Spotlight
This spotlight explains what is involved when a BCCNM standard requires additional education, how your existing competence is considered, and how competence is evaluated. Read it alongside relevant standards.
Updated: Oct. 5, 2026
3–5 min
What is additional education?
Additional education is structured learning, usually beyond entry-level midwifery education, such as a workshop, course, or program of study. It helps midwives develop the competencies needed for a particular activity. This definition does not include BCCNM-approved courses required for certification or licensing. These requirements are governed separately.
When a BCCNM standard requires additional education, the education:
- Builds on entry-level competencies
- Identifies the competencies you are expected to achieve
- Includes both theory and application to practice
- Includes an objective evaluation of competence
BCCNM sets the standards, limits, and conditions for practice, including when additional education is required.
What you need to know
You are responsible for identifying suitable additional education that meets the BCCNM requirements.
Consider:
- What you already know and can do,
- The activity you plan to perform,
- Your practice setting, and
Determining competence
Completion of a course or educational program alone may not be sufficient to establish competence. Midwives are responsible for determining whether they have the knowledge, skills, judgment, and practical experience necessary to safely perform an activity.
Completing the learning is only part of the process. You also need to demonstrate that you have achieved the expected competencies.
The education provider determines how competence will be objectively evaluated. Depending on the activity, this might include a knowledge test, simulation, practical demonstration, or assessment in the clinical setting.
Even after you have demonstrated competence, you remain responsible for recognizing your own limits and maintaining your competence over time.
What this means in practice
BCCNM introduced additional education requirements alongside expanded midwifery scope of practice. This means you will need to complete additional education before performing a new activity.
| IN PRACTICE |
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Maya, an experienced midwife, would like to expand her practice to include using ultrasound to determine where the fetus is located in early pregnancy. Although she has relevant clinical experience, she has not performed this activity before.
Maya reviews the BCCNM requirements and considers her existing competence, practice setting, and client population. She compares available courses against the specific additional education requirements for this activity and chooses a course that provides the learning and assessment needed for her planned use of ultrasound. She also considers whether she needs clinical practice, further competency validation, or ongoing support before incorporating the activity into her practice.
Maya completes the additional education specific to her planned use of ultrasound and completes the course assessments demonstrating the expected competencies. Before using ultrasound in practice, she also confirms that she meets any other applicable BCCNM standards, limits, and conditions and any place of practice requirements.
Maya does not assume that her previous experience is enough. She makes sure she has completed appropriate additional education and demonstrated the competence needed to perform the activity safely in her practice setting and with her client population.
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Common misunderstandings
1
“Any course or in-service counts as additional education.”
When BCCNM requires additional education, it needs to include theory, application to practice, and objective evaluation of competence.
2
“BCCNM must approve the additional education I take.”
No. BCCNM does not approve or recommend specific additional education courses or providers. Midwives determine what education is appropriate for the activity and practice context. BCCNM only approves courses required for certification or licensing.
3
“If I attend a course or workshop, I’m ready to perform the activity.”
Not necessarily. Attending education does not always mean you have sufficient competence. When a standard requires additional education, the education has to include theory, application to practice, and an objective evaluation of competence. For example, a midwife learning a new clinical skill may need to practise the procedure and demonstrate that they can perform it safely—not just attend a presentation or complete a knowledge test.
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KEY TAKEAWAY
When an activity requires additional education, choose structured learning that develops and objectively evaluates the competencies needed for the activity. Consider existing competence and the additional preparation and supports needed for safe practice.
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Related standards and resources
| Resource |
What it covers |
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Midwives scope of practice webpage
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Explains the controls on practice and how to determine whether an activity is appropriate in a particular setting.
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Midwives: Professional Standards
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Professional responsibilities, including maintaining competence and participating in ongoing education and evaluation.
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Additional education
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Quick reference: minimum requirements, considerations for selecting or developing education.
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