NARM Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 29, 2026 against North American Registry of Midwives
Aspiring midwives in the United States face a tough challenge with the NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) Test. This guide offers key info on the NARM exam. It's the top test for new midwives. If you're getting ready for the midwifery certification test or just curious about the midwife licensing exam, this article is for you. Practice with the free North American Registry of Midwives practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
NARM: upcoming dates and official changes
- Oct 1, 2026: NARM's provisional recognition period for the MEAC-accredited pathway took effect October 1, 2026, along with a clinical competency verification process for MEAC programs.[4]
The NARM has 300 questions and takes about 3 hours[1] (North American Registry of Midwives, verified Oct 25, 2026).
- The NARM Examination has 300 multiple-choice questions given in two parts.[1]
- The NARM Examination allows three hours for each of its two parts.[1]
- Candidates can take the NARM Examination once every two months, up to six times a year, with no lifetime maximum.[1]
- The NARM Examination is given by computer at approved computer testing labs, with live remote proctoring also available.[2]
- NARM offers five routes to CPM certification: Portfolio Evaluation Process, MEAC-accredited program, US state licensure, AMCB-certified CNM/CM, and UK registered midwife.[3]
- NARM Examination candidates get preliminary scores by email within three business days, and official scores usually come within two to three weeks.[2]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
NARM Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 300 multiple-choice questions in two parts[1] | North American Registry of Midwives · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 3 hours per part (6 hours total)[1] | North American Registry of Midwives · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Once every 2 months, max 6 times a year; no lifetime limit[1] | North American Registry of Midwives · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based at approved testing labs or by live remote proctor[2] | North American Registry of Midwives · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Routes: PEP, MEAC graduate, US state-licensed midwife, AMCB CNM/CM, UK registered midwife[3] | North American Registry of Midwives · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Score release | Preliminary by email within 3 business days; official 2–3 weeks[2] | North American Registry of Midwives · Oct 25, 2026 |
What changed for NARM in 2026
- Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Computer-based at approved testing labs or by live remote proctor (previously Computer-based at Prometric test centers or by live remote proctor; paper on request for cultural/religious reasons).[2]
- Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to Routes: PEP, MEAC graduate, US state-licensed midwife, AMCB CNM/CM, UK registered midwife (previously Five routes: PEP, MEAC graduate, US state-licensed midwife, AMCB CNM/CM, UK registered midwife).[3]
- Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Preliminary by email within 3 business days; official 2–3 weeks (previously Emailed within 3 business days; official NARM letter 2–3 weeks later).[2]
- Oct 25, 2026: Other (update 2026-10-01) changed to NARM's provisional recognition period for the MEAC-accredited pathway took effect October 1, 2026, along with a clinical competency verification process for MEAC programs. (previously NARM's provisional recognition period for the MEAC-accredited pathway to the CPM took effect on October 1, 2026, along with a clinical competency verification process for MEAC programs.).[4]
- Oct 1, 2026: NARM's provisional recognition period for the MEAC-accredited pathway took effect October 1, 2026, along with a clinical competency verification process for MEAC programs.[4]
Free North American Registry of Midwives Study Tools
Interactive North American Registry of Midwives resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- NARM Postpartum Care 1 — 7 questions with answer explanations
- North American Registry of Midwives flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- North American Registry of Midwives study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- North American Registry of Midwives cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
According to North American Registry of Midwives, “The test is a 300 question, multiple choice exam given in two parts.”[1]
NARM content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official NARM content outline published by North American Registry of Midwives. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| General Healthcare Skills[5] | NARM Clinical Knowledge and Skills Practise core clinical skills such as vital signs, infection control, documentation and informed consent until you can apply them to any client scenario. |
| Labor, Birth and Immediate Postpartum[5] | NARM Labor and Delivery Work through the stages of labor, normal birth mechanics, third-stage management and the signs that call for transfer or emergency action. |
| Maternal Health Assessment[5] | NARM Laboratory Screening and Diagnostic T... Practise interpreting history, physical findings and routine lab results so you can tell normal variation apart from findings that need follow-up. |
| Postpartum[5] | NARM Postpartum Care Review uterine involution, bleeding assessment, perineal healing, lactation problems and screening for postpartum mood disorders. |
| Prenatal[5] | NARM Prenatal Care Practise the content of prenatal visits, fundal height and fetal growth checks, nutrition counselling and early recognition of conditions such as preeclampsia. |
| Professional Issues, Knowledge, and Skills[5] | NARM Professional Standards Study scope of practice, ethics, informed consent, record keeping and when and how to consult, refer or transfer care. |
| Well baby care[5] | NARM Newborn Assessment Practise the newborn exam, feeding and weight checks, jaundice assessment and the warning signs that need prompt referral. |
NARM Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the NARM - North American Registry of Midwives exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
NARM Clinical Knowledge and Skills
Free NARM Practice Test featuring Clinical Knowledge and Skills. Improve your NARM Exam score with mock test prep.
