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

• Pathway 1: Recognized Health Professionals and Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselors

• Pathway 2: Accredited Lactation Academic Programs

• Pathway 3: Mentorship with an IBCLC

Learn more about IBCLC Pathway Options

CLC - Healthy Children Project

CBS - Lactation Education Resources (LER)

CLSP - GOLD Lactation Academy

And many others!

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.