What is the IBCLC?
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are important members of the maternal-child health team specialising in breastfeeding care.
IBCLCs have diverse backgrounds and work in a variety of settings, but all have met rigorous eligibility requirements and passed an examination that assesses knowledge in breastfeeding management. Working together with families, policymakers, and the community, IBCLCs provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care and advance global public health.
Learn more about how you can join thousands of IBCLCs worldwide as the most trusted source of lactation care:
Why IBCLC Certification?
How do you show your clinical experience, specialised lactation education, and commitment to breastfeeding families? The IBCLC is the gold standard in lactation care. By earning the IBCLC, you can:
Elevate your Breastfeeding Knowledge
Rigorous eligibility requirements and continuing education for recertification keep your lactation knowledge up-to-date.
Enhance your Professional Profile
IBCLCs are recognised throughout the world as holding the premier global credential in the lactation care profession.
Protect and Support Breastfeeding
IBCLCs work collaboratively with prenatal and postpartum providers to help new families meet their breastfeeding goals.
How Do I Become an IBCLC?
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Education
Complete Health Science Education and Lactation Specific Education
Clinical Practice
Complete one of three Pathways to obtain the required Clinical Practice hours
Commitment to a Code of Professional Conduct
Review the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs.
Sit the IBCLC Examination
Apply
During the posted application windows
Sit the IBCLC Examination
Learn more at the Examination Resource Centre
IBCLC Certification
Those that pass the examination join the nearly 36,000 IBCLCs worldwide!
Recertify
IBCLC Recertification
IBCLCs must recertify every five years to maintain their credential.
Read the 
Learn more about the three Pathways to the IBCLC 
Mark your calendar! Find upcoming application and IBCLC examination dates 
Take the