NARM Emergency and Complication Management
NARM Mock Exam on Emergency and Complication Management. NARM Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
NARM Labor and Delivery
NARM Test Prep for Labor and Delivery. Practice NARM Quiz questions and boost your score.
NARM Midwifery Practice and Professionalism
Free NARM Quiz on Midwifery Practice and Professionalism. NARM Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
NARM Newborn Assessment
NARM Practice Questions for Newborn Assessment. Build confidence for your NARM certification exam.
NARM Pharmacology and Medications
NARM Study Material on Pharmacology and Medications. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
NARM Postpartum Care
Free NARM Test covering Postpartum Care. Practice and track your NARM exam readiness.
Worked examples: how to reason through NARM questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: By about what age do most healthy breastfed newborns regain their birth weight?
- 2-3 days
- 10-14 days
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
Answer: B. 10-14 days
Explanation:
B, 10-14 days, is correct. Healthy breastfed newborns normally lose some weight in the first days after birth while milk supply comes in. Most are back to birth weight by about 10-14 days. A, 2-3 days, is wrong because this is usually when weight is near its lowest, not when it has been regained. C, 6 weeks, and D, 3 months, are far too late. A baby still below birth weight at those ages points to a feeding or health problem, not normal recovery. Rule to remember: early weight loss is expected, but a baby who has not regained birth weight by about two weeks needs a full feeding assessment. That means latch, transfer, frequency and output.
Example 2
Question: Which emergency contraception option is the most effective?
- Levonorgestrel pill
- Copper IUD inserted within 5 days
- Combined oral contraceptive pills
- Withdrawal method
Answer: B. Copper IUD inserted within 5 days
Explanation:
B, a copper IUD inserted within 5 days, is correct. It is the most effective form of emergency contraception, and it keeps working as ongoing contraception after insertion. A, the levonorgestrel pill, works and is easy to get, but it is less effective than the copper IUD, and its effectiveness falls the longer the client waits to take it. C, combined oral contraceptive pills (the Yuzpe method), is an older approach that is less effective and causes more nausea. D, withdrawal, is not emergency contraception at all, because it cannot act after intercourse has already happened. Rule to remember: when a client asks about emergency contraception, offer the copper IUD first as the most effective option. Then discuss pills if the client prefers them or an IUD is not available.
Example 3
Question: What is the primary use of magnesium sulfate in obstetric care?
- To induce labor
- To treat preeclampsia and prevent seizures
- To manage postpartum hemorrhage
- To relieve severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Answer: B. To treat preeclampsia and prevent seizures
Explanation:
B is correct. Magnesium sulfate is used mainly to prevent and treat eclamptic seizures in clients with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. It works by calming the central nervous system. A is wrong because it does not induce labor. Oxytocin and cervical ripening agents do that. C is wrong because it relaxes smooth muscle, which can make uterine atony and bleeding worse. Postpartum hemorrhage is managed with uterotonics such as oxytocin. D is wrong because it is not a treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Rule to remember: magnesium sulfate means seizure prophylaxis. While a client is receiving it, watch for toxicity: loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression and low urine output. Calcium gluconate is the antidote.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official outline. Download the current candidate information from narm.org and read the content areas listed above. Mark the areas where you feel least sure.
Take a baseline test. Do the full practice test without notes. Don't aim for a good score at this stage. The goal is to find out which areas need the most work.
Work one area at a time. For each weak area, open the matching set in the table: for example Prenatal Care, Labor and Delivery or Newborn Assessment. Read the explanation for every question you get wrong, and also for any you guessed right. Write the rule behind each one in your own words. Use Pharmacology and Medications and Emergency and Complication Management to strengthen topics that cut across several areas.
Check your sources. Our questions are practice material written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. When an explanation doesn't match your textbook or clinical training, trust the textbook and NARM's references.
Build stamina. Each part of the real exam lasts 3 hours. Before test day, sit at least one timed session of that length in one go. Finally, confirm your testing lab or remote-proctor setup well before your appointment.
Key Takeaways
FREE NARM Practice Test Online
- The NARM Test is the main entry-level midwifery assessment for those wanting to become midwives in the U.S.
- The exam checks if candidates have the right midwifery competency. It makes sure they know how to help with childbirth safely and effectively.
- Passing the NARM Test is key to getting the north american midwifery credential. It lets you work as a licensed midwife.
- It's important to know the NARM exam's setup, what it covers, and who can take it. This helps with preparation and getting certified.
- This guide gives a full look at the NARM midwifery skills assessment and obstetric knowledge test. It helps you feel ready for the childbirth assistance examination.
What is the NARM Test?
Understanding the NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) Test
The NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) Test is key for those wanting to be Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in the U.S. It checks if a candidate knows how to give safe, skilled, and right midwifery care. Passing this test is vital to get the CPM credential, seen as the top for midwifery in North America.
