Recertification

Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is for a period of five years, and is renewable by recertification at five year intervals. Initial certification is effective from the date of notification until the end of October, five years after you first passed the exam. The date certification expires is shown on the IBCLC's certificate. Before the end of this five-year period, the IBCLC must recertify, either by passing the exam again, or through a recertification application showing at least 75 Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs).

Ten years after last passing the exam (and five years after CERP recertification), IBCLCs are required to pass the exam again for recertification. Periodic recertification by exam has been shown to be the most reliable method of ensuring that an individual has maintained professional competence. The IBLCE has determined that this is the best way to protect consumers.

An IBCLC who does not recertify must not use the title “IBCLC” or represent her/himself as an IBCLC, after the date certification expired. A person who is not currently certified as an IBCLC, should not use misleading words such as “passed the IBLCE exam in 1990” unless it is otherwise clear that the person is no longer certified. 

IBCLCs are expected to take responsibility for maintaining their competence, and for keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date, by participating in continuing education. To obtain 75 CERPs for recertification, the IBCLC needs to average 15 per year, or approximately 2½ days of continuing education per year. To enhance learning opportunities, IBCLCs are encouraged to earn their CERPs from a variety of sources. Are you still wondering why you should recertify? If so, Click Here

For more information on Recertification by CERPs Click Here

For more information on Recertification by Exam Click Here

For a Recertification Application Click Here