How to Become an IBCLC

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). IBCLCs are healthcare professionals who offer support, education, and advocacy for breastfeeding mothers and families around the world.^{[1]
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Research source} If you’re interested in becoming an IBCLC, you’ll need to meet a variety of education and clinical experience requirements first. Once you meet the requirements, apply for a certification exam at a testing center near you. After you pass, you’ll be ready to explore job opportunities as an IBCLC!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

1
Decide on one of the 3 IBCLC pathways. There are 3 possible pathways to becoming an IBCLC through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). To choose which pathway you take, determine whether you already have any of the required educational background or experience to become an IBCLC. For example:^{[2]
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- If you have already done professional or volunteer work that involves working with breastfeeding families, or if you are on track to do so, then Pathway 1 is your best option.
- Choose Pathway 2 if you’ll be graduating from an accredited academic program on human lactation and breastfeeding within 5 years prior to applying for the IBCLC certification exam.
- Select Pathway 3 if you’ve had limited opportunities to gain clinical experience or participate in an academic program on lactation and breastfeeding. You’ll need to work with the IBLCE to develop an approved mentorship plan.^{[3]
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Take courses on the 14 required health sciences topics. No matter which pathway you take, you’ll need to complete academic courses that cover a variety of topics in the health sciences before you can qualify for certification. If you haven’t already done so, plan to complete academic courses (or continuing education courses, for the last 6 subjects on the list) in the following subject areas:^{[4]
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- Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Infant and Child Growth and Development
- Introduction to Clinical Research
- Nutrition
- Psychology, Counselling Skills, or Communication Skills
- Sociology, Cultural Sensitivity, or Cultural Anthropology
- Basic Life Support
- Medical Documentation
- Medical Terminology
- Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals
- Professional Ethics for Health Professionals
- Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control
Tip: If you’re a professional in one of the areas listed on the “Recognized Health Professions List,” you automatically meet this requirement. You can find the list of recognized professions here: https://iblce.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/recognised-health-professions.pdf.

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3
Complete 90 hours of education in human breastfeeding. In addition to completing the appropriate health science coursework, you’ll also need to take classes specifically about human lactation and breastfeeding.^{[5]
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Research source} The IBLCE recommends that your breastfeeding education should cover the topics outlined here: https://iblce.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ibclc-detailed-content-outline-for-2016-for-publication.pdf.
- There are a variety of ways to get the required lactation and breastfeeding education. You can participate in an academic breastfeeding and lactation program, take continuing education courses, or complete online certifications courses.
- A few schools that offer accredited programs on lactation and breastfeeding include Birthingway College of Midwifery, Portland State University, University of California San Diego Extension, and UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.^{[6]
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4
Get at least 300 hours of supervised clinical lactation care experience. Supervised clinical experience is another key component of the IBCLC eligibility criteria. The type and amount of experience you’ll need will depend on which pathway you choose. For example:^{[7]
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- If you are a Pathway 1 candidate (i.e., already working in a healthcare profession that involves lactation care), you’ll need to get at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience within the 5 years prior to taking the exam. This could involve, for example, working in a birth center, hospital, or lactation care clinic.
- Pathway 2 candidates need at least 300 hours of directly supervised lactation care experience under the mentorship of an IBCLC within 5 years before taking the exam.
- Pathway 3 candidates also need to work directly with a certified IBCLC, in this case for at least 500 hours within the 5 years before taking the exam. You and your mentor will also need to follow the guidelines in the Pathway 3 Plan Guide: https://iblce.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/pathway-3-plan-guide.pdf.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Taking the IBCLC Certification Exam

1
Create an account on the IBLCE website. To start the process of signing up for the IBCLC certification exam, go to the IBLCE Credential Management System page here: https://i7lp.integral7.com/durango/do/login?ownername=iblce&channel=iblce&basechannel=integral7. Click the “New or First Time User” link and follow the prompts to set up an account.
- You’ll need to create a username and password, then fill out your personal information to generate a Candidate ID.^{[8]
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- Follow the instructions to confirm and activate your new account.
2
Gather information about your eligibility. During the application, you’ll be asked to answer a series of questions about how you have met the eligibility requirements for your chosen pathway. For example, be ready to provide information about which health science education courses you’ve taken and how many hours of clinical experience you’ve completed.^{[9]
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- Depending on your answers, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as academic transcripts or certificates of completion.
3
Fill out the “Application – Certification via Exam (Initial Applicant Form)”. Once you’re ready to apply, locate the “Application Forms” link in the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the Credential Management page. Click the “Application” link to start the application process.^{[10]
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- Follow the prompts and answer all the questions on the