Resources For Aspiring IBCLCs

Find the resources you need to support you along your journey.

Becoming an IBCLC

Education + Clinical Hours + Exam = Certification

Requirements to earn the IBCLC credential include:

  • 14 health classes or prior healthcare credential (RN, NP, MD, RD)

  • 90 hours of lactation specific education

  • 300-1000 clinical practice hours 

  • Passage of accredited certifying exam

    Learn more about the requirements to become an IBCLC below.

Browse Our Mentorship Directory

Aspiring IBCLC Information

  • Complete the requirements below via 1 of the 3 IBCLE Pathways.

    1. Health Science Education
    - Complete 14 Health Science Courses
    OR
    - Be an IBLCE Recognized Health Care Professional

    2. Lactation Specific Education
    - 95 hours of lactation education
    - 5 hours focused on communication skills
    - 2 hours focused on WHO Code

    3. Clinical Lactation Practice
    Pathway 1 - 1000 hours
    Pathway 2 - 300 hours
    Pathway 3 - 500 hours

    4. Pass the IBCLC Exam


  • Learn more about IBCLC Pathway Options

  • CLC - Healthy Children Project

    CBS - Lactation Education Resources (LER)

    CLSP - GOLD Lactation Academy

    And many others!

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  • MLCA members are granted access to the MLCA Mentorship Directory.

  • Yes!

    We offer a MLCA IBCLC Exam Scholarship for aspiring IBCLCs residing in Massachusetts.

    Learn more about the MLCA IBCLC Exam Scholarship

  • The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant credential was established in 1985. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). IBLCE is an independent, professional certification organization which establishes eligibility, examination, experience, and ethics requirements for certifying as an IBCLC. Individuals meet exam eligibility requirements through participation in a wide range of independent educational programs and clinical settings that meet IBLCE eligibility criteria. 

    IBLCE maintains an online verification registry of current IBCLCs and maintains a Code of Conduct as well as Ethics and Discipline Complaint procedures for the profession. IBLCE is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Looking for more guidance on becoming an IBCLC & access to our mentorship directory?

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