Objective To know the current situation of core competency of midwives in Guangzhou, and analyze the influencing factors.Methods A cross sectional survey was conducted among 256 midwives from 13 hospitals in Guangzhou to investigate their core competency.Results The total average score of core competency of midwives was (4.09±0.49). The scores of intrapartum care and antenatal care were higher,while the scores of progestational care and public health care were lower. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the core competency of midwives was influenced by several aspects,and they were work experience,work experience in midwifery,age,title,job and marital status (β′=0.771, 0.549,0.409,0.390,0.250,0.137;P<0.05).Conclusions The overall level of midwifery competency of midwives in Guangzhou is good,but their professional scope and role function need to be deepen and expanded,so as to satisfy the growing health care demand from pregnant women and their families. Managers should develop individualized and specific training and management strategies to improve midwives′ competency based on the condition of hospitals.