Become an ADA-certified doula.

ADA training and exams are offered in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Korean.

Four trainees in the ADA Postpartum Doula Program practise holding a newborn, using training dolls

Check that a doula is ADA-certified

Every ADA certificate has a public, dated record. It shows whether the credential is active today and lists any suspension or revocation.

Look up a record by certificate number, Doula ID or full name, for example ADA-PD-2026-0142, #25-3107 or Mei Lin Chen.

For example ADA-PD-2026-0142, #25-3107 or Mei Lin Chen.

As of 6 Nov 2026: 233 doulas with an active credential · 398 certificates issued

Verify a trainer's certificate

ADA programs

ADA Postpartum Doula

The 7-module ADA program, then the ADA written and practical exam.

Exam fee: $625, paid to ADA
Certificate: Valid for 1 year

ADA Birth Doula

Labor and delivery support. Cohorts run on a rolling basis.

ADA Education

The ADA curriculum, taught by ADA Certified Trainers and Approved Training Providers.

Four candidates write the ADA written exam at spaced desks — The written exam: one candidate to a desk. August 2024.

What to expect on exam day

Bring: A valid government-issued photo ID.
Where: 7515 Irvine Center Drive, #110, Irvine, CA 92618
Written exam: 60 minutes, in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Korean.
Practical exam: 30 minutes, one-on-one with an ADA examiner.
Results: By email in about 7–10 business days. The pass mark is 70/100.

Exam day and ID

For families

Hiring a doula? Check the doula's public ADA record first. It shows whether the credential is active today.

For insurers and agencies

ADA certification is recognized by Medi-Cal, Kaiser, Cigna, IEHP, Carrot Fertility and Progyny. Anyone can check a doula's credential in the ADA registry, free of charge.