Pathways
IBLCE provides 3 pathways through which individuals may qualify for the IBLCE lactation consultant certification exam.
- Graduate from an academic programs that meet Pathway 2 requirements.
- Complete an approved Pathway 3 apprenticeship.
The 3 pathways are open to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. It is up to you to decide which pathway will work best for you.
- Each pathway is designed to offer a different way for you to qualify for the IBLCE exam.
- Once you have chosen a pathway, you must complete the requirements specified by that particular pathway; you may not mix and match requirements from different pathways.
Please download the Candidate Information Guide for full details about the requirments of each pathway.
Pathway 1
Clinical practice may be obtained through paid or volunteer employment in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, birthing centers, medical practices, public health departments and mother support counselor organizations.
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Appropriate supervision of the candidate's lactation specific clinical practice is required.
- Unless independent practice is permitted by their scope of practice, health professionals are expected to obtain their clinical experience in the same location in which their supervisor works.
- Candidates who are not health professionals must be supervised by a health professional who works in the same location as the candidate or they must abide by the supervision requirements of the organization that accredited them.
- Providing breastfeeding support to family and friends and/or in a setting without appropriate supervision may not be used to qualify for the IBLCE exam.
Individuals from two types of backgrounds are eligible under Pathway 1.
Health Professionals: Candidates must meet the regulatory standards for practice in a recognized health profession in the country where that practice occurs. Nurses, midwives, physicians and dieticians working in maternal-child care are the health professionals who most often seek IBCLC certification through Pathway 1. Please note that candidates qualifying as a health professional must possess the legal authority to practice as a health professional in the country, state or province in which their lactation care experience occurred.
Mother Support Counselor: Accredited mother-to-mother breastfeeding support counselors and breastfeeding peer counselors are among the mother support counselors who may qualify through Pathway 1. To be recognized by IBLCE, the candidate must be employed by or volunteer with an organization that provides breastfeeding support counseling and that requires its counselors to:
- Complete a structured training program that includes comprehensive education in breastfeeding management.
- Work within a supervision structure that is appropriate to their training.
- Adhere to defined ethical standards for conduct.
- Remain up to date by participating in continuing education.
- Volunteer, accredited mother support group leaders must report to their appointed organizational supervisor and they receive credit for 500 clinical practice hours for each year of active service.
- Mother support counselors who are not volunteer, accredited mother support group leaders must be supervised by an IBCLC or other health professional who works in the same location where the mother support counselor works.
If you are currently working in a paid or volunteer job in which you provide care to breastfeeding families or if you have worked in this type of job during the past 5 years, you may be able to use this experience to qualify through Pathway 1. For assistance in determining if you have sufficient hours to qualify through Pathway 1, use the Clinical Experience Calculator.
The following table provides a summary of the minimum requirements for Pathway 1.
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General Education in the Health Sciences
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14 subjects
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Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding
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90 hours
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Clinical Practice Experience in Lactation and Breastfeeding Care
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1000 hours
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Pathway 2
Individuals seeking qualification through Pathway 2 must graduate from an academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding that meet all academic program requirements established by IBLCE. All exam eligibility requirements must be integrated into the curriculum that is offered at an accredited school and directed by a recertified IBCLC.
Currently, there are 4 academic programs that offer the education and clinical practice experience required of Pathway 2 applicants. Each academic program has unique admission and graduation requirements and most require completion of the General Education requirements before entering the program.
You may contact the following schools for more information about their requirements. This list is provided for the convenience of visitors to the IBLCE website. IBLCE does not recommend or endorse these academic programs.
Pathway 3
Prior to beginning their clinical practice experience, individuals seeking qualification through Pathway 3 must have an approved Pathway 3 Plan on file with IBLCE. This plan must be developed according to the specifications found in the Pathway 3 Plan Guide and approved by IBLCE prior to beginning the directly supervised clinical apprenticeship. The following table describes the minimum requirements for Pathway 3.
| Approved Pathway 3 Plan | On file with IBLCE |
| General Education in the Health Sciences | 14 subjects |
| Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding | 90 hours |
| Clinical Practice Experience in Lactation and Breastfeeding Care | 500 directly supervised hours |
Pathway 3 requires direct supervision by experienced IBCLCs. Applicants must locate and contract with one or more IBCLCs who have recertified at least once. These IBCLCs mentor the applicant's clinical experience through direct supervision which is defined as a gradual process that begins with observation; progresses to clinical practice experience under direct observation until the skill is mastered; and culminates in independent practice with the mentor physically nearby to assist and offer advice and support.
Anyone, even individuals with previous experience in lactation and breastfeeding care, may follow Pathway 3. Details about Pathway 3 Plan development can be found in the Pathway 3 Plan Guide.
If you are considering following Pathway 3, please click here for the application form which you must submit to IBLCE. Your plan must be approved by IBLCE before you begin the Pathway 3 apprenticeship.
Please Note: The Pathway 3 Plan approval process covers only the clinical practice requirement, you must also complete the General Education and lactation specific education requirements. Please, do not send college transcripts or certificates of completion for education with your Pathway 3 Plan application.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions.
Last Updated December 8, 2011