This test is tough and checks if a candidate knows the midwifery job well and follows education standards. It looks at many topics like prenatal care, handling labor and delivery, caring for new moms, and newborns. Passing shows a candidate can give full, evidence-based midwifery care.
Eligibility Requirements for the NARM Exam
To take the NARM Test, candidates must meet certain education and experience needs. These include:
- Finishing an approved midwifery program
- Gaining enough clinical hours in different midwifery places
- Showing they're good at key midwifery skills
The NARM Board makes sure all test takers meet the high standards needed to join the midwifery field.
Preparing for the NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) Test
Getting ready for the childbirth educator certification and midwifery competency assessment means having a solid study plan. It should cover narm skills and written exams. Make sure you know the exam's topics, which include perinatal care standards and informed consent in midwifery.
To do well on the NARM Test, here are some steps to follow:
- Look over the exam content outline to see what topics you'll cover. This includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care.
- Practice your skills with hands-on exercises and simulations. This helps you show you can do midwifery tasks well.
- Use study materials like textbooks, online courses, and practice exams. They help you learn and get ready for the written test.
- Find mentors who are experienced midwives or educators. They can help improve your skills and give you tips for the NARM Test.
With a good plan, you can boost your chances of passing the narm skills and written exams. This shows you're ready to give top-notch perinatal care standards and make sure informed consent in midwifery.
Written Examination Overview
Exam Format and Content
The NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) Test checks a candidate's knowledge and skills in midwifery. It has two parts: a written test and a skills check. Both parts make sure candidates are ready to give great prenatal education, labor support, postpartum care, and neonatal care to women and their families.
The written test looks at a candidate's knowledge of midwifery. It covers topics like prenatal care, labor and delivery management, postpartum care, and neonatal health. Candidates answer multiple-choice questions on various obstetric and midwifery-related subjects. This makes sure they know the important parts of maternal health and perinatal services.
Skills Assessment Overview
The skills test part of the NARM Test checks if a candidate can do important midwifery tasks and procedures. It includes doing things like a prenatal exam, managing a normal birth, giving postpartum care, and doing neonatal resuscitation. This test makes sure candidates can use what they know in real situations, helping with childbirth assistance and neonatal care.
Passing both the written test and the skills test shows a candidate knows a lot about midwifery. They are ready to give great prenatal education, labor support, postpartum care, and neonatal care to the people they help.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample North American Registry of Midwives Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free North American Registry of Midwives practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
According to NARM standards of practice, when should the first postpartum home visit occur after an uncomplicated home birth?
- A. Within 24–48 hours of delivery
- B. At 2 weeks postpartum only
- C. At the 6-week comprehensive visit
- D. Only if the mother contacts the midwife with specific concerns
Answer: A. Within 24–48 hours of delivery
NARM standards require the attending midwife to conduct a home visit within 24–48 hours of delivery to assess maternal and newborn wellbeing and detect early complications.
Under the NARM Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential framework, which body is responsible for establishing the standards of competency that CPMs must demonstrate?
- A. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
- B. The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)
- C. The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA)
- D. The state licensing board in each jurisdiction
Answer: B. The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)
NARM is the certifying body that establishes the competency standards and administers the NARM Written Exam and Skills Assessment for the CPM credential.
Which of the following is a core tenet of the midwifery model of care as recognized by MANA and reflected in NARM competencies?
- A. Routine use of electronic fetal monitoring for all low-risk labors
- B. Watchful waiting and non-intervention in normal processes unless warranted
- C. Mandatory physician co-management for all clients
- D. Standardized intervention protocols regardless of individual client circumstances
Answer: B. Watchful waiting and non-intervention in normal processes unless warranted
The midwifery model emphasizes supporting physiologic birth, avoiding unnecessary interventions, and individualizing care based on client needs.
What is a non-stress test?
- A. Monitoring fetal heart rate response to movement to assess well-being
- B. Mothers stress test
- C. Diabetes test
- D. Position test
Answer: A. Monitoring fetal heart rate response to movement to assess well-being
This test watches heart rate patterns during fetal movement.
Take the full North American Registry of Midwives practice test
(NARM) North American Registry of Midwives Questions and Answers
Sources & last verified
- North American Registry of Midwives — number of questions, time limit, retake policy (official source). “The test is a 300 question, multiple choice exam given in two parts.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- North American Registry of Midwives — delivery, score release (official source). “The NARM Examination is given by computer at approved computer testing labs.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- North American Registry of Midwives — eligibility (official source). “U.S. state licensed midwives may apply for certification.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- North American Registry of Midwives — other (official source). “NARM's provisional recognition period for the MEAC-accredited pathway, effective October 1, 2026” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- North American Registry of Midwives — other (official source). “general healthcare skills” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- narm.org — Exam format, retake policy, time limit, test delivery, score release, eligibility, exam information · verified Oct 2026