Postpartum Support International (PSI) Professional Certification Program

The Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) Program recognizes individuals who possess the competency required to help mothers, fathers, and families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the perinatal period. 

The PMH-C creates a structure for professional education and evaluation of individuals who provide support in the perinatal period to inform families and payers of the competency of perinatal mental health specialists. The certification curriculum requirements were established based on existing evidence-based perinatal mental health certificate trainings, with an advanced-training component. The certification examination, first established in 2018 and validated in a 2024 job task analysis study, establishes the performance standard for individuals practicing as perinatal mental health specialists.

For detailed information on individual Certification requirements, please visit http://www.postpartum.net/professionals/certification.

Scheduling

Exam appointments are made in advance subject to availability. The exam/appointment testing time limit noted on Pearson VUE web pages reflects the total appointment time, including an NDA, exam time, and survey.

Postpartum Support International Certification Exams and Exam Preparation

Postpartum Support International Certification exams are components of the PSI Certification in Perinatal Mental Health program. The exams are computer-based assessments of knowledge, competencies, and skills related to disciplines such as Perinatal Mental Health Risks, Protective Factors, and Interactions.

Postpartum Support International Certification Program Agreement

Prior to starting the PSI Certification in Perinatal Mental Health, you will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions of the PSI Certification in Perinatal Mental Health Program Agreement.

Exam Retake Policy

You can retake the exam three (3) times. You must wait three (3) months between each exam. An additional fee must be paid each time you register for the exam.

Accommodation process

Requests for test accommodations are made during the application process for PSI exams. Once the PMH-C application is reviewed, you will be sent an email from certification@postpartum.net with instructions on how to submit documentation required for the accommodation requested.

Documentation submitted can include a letter from a healthcare provider indicating the impairment/disability and recommendations for accommodations or other supporting documentation that may be helpful in evaluating your request for accommodation.

If you have the documentation prepared, you may submit it to certification@postpartum.net after your application is submitted.