The California Challenge Process Information Sheet

Maternidad La Luz (MLL) has been offering the California Challenge: http://www.maternidadlaluz.com/admin/spaw2/plugins/core/lib/theme/spaw2/img/tb_html_off.gifCredit by Examination for Previous Midwifery Education & Clinical Experience to MLL graduates since 2004. The Medical Board of California has recently approved that CPMs who have not graduated from MLL may now also take the California Challenge examination at MLL. All applicants, CPMs and MLL graduates, may now use the California clinical requirements to apply.

Prior Learning and Experience Program (PLEP)

This program was designed to evaluate and give credit for prior midwifery education and experience. After enrollment into the MLL Prior Learning and Experience Program, NARM Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) may either pursue the California Challenge Process approved by the Medical Board of California, or advance place into MLL’s Three-Year Program.

To apply to the PLEP, send in the Prior Learning and Experience Program Application and provide a copy of a current CPM certificate. MLL will conduct a thorough audit of all documents included in the application. After acceptance into the program, the applicant will send the enrollment fee. MLL will send the California Challenge Handbook including all necessary documentation of experience forms, or the Three-Year Program Student Handbook for candidates choosing to advance place into the 3-Year Program.

Steps To Complete the California Challenge Process

1. Be a CPM enrolled in the Prior Learning & Experience Program or be a graduate of the Maternidad La Luz One-Year Program.
2. Complete and submit the California Challenge application and clinical documentation forms.
3. Verify the required number of clinical experiences within the last 10 years. The Medical Board of California requires that 50% of clinical experiences be obtained within five years of applying for California licensure. The required clinical experiences include:
   • 20 initial/new antepartum visits
   • 75 return antepartum visits
   • 20 labor management experiences
   • 20 deliveries (primary attendant)
   • 20 newborn assessments
   • 40 postpartum visits, within the first 5 days after birth
   • 40 postpartum/family planning/gynecology visits
4. Each clinical experience must be verified by a licensed midwife / certified midwife / certified nurse-midwife and a physician, each of who shall be current in the knowledge and practice of midwifery and obstetrics.
5. Each verifier must complete a Verifier’s Information Form and submit a copy of his or her current license.
6. Submit proof of certification that will be current at the time of the exam:
   • a) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
   • b) Neonatal Resuscitation
   • c) IV certification.
7. The California Challenge Process Director will review and audit the application, verification of clinical experiences, the verifier’s information, and all certificates.
8. The Director will send a letter within six weeks stating that the student has been approved or denied to sit the examinations. If the documentation is not approved, the student has the right to appeal the decision by writing to MLL within 30 days of receipt of the denial letter from MLL.
9. If approved, the student must call or e-mail the California Challenge Process Director to schedule dates for the examinations.
10. The student must send the Written and Clinical Examination Registration form with required fees.

Fee Schedule for the MLL California Challenge via the Prior Learning and Experience Program

Fee Schedule for the California Challenge Process for MLL Graduates

Additional fees that may be incurred during the California Challenge Process for all applicants

The applicant will pay for all travel, lodging, and food expenses. The Challenge Process is scheduled at the mutual convenience of the applicant and Maternidad La Luz.

Contact Deborah Kaley, California Challenge Process Director.