Frequently Asked Questions
HOW LONG IS MY CERTIFICATION VALID?
The NCTA certification is valid for two years. You may renew your certification with 20 hours of continuing education and proof of an additional 500 contact hours. You will be required to re-certify every two years.
IS THE NEWBORN CARE TRAINING ACADEMY ACCREDITED?
The American Association of Drugless Practitioners accredits the Newborn Care Training Academy. AADP has granted NCTA the ability to offer certification, and the NCTA curriculum meets the qualification set forth by the AADP board’s educational requirements.
AM I REQUIRED TO TAKE THE NCTA TRAINING COURSE?
To apply for certification with the Newborn Care Training Academy, you must take the NCTA course.
IS THERE AN EXPIRATION ON WHEN I LAST TOOK MY NCTA COURSE?
Yes, if you took your Newborn Care Training Academy course within 5 years you are eligible to apply for certification.
I TOOK MY NCTA COURSE OVER 5 YEARS AGO, CAN I APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION?
Not immediately, you will need to take a refresher course, and we are offering the refresher for $50 for previous Newborn Care Training Academy students. If you need to sign up for the refresher course please email [email protected]
WHO IS REVIEWING CREDENTIALS FOR CERTIFICATION?
The NCTA has an administrative team responsible for verifying the information you submit.
WHY ARE WE REQUIRED TO HAVE 1000 HOURS OF CONTACT CARE WITH NEWBORNS?
According to a recent study conducted by a team of 15 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the field of newborn care, it was unanimously agreed that experience with newborns is essential for the role of a Newborn Care Specialist & Postpartum Doula. Additionally, a poll was conducted on the acceptable number of hours of experience, and the average was found to be 1000 hours.
WHAT IF MY CLIENT IS NOT WILLING TO BE A REFERENCE?
Not all clients are required to be a reference, but we will need at least three written references and contact information for additional references to verify your hours.
CAN I APPLY FOR MY CERTIFICATION BEFORE I HAVE OBTAINED MY CONTACT HOURS?
No. Your application will not be reviewed unless it contains all of the prerequisites.
CAN AN AGENCY OWNER VALIDATE NON PRIVATE CLIENTS?
If you are working with an agency, an agency owner can validate hours for nonprivate clients.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION?
When submitted your application for certification, the application fee is $100. There are no additional fees.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION?
WHAT IS MY TITLE ONCE I AM CERTIFIED?
Once you are certified through The Newborn Care Training Academy, you can utilize the title Certified Newborn Care Specialist & Postpartum Doula.