I see the word “certified” thrown around pretty loosely. What does being a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist® mean?
Is everyone who takes the PBi Training Course automatically “certified”?
No! Certification is a process. We want to ensure that only the most experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable people are granted certification status.
How does someone become Certified?
Once a Specialist completes the Training Course, they then must complete three (3) placenta encapsulation sessions according to PBi’s method of encapsulation. This is verified through the use of client feedback forms that their clients fill out and send to us at PBi. These forms are very detailed, consisting of a number of questions that the clients answer about their Specialist. A client’s feedback is an essential part of the process, since we want to make sure that each mother is being properly cared for by the Specialist. We also do this to make sure that the client has been given accurate dosing and capsule care instructions, and feels comfortable with the followup care she receives. The additional benefit of this process is that the Specialist can use this open feedback to improve their services for future clients.
Beyond preparing a minimum number of placentas, the Specialist must also obtain additional food safety handling instruction, either through a course required by their state or the additional food safety class offered by PBi, whichever is more strict.
Once the Specialist is Certified, are they always certified?
No. A certification lasts for one year. We want to make sure that the PBi Specialist is continuing to meet our high standards, so we ask that they send at least one client feedback survey to us every year in order to maintain their certification. The Specialist must also maintain a current food safety certificate from their state, which involves additional classes at least every two years. (PBi’s requirements for this are often even more strict than the state requirements.)
Additionally, if a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist® (CPES) gets negative reviews from their clients, their certification may be suspended or revoked. We take our certification status very seriously, since PBi is the number-one trusted referral source to mothers for placenta encapsulation services. If a PBi Specialist is not meeting the expectation and needs of their clients, we definitely want to know about it.
So, now you know what is involved in the certification of a PBi Placenta Encapsulation Specialist®! Our Certified Specialists definitely go the extra mile for their clients. If you are planning to use the services of a placenta encapsulation specialist, be sure to ask if they are currently Certified. You can always find a current list of Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist®s online at our Placenta Provider Directory – it is kept current and up-to-date with everyone’s certification status.
And, if you were once Certified, I do encourage you to go the extra steps to maintain your certification! It is not much extra work or cost, and it demonstrates your dedication to your craft and your clients.
PBi will always maintain the highest standard of care for mothers, and the highest quality of service. I am very proud of our team of professionals who work so hard for postpartum women around the world!