Eligibility for the exam

The new eligibility criteria will be introduced as of the 2010 exam in the Asia Pacific Region. 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.

You must complete all the criteria within the one pathway chosen before submitting your application.

Pathway 1. Health Professionals

The candidate must practice as a health professional or certified mother support counsellor to lactating women, must be working or volunteering within an organization that ensures supervision of his/her clinical practice and complete the following requirements:

• Minimum of 45 hours of lactation specific education within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
• 1000 lactation specific clinical practice hours within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.
• Mother support counselors are advised to complete at least one course in each of the six health background disciplines recommended by IBLCE

N.B. IBLCE strongly recommends that all candidates undertake a comprehensive lactation specific course that reflects the IBLCE Exam Blue Print of Skills and Knowledge. It would be expected that a comprehensive course would be around 120hrs+.

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 as the preferred method for IBCLC exam eligibility to encourage the development of more lactation specific academic programs. This option is very limited at present in the Asia Pacific Region.

OR

Pathway 3. Pre Approved Programs

Pre approved program inclusive of a minimum of 500 direct hours of clinical supervision. Contact the IBLCE office for more details.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

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. Some areas of the world require more education and candidates should be aware of their country’s education requirements. Please refer to the Candidate Information Guide for more information.

Lactation specific clinical practice hours/Breastfeeding counseling:
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.

Mother to mother support organisation
IBLCE defines a mother to mother support organisation when the all of the following applies:

• mother to mother breastfeeding counselling is provided by volunteers counsellors
• structured training programs are provided for their counsellors which includes comprehensive education in breastfeeding and lactation management
• have code of Ethics
• provide structured supervision for counsellors, with an appropriate level of training
• have requirements to stay current by participating in continuing education

For Mother Support Counsellors - “Background” is defined as a minimum of four hours of education in each of the six disciplines above, and is further defined as basic or introductory in content and not as applied to lactation. It should be taught by someone who is qualified to teach that subject at the lowest post-secondary level, at least. The courses recommended by IBLCE include:

• anatomy and physiology
• sociology or cultural diversity
• psychology, counselling or communication skills
• child development
• nutrition
• medical terminology

For maximum benefit, you are strongly encouraged to complete the background courses before starting your lactation education; there is no time limit for the period between when you do these courses and when you do the exam. Further information about this requirement is available at Health Professional Requirements or you can contact the IBLCE office.