Supplemental Pathways

IBLCE provides two (2) supplemental pathways that allow candidates to receive clinical experience credit through alternative means.  These optional pathways are open to candidates following standard pathways A, B or E.  Each supplemental pathway reduces, by 500 BC hours, the number of hours you must report through your work experience.  The maximum reduction you can obtain is 1000 BC hours if both supplemental pathways are fully completed.

Pathway G

You may receive credit for 500 hours toward your total BC hours requirement by completing 150 hours of comprehensive lactation education that covers the disciplines listed on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint. 

All 150 hours must be completed before you send your exam application to IBLCE and the certificates of completion must show that you completed the lactation education within the three (3) year period immediately prior to taking the exam.  Programs accredited by ILEAC are encouraged. 

Pathway H

Completion of pre-approved, directly supervised breastfeeding clinical practice in a setting other than your usual experience setting will allow you to receive BC Hours credit at a ratio of 1:5, i.e. every 10 hours of directly supervised clinical practice equals 50 BC Hours.  The maximum number of hours that can be earned through Pathway H is 500 BC Hours.
 
Your Pathway H application must be postmarked no later than January 2 of the year in which you intend to take the exam and must include information about your current work responsibilities, a description of the proposed variety of experiences and clinical settings and the resumé and contact information of each mentor.  For a Pathway H application form, please contact us.

Direct supervision is defined by the IBLCE as a gradual process which begins with observation, moves to clinical practice experience under direct observation until the skill is mastered, and culminates with independent practice with the mentor or supervisor physically nearby to assist and offer advice and support.   Furthermore, the mentor or supervisor must be a currently certified IBCLC who has recertified at least once.
  
Pathway H hours do not include observation of the supervising IBCLC; generalized supervised experience; consultation or administrative time with the mentor; telephone or email counseling; triage or follow-up or teaching breastfeeding classes.  The pre-approved, directly supervised practice must be completed before you send your exam application to IBLCE and all required documentation must be enclosed with your application.  IBLCE cannot link candidates with supervisors or settings where they could get the required directly supervised practice. 

Please Note:  At least 50% of your total required BC hours must be from one-to-one, in-person breastfeeding counseling.  For example, if you are following standard Pathway A, you must demonstrate 1250 one-to-one, in-person BC hours (50% of the total 2500 BC hours required by Pathway A).

For more information about the supplemental pathways, please read the relevant section of the Candidate Information Guide.