Eligibility Requirements for IBCLC CertificationTo qualify for the IBLCE certification examination for lactation consultants, you must:
There are four ways that you can qualify to take the IBLCE certification exam. These four pathways specify the minimum amount of education and experience in human lactation and breastfeeding you must complete. All requirements must be completed prior to submitting your exam application. The following chart summarizes the minimum requirements for each of the four pathways.
Pathway 1
Health Care Professional
Pathway 2
Non-Health Care Professional
Pathway 3
Academic Program
Pathway 4
Mentored Lactation Education Plan General Criteria
Required
Be a health care professional who meets the regulatory standards for that profession within the country where practice occurs.
Required
Have accreditation or certification to provide breastfeeding assistance, in a capacity other than as a health care professional, and work or volunteer within a supervised setting.
Required
Graduate from an accredited academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding that is at least one year in length.
Required
Complete an approved lactation education plan under the supervision of one or more IBCLCs, all of whom have recertified at least once. Health Disciplines Education
Highly Recommended
For candidates who have not already studied these six subjects as part of their professional education.
Highly Recommended
For candidates who have not already studied these six subjects as part of their college or university education.
Required
A minimum of one course that is at least one semester in length in each of six subjects that may be completed prior to or during the program.
Highly Recommended
For candidates who have not already studied these six subjects as part of their college or university education. Lactation Specific Clinical Experience
Required Minimum
1000 hours Obtained through paid or volunteer employment and accumulated within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application. The supervisor is not required to be an IBCLC.
Required Minimum
2000 hours Obtained through paid or volunteer employment within a supervised setting and accumulated within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application. The supervisor is not required to be an IBCLC.
Required Minimum
300 hours Directly supervised by one or more currently certified IBCLCs. This requirement must be completed prior to graduation. The supervising IBCLCs are not required to be recertified.
Required Minimum
500 hours Directly supervised by the recertified IBCLCs who are the plan supervisors and accumulated within the 3 years immediately prior to exam application. The plan must be approved prior to beginning the clinical practice component. Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding
Required Minimum
45 hours Lactation specific education in the subjects listed on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint. This education must be completed within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
Required Minimum
45 hours Lactation specific education in the subjects listed on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint. This education must be completed within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
Required Minimum
90 hours Lactation specific education in all the subjects listed on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint. Primary faculty must be recertified IBCLCs.
Required Minimum
45 hours Lactation specific education that covers the IBLCE Exam Blueprint and completed within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
Former Pathways
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