Comprehensive education in human lactation and breastfeeding is a vital part of preparing to become an IBCLC. Candidates are encouraged to secure education which covers all the disciplines and chronological periods listed on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
Initial examination candidates are expected to have completed 90 hours of lactation specific education, including two (2) hours of education focused on the WHO Code, as well as five (5) hours of education focused on communication skills for a total of 95 hours of education. These hours are to be obtained within the 5 years immediately prior to applying for the examination.
Lactation specific education:
- Includes in-person presentations, online education, distance learning and independent study modules.
- Education may be from an IBLCE verified Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERP) Provider, but it is not required to be. If you attend a session that has been awarded CERPs by IBLCE:
- For your lactation education requirement, only the hours verified as L-CERPs will be accepted.
- For the two (2) hours of WHO Code education requirement only, the hours could have been assigned L- or E-CERPs.
- For the five (5) hours of education focused on communication skills only, the hours could have been assigned L- or R-CERPs.
- Education is to be on topics that are specific to lactation and breastfeeding, examples of which can be found on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
- One education hour for 60 minutes of education.
Please note: starting with examination applications for the April 2025 examination administration and those administrations following, for the 90 hours of lactation specific education, two (2) of these hours must be focused on the WHO Code.
Education Focused on Communications Skills
In addition to 90 hours of Lactation Specific Education, five (5) hours of education focused on communication skills is required. Preferably, these five hours will be directly related to lactation and breastfeeding care, but this is not a requirement. This change was recommended as communication is a key area in the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline and in practise, as IBCLCs must understand the client and provide the most appropriate plan of care, engage in active listening and emotional support, and assist the client in making informed decisions.
The IBCLC Commission does not offer, approve, or accredit lactation education designed to prepare candidates for the certification examination. Nor does the IBCLC Commission recommend or endorse any particular programme or course in lactation education.