Follow these steps to become an International, Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
The requirements can be completed in any order or simultaneously. Since the college courses do not expire, and the lactation-specific and clinical hours do, it is recommended that students complete the college courses first, or have a clear plan on how to meet them in time to apply for the IBLCE exam. The Lactation-specific education and clinical hours MUST be completed within 5 years of applying for the exam.
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Complete the 3 Requirements
1. College Courses
2. Lactation Specific Education 3. Clinical Hours |
Requirement 1:
College Courses
Good News! If you already possess a degree as a health professional recognized by IBLCE (listed below), you do not have to take additional college courses. IBLCE concurs that in order to obtain a license or certificate, professionals have already met the education standards. In case of an audit, candidates would only need to show proof of license/certificate.
Applicants must complete and receive a passing score from an accredited institution for 14 subjects. The first 8 require they meet the criteria of at least 25 academic hours. IBLCE provides a graph of all 14 requirements. The discerning student may take one course (Human Biology) to satisfy the first three on this list.
All of the required courses can be completed online. Several learning platforms have passed IBLCE audits and are a budget-friendly way to complete the education. Two of the online learning platforms that have passed IBLCE audits include Straighterline and Sophia. Candidates could also enroll in their community college to secure their credits. It is feasible to complete all of the health science classes and additional bundle for around $400.
The following 8 subjects must be completed (with a passing grade)
Several courses (Biology, Human Growth and Development, Introductory Psychology, Introductory Sociology) can be credited through CLEP Exams. These are independent study modules that grant credit by exam. Each course has recommended reading and textbooks to complete before sitting the exam. The cost is $90, plus the test center exam fee, plus the cost of the textbook.
https://clep.collegeboard.org
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are also accepted for credit by IBLCE. A student can complete two health science courses, Fundamentals of Counseling and Lifespan Developmental Psychology, by passing a DSST exam.
DSST, offers suggested preparatory study resources (for a fee), and an exam fee of $100. Students must take a test at an approved site (fee varies).
https://www.getcollegecredit.com/dsst-exams/
- Dentist
- Dietician
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
- Physician or Medical Doctor
- Speech Pathologist or Therapist
Applicants must complete and receive a passing score from an accredited institution for 14 subjects. The first 8 require they meet the criteria of at least 25 academic hours. IBLCE provides a graph of all 14 requirements. The discerning student may take one course (Human Biology) to satisfy the first three on this list.
All of the required courses can be completed online. Several learning platforms have passed IBLCE audits and are a budget-friendly way to complete the education. Two of the online learning platforms that have passed IBLCE audits include Straighterline and Sophia. Candidates could also enroll in their community college to secure their credits. It is feasible to complete all of the health science classes and additional bundle for around $400.
The following 8 subjects must be completed (with a passing grade)
- Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Infant Child Growth and Development
- Introduction to Clinical Research
- Nutrition
- Psychology or Counselling Skills or Communication Skills
- Sociology or Cultural Sensitivity or Cultural Anthropology
- Basic Life Support-must be current
- Medical Documentation
- Medical Terminology
- Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals
- Professional Ethics for Health Professionals
- Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control
Several courses (Biology, Human Growth and Development, Introductory Psychology, Introductory Sociology) can be credited through CLEP Exams. These are independent study modules that grant credit by exam. Each course has recommended reading and textbooks to complete before sitting the exam. The cost is $90, plus the test center exam fee, plus the cost of the textbook.
https://clep.collegeboard.org
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are also accepted for credit by IBLCE. A student can complete two health science courses, Fundamentals of Counseling and Lifespan Developmental Psychology, by passing a DSST exam.
DSST, offers suggested preparatory study resources (for a fee), and an exam fee of $100. Students must take a test at an approved site (fee varies).
https://www.getcollegecredit.com/dsst-exams/
Requirement 2:
95 Hours of Lactation-Specific Education (5 of the 95 hours must focus on communication and 2 of the 95 hours must focus on the WHO Code)
Applicants must collect at least 95 seat hours (60 min hours) in human lactation and breastfeeding. Five of the 95 hours must focus on communication and two must focus on the WHO Code. These hours must be completed within 5 years of applying to sit the IBLCE Exam. The required hours can be secured in a variety of ways. IBLCE allows for education to be achieved through in-person conferences, online webinars, distance learning and independent study modules.
- Education is not required to be from an IBLCE verified Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERP) Provider
- Education must be on topics that are specific to lactation and breastfeeding, examples of which can be found on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
- IBLCE uses a 60-minute hour to calculate the education hours.
Requirement 3:
Clinical Hours (As a LU Student, Steps 2 & 3 can be completed simultaneously)
Applicants must earn their required clinical hours within 5 years of applying for the IBLCE Exam. Clinical hours are required for all three pathways.
If a candidate selects Pathway 1 (working or volunteering as a breastfeeding support counselor), they are required to document 1,000 clinical hours in an appropriate supervised setting. They do NOT have to be directly supervised by an IBCLC. If a candidate works for a hospital or clinic, and they get audited, a person in a supervisory position would have to attest that the student completed the necessary hours. If an aspiring IBCLC is earning their clinical hours through an approved Breastfeeding Counselor Program, the program has already established a way to train their volunteers, document clinical hours, provide necessary supervision and require adherence to a Code of Ethics and required continuing education. Our LUVS program earned IBCLE recognition in 2022. In order to earn clinical hours through Lactation University LUVS Program, a student must complete the CLE through Christy Jo or enroll in the LU 95+ Hours IBCLC Prep Course.
Applicants who select Pathway 2 (enrolled in an accredited academic lactation program), must provide 300 hours of directly supervised lactation support by an IBCLC. Some institutions find mentors or have a way for students to earn their clinical hours, others only provide education and require candidates to secure their own mentors. It is imperative that students understand what is included in their tuition.
Applicants who choose Pathway 3 (shadowing and mentoring by a current IBCLC), must document 500 supervised hours. Although one IBCLC must agree to be the main mentor, other IBCLCs can be included to help students reach their clinical hours requirement. Candidates cannot begin counting their clinical hours until their application for Pathway 3 has been accepted by IBLCE and they have observed their IBCLC mentor for an unspecified number of hours.
If a candidate selects Pathway 1 (working or volunteering as a breastfeeding support counselor), they are required to document 1,000 clinical hours in an appropriate supervised setting. They do NOT have to be directly supervised by an IBCLC. If a candidate works for a hospital or clinic, and they get audited, a person in a supervisory position would have to attest that the student completed the necessary hours. If an aspiring IBCLC is earning their clinical hours through an approved Breastfeeding Counselor Program, the program has already established a way to train their volunteers, document clinical hours, provide necessary supervision and require adherence to a Code of Ethics and required continuing education. Our LUVS program earned IBCLE recognition in 2022. In order to earn clinical hours through Lactation University LUVS Program, a student must complete the CLE through Christy Jo or enroll in the LU 95+ Hours IBCLC Prep Course.
Applicants who select Pathway 2 (enrolled in an accredited academic lactation program), must provide 300 hours of directly supervised lactation support by an IBCLC. Some institutions find mentors or have a way for students to earn their clinical hours, others only provide education and require candidates to secure their own mentors. It is imperative that students understand what is included in their tuition.
Applicants who choose Pathway 3 (shadowing and mentoring by a current IBCLC), must document 500 supervised hours. Although one IBCLC must agree to be the main mentor, other IBCLCs can be included to help students reach their clinical hours requirement. Candidates cannot begin counting their clinical hours until their application for Pathway 3 has been accepted by IBLCE and they have observed their IBCLC mentor for an unspecified number of hours.
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Consider the pathway choice carefully. Each pathway has pros and cons. A candidate's job or volunteer position can help determine the best pathway. Financial investment can also be a factor is selecting pathways. Each pathway has the same requirements for lactation education and college courses, but the number of clinical hours and how they are met will vary. Pathway 1 requires 1,000 clinical hours; Pathway 2 requires 300 clinical hours and Pathway 3 requires 500 clinical hours. The Pathways and requirements will be further detailed below.
Pathway 1:
Recognized Health Professionals and Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counsellors
Many people find Pathway 1 to be the most affordable and obtainable pathway. This pathway is best suited for those working in a hospital, birth center, community clinic, lactation care clinic/practice, or a primary care practitioner's practice/office. Some candidates find employment as a WIC Peer Counselor in order to earn these clinical hours as a paid employee. Each WIC agency has their own requirements and budget for peer employees. All employees must have breastfed their own baby, some for as long as a year. Health professionals, such as nurses, often select Pathway 1 if the work in labor and delivery or postpartum. All direct client education and support around breastfeeding can be counted.
If an individual wants to pursue pathway 1, but does not have a position in healthcare, they can earn their clinical hours through an IBLCE approved Breastfeeding Counselor Program. Lactation University has established the LUVS program to help advocates earn the clinical hours necessary to qualify for the exam. Our LUV Staff can facilitate in-person/virtual support groups or book clubs to accumulate the 1,000 clinical hours. The option is open to those who have attended a Certified Lactation Educator Training by Christy Jo Hendricks.
If an individual wants to pursue pathway 1, but does not have a position in healthcare, they can earn their clinical hours through an IBLCE approved Breastfeeding Counselor Program. Lactation University has established the LUVS program to help advocates earn the clinical hours necessary to qualify for the exam. Our LUV Staff can facilitate in-person/virtual support groups or book clubs to accumulate the 1,000 clinical hours. The option is open to those who have attended a Certified Lactation Educator Training by Christy Jo Hendricks.
Pathway 2:
Accredited Lactation Academic Programs
Pathway 2 is currently only available in the United States. Students must complete a comprehensive academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding that is accredited by CAAHP (or another accrediting body with equivalent accreditation standards). Currently, there are 11 options with only 2 providing online availability. The cost of these programs range from around $10,000 to $50,000. Most institutions do not accept financial aid or tuition assistance. Check directly with the institution to view their fees and stipulations. Pathway 2 students are still required to complete the 14 health science college courses. A few universities will incorporate all or a portion of the health science classes through their program or require them as a prerequisite that must be met prior to enrolling.
Pathway 3:
Mentorship with an IBCLC
Pathway 3 only requires 500 clinical hours, but each one MUST be directly supervised by an IBCLC. In order to pursue this pathway, aspiring IBCLCs must locate a current IBCLC that is willing to act as a chief mentor. Candidates can have several IBCLC mentors, but one must take on the role of Chief Mentor, complete the application and assume responsibility for the mentee. Mentors will require an "unspecified amount of time" shadowing prior to allowing mentees to perform consulting duties. This time frame should be discussed prior to making a commitment. A good mentor/mentee relationship is vital.
Many mentors charge a fee (ranging from $5-$10 an hour) for the extra workload and responsibility of supervising. Aspiring IBCLC are also benefiting from their reputation and established practice. Some will offer their services for free or are open to bartering. Mentors may also include a "non-compete" clause if you will be practicing in the same community following your certification. Communication is vital for this pathway.
IBLCE also requires an application to be submitted and approved prior to entering into a contract with a mentor. The application fee established by IBLCE is $50-$100 based on the tier of the country the application originates from ($100 US fee). Although this pathway has 500 clinical hours required (half of Pathway 1) each clinical hour must be directly supervised by an IBCLC.
It can be challenging to find a willing IBCLC with a busy enough practice to take on a mentee. If this option is available, it is a great way to learn applicable skills and learn first-hand from a practicing Lactation Consultant. With any pathway, having an IBCLC to even informally mentor is an asset.
Many mentors charge a fee (ranging from $5-$10 an hour) for the extra workload and responsibility of supervising. Aspiring IBCLC are also benefiting from their reputation and established practice. Some will offer their services for free or are open to bartering. Mentors may also include a "non-compete" clause if you will be practicing in the same community following your certification. Communication is vital for this pathway.
IBLCE also requires an application to be submitted and approved prior to entering into a contract with a mentor. The application fee established by IBLCE is $50-$100 based on the tier of the country the application originates from ($100 US fee). Although this pathway has 500 clinical hours required (half of Pathway 1) each clinical hour must be directly supervised by an IBCLC.
It can be challenging to find a willing IBCLC with a busy enough practice to take on a mentee. If this option is available, it is a great way to learn applicable skills and learn first-hand from a practicing Lactation Consultant. With any pathway, having an IBCLC to even informally mentor is an asset.
We periodically host live, interactive webinars demystifying the entire process of becoming an IBCLC. Sign up to be notified when the next webinar is scheduled
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The How to Become an IBCLC Webinar discusses:
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