid for three years.

Exam Details

Written Exam

60 minutes

Practical Exam

30 minutes (one-on-one)

Exam Fee

$625

Languages

English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean

Certificate Validity

3 years

Exam ID Format

YY-NNNNN (e.g., 25-80301)

What to Expect

Written Exam

  • 60-minute timed examination
  • Multiple choice and short answer questions
  • Covers postpartum care, newborn care, and cultural competency
  • Available in 4 languages

Practical Exam

  • 30-minute one-on-one evaluation
  • Hands-on demonstration of doula skills
  • Assessed by a certified ADA examiner
  • Evaluates practical competency and communication

Frequently Asked Questions

The written exam covers postpartum care fundamentals, newborn care, breastfeeding support, cultural competency, safety protocols, and client communication. Questions are a mix of multiple choice and short answer, designed to assess your knowledge of evidence-based postpartum care practices.

The practical exam is a 30-minute one-on-one evaluation with a certified examiner. You will demonstrate hands-on skills including newborn handling, swaddling, bathing techniques, postpartum recovery support, and your ability to communicate effectively with families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Yes. ADA offers the certification exam in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, and Korean. Please specify your preferred language when registering for the exam. All exam materials, including instructions and questions, will be provided in your chosen language.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam. A retake fee applies. We recommend reviewing the areas identified for improvement and consulting with your training program before reattempting the exam.

After completing an ADA-approved training program, your training provider will guide you through the exam registration process. You can also contact ADA directly at contact@asiandoula.org or call (714) 202-6501 to register.

Exams are administered at the ADA training center located at 7515 Irvine Center Drive, #110, Irvine, CA 92618. Additional exam locations may be available depending on demand. Contact us for the latest schedule.

Results are typically communicated within 2 weeks of your exam date. Once you pass, your ADA certification and exam ID will be issued and you can begin practicing as a certified doula.

Ready to take the exam? Start with Step 1.

Steps to Certification

Let's Connect and Support Families Together!

Whether you're interested in becoming a certified doula, looking for postpartum support, or want to learn more about our programs, we'd love to hear from you.

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