2012 IBLCE Exam Eligibility Requirements for First-Time
Candidates
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Board of Directors has revised the exam
eligibility requirements for first-time certification candidates. The revisions reflect the commitment by the IBLCE
Board of Directors to enhance the quality of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential.
Beginning in 2012, all first-time candidates will be required to have completed the following education and
clinical practice experience prior to applying for the exam:
And
And
The IBLCE is continually reviewing and improving the IBCLC credential. As an integral component of this process,
evidence necessitated that the education requirements of all first time exam candidates be enhanced.
All eligibility criteria are considered to be minimum requirements. Based upon the individual's training and
background, additional coursework or lactation specific clinical practice hours may be needed to successfully
complete the examination. IBLCE acknowledges that most health professionals will have studied the general
education requirements within their professional training. The education requirements are enhanced to ensure
that all IBCLC exam candidates are well educated and prepared to provide quality care.
Please Note: Prospective IBCLCs who are planning to take the IBLCE certification exam in 2010 or 2011
are not expected to meet these new requirements. For information about the eligibility requirements
for the 2010 and 2011 exams, click here
IBLCE Exam Eligibility Criteria from 2012
The new eligibility criteria will be introduced as of the 2012 exam. All eligibility criteria are considered to be
minimum requirements. Based upon the individual's training and background, additional coursework or lactation
specific clinical practice hours may be needed to successfully complete the examination. To be eligible to sit the
exam candidates must fulfil the criterion in one of the three following pathways:
Pathway 1. Health Professionals and Mother Support Counsellors
The exam candidate must practice as a health professional or certified mother support counsellor for a recognised
mother to mother support organisation. Exam Candidates must be working or volunteering within an organisation
that ensures supervision, support and education of his/her clinical practice to have completed the following requirements:
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Minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
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1000 lactation specific clinical practice hours within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
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Mother support counsellors must provide evidence of completing the required education in the identified subjects.
N.B. IBLCE strongly recommends that all candidates undertake a comprehensive
lactation specific course that reflects the IBLCE Exam Blue Print. It would be expected
that a comprehensive course would be around 120hrs+.
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OR
Pathway 2. Lactation Specific Academic Program
With a vision toward the future, eligibility criteria have been established for individuals who graduate from lactation
specific academic programs. IBCLE has established these criteria for IBCLC exam eligibility to encourage the
development of more lactation specific academic programs. This option is very limited at present in Europe and
the Middle East, before making a decision to follow this Pathway, prospective IBCLCs should contact IBLCE in Europe.
OR
Pathway 3. Pre Approved Programs
A pre approved program inclusive of a minimum of 500 direct hours of clinical supervision.
Candidates taking this pathway must also have met the education requirements.
Before making a decision to follow this Pathway, prospective IBCLCs should contact IBLCE in Europe
ALL CRITERION MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE TIME OF SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
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Mother to Mother Support Organisation
IBLCE defines a mother to mother support organisation when the all of the following applies:
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mother to mother breastfeeding counselling is provided by volunteer counsellors
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structured training programs are provided for their counsellors which includes
comprehensive education in breastfeeding and lactation management
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have a Code of Ethics
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provide structured supervision for counsellors, with an appropriate level of training
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have requirements to stay current by participating in continuing education
Education Requirements :
All first-time candidates must demonstrate completion of the equivalent of one semester
of tertiary or further education in the following subjects:
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Human Anatomy
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Human Physiology
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Biology
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Infant and Child Growth and Development
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Nutrition
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Sociology or Cultural Sensitivity or Cultural Anthropology
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Introduction to Research
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Psychology or Counselling or Communications Skill
And additional education must be documented in the following areas:
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Basic life support (e.g. CPR)
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Medical terminology
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Medical documentation
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Universal safety precautions and infection control
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Occupational safety, including security
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Professional/legal ethics (e.g. Code of Ethics)
N.B. Health Professionals - The above subjects would be covered in a health professional’s training/degree.
Evidence of completed individual subjects is not required of health professionals.
A copy of the completed training/degree or professional registration is required with the exam application.
Tertiary or further education refers to education acquired after completion of compulsory school education.
It is typically provided at academies, universities, colleges, institutes of technology, trade schools and career
colleges that award academic degrees or professional certifications.
Lactation specific education hours:
Education hours acquired by completing courses or programs that provide evidence based instruction in the
disciplines and chronological periods listed on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint and/or training in the clinical skills
listed on the Clinical Competencies for IBCLC Practice.
Lactation specific clinical practice hours/breastfeeding counselling:
Clinical practice hours accumulated while providing direct care to pregnant and lactating women
and their infants/children within a paid or volunteer capacity.
Direct supervision:
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. In order to demonstrate mastery
of a skill, the candidate is expected to complete all three phases of directly supervised clinical practice:
1. observation of the mentor, which is not included in the 500 hours of directly supervised clinical practice
2. clinical practice, i.e. working directly with breastfeeding mother-baby dyads, under the mentor’s direct
observation and supervision
3. independent clinical practice with the mentor available on-site and able to assist if needed.