Eligibility Requirements for IBCLC Certification

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are health care professionals who specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding and have demonstrated their competence to practice by passing an internationally recognized criterion-reference examination.  IBCLCs provide skilled breastfeeding assistance to mothers and children, work as part of the health care team to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems and encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families.  With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make informed decisions, both before and after their baby is born.

IBCLCs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, neonatal intensive care units and special care nurseries, lactation clinics, maternal and child health services, and in private practice.  The IBCLC credential brings together a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds including nurses, midwives, family physicians, pediatricians, obstetricians, childbirth educators, dietitians, occupational and physical therapists, experienced mother support counselors and others passionate about providing quality breastfeeding assistance.

The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) recognizes the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners as the official certifying agency for lactation consultants worldwide and serves as the separately incorporated professional association for IBCLCs.

Candidates for the IBCLC credential must demonstrate mastery of both the didactic information and clinical experience components of lactation management.  The didactic component includes education specific to human lactation as well as education in specified foundational health disciplines.  Each candidate must also demonstrate completion of extensive clinical experience assisting breastfeeding mothers and children.

Preparation for IBCLC certification may require several years, depending upon your background education and experience.  You will need to demonstrate college-level education in specific subjects, complete comprehensive education in lactation management and have practical hands-on experience assisting breastfeeding mothers and children. 

To become an IBCLC, you must demonstrate all of the following achievements:

Health Disciplines Background Education

Demonstrate completion of background education in the following health disciplines:

» Anatomy and Physiology

» Sociology OR Cultural Diversity

» Psychology, Counseling OR Communication Skills

» Child Growth and Development

» Nutrition

» Medical Terminology

Lactation Education 

Complete a comprehensive lactation education program that covers the disciplines and chronological periods listed on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint.

Clinical Experience 

Have extensive practical experience providing assistance to breastfeeding mothers and children as outlined in the Clinical Competencies for IBCLC Practice.

Certification Exam

Pass the IBLCE certification examination for lactation consultants.