Compare Credentials

Learn the difference between each lactation credential to find the support you need

IBCLC
Professional
Supporter

IBCLC

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Program: Multiple Options

Certification Requirements
Health Sciences: 14 health sciences subjects or must be an approved healthcare professional
(IBCLE approved list below)
Dentist
Dietician
Midwife
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
Physician or Medical Doctor
Speech Pathologist or Therapist
Lactation Hours: 90 hours
Communication Hours: 5 hours
WHO Code Hours: 2 hours hours
Clinical Hours: Varies by pathway
Pathway 1: 1000 hours
Pathway 2: 300 hours
Pathway 3: 500 hours
Exam: Yes (certification upon passing)

Verify an IBCLCs Credential

Chart credit: Aloha Lactation

Professional

  • CLC

    Certified Lactation Counselor

    Program: CLC Certification
    Healthy Children Project

    Certification Requirements
    Health Sciences: None
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    WHO Code Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam: Yes (certification upon passing)
    Certified By: Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP)

    Verify a CLCs Credentials

  • CBS

    Certified Breastfeeding Specialist

    Program: CLCC or LCTP
    Lactation Education Resources (LER)

    Certification Requirements
    Health Sciences: None
    Lactation Hours:     52+ or 95+ hours
    Communication Hours:     4 hours
    WHO Code Hours: 2 hours
    Clinical Hours:     None
    Exam: Yes (certification upon passing)
    Certified By: Lactation Education Resources (LER)

    No CBS Verification Available

  • CLSP

    Certified Lactation Support Provider

    Program: 95+ Hour Lactation Consultant Training & IBCLC Prep Course
    GOLD Lactation Academy

    Certification Requirements
    Health Sciences: None
    Lactation Hours:     95+ hours
    Communication Hours:     5 hours
    WHO Code Hours: 2 hours
    Clinical Hours:     None
    Exam: Yes (certification upon passing)
    Certified By: GOLDLactation Academy

    No CLSP Verification Available

  • CLE

    Certified Lactation Educator

    Program: CAPPA Lactation Educator Training
    Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)

    Certification Requirements
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    WHO Code Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam: Yes (certification upon passing)
    Certified By: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)

    Verify a CLEs Credentials

  • CLEC

    Certified Lactation Educator Counselor

    Program:

    Certification Requirements
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    WHO Code Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam:

Supporter

  • BCBC

    Baby Cafe Breastfeeding Counselor

    Awarded By:
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam:

  • BFUSA Breastfeeding Counselor

    Breastfeeding USA Breastfeeding Counselor

    Awarded By:
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam:

  • LLL Leader

    La Leche League Leader

    Awarded By:
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam:

  • NMC Counselor

    Nursing Mothers Counsel Counselor

    Awarded By:
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam:

  • WIC Peer Counselor

    Women, Infants, & Children Peer Counselor

    Awarded By:
    Health Sciences:
    Lactation Hours:
    Communication Hours:
    Clinical Hours:
    Exam: