Timeline to Endorsement®

Phase 1: Exploration & Registration

Month 1

• Step 1: Establish active IMHAMDDC membership (required prior to registration).

• Step 2: Review the Competency Guidelines to select your Endorsement® category (e.g., IFA, IFS, IMHS, IMHM).

• Step 3: Register on the Endorsement Application System (EASy) and pay the initial registration fee.

Phase 2: Portfolio Building

Months 2–5 (Self-Paced)

• Step 1: Log education, official transcripts, and qualifying work experience into EASy.

• Step 2: Document required training hours and Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RSC) hours.

• Step 3: Request 3 reference ratings directly through the EASy system.

Support: Attend monthly IMHAMDDC Endorsement® office-hour drop-in sessions if you have questions.

Phase 3: Application Submission & Peer Review

Months 6–7

• Step 1: Submit your finalized EASy portfolio and processing fee by the review deadline.

• Step 2: Trained IMHAMDDC peer reviewers evaluate your transcripts, training logs, RSC hours, and references.

• Outcome A (IFA / IFS Categories): Upon successful review, Endorsement® is officially granted!

• Outcome B (IMHS / IMHM Categories): Upon successful review, candidate is approved to sit for the Endorsement Exam.

Phase 4: Endorsement Exam (Specialist & Mentor Only)

Months 8–9

• Step 1: Schedule your virtual exam window (Part 1: Multiple Choice; Part 2: Vignettes).

• Step 2: Peer exam reviewers grade vignette responses (results typically returned within 4–6 weeks).

• Outcome: Upon passing, Endorsement® credential is formally awarded!

Phase 5: Maintenance & Annual Renewal

Ongoing

• Maintain active IMHAMDDC membership (Annually).

• Complete required annual continuing education and ongoing Reflective Supervision/Consultation.

• Re-confirm adherence to the Code of Ethics during renewal (3-Year Cycle).

The materials supporting the Infant Mental Health Association of Maryland/DC Competency Guidelines are copyrighted by the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH). The Infant Mental Health Association of Maryland/DC is able to make these materials available to our membership and collaborators through a licensing agreement with the MI-AIMH. 

Copyright law does allow individuals to print out or make ONE copy of copyrighted material for personal, non-commercial purposes only. None of the copyrighted Endorsement documents included here may be reproduced, displayed, distributed or otherwise used in any format, including electronically, without the express written consent of MI-AIMH. Legal action will be taken against those who violate the copyright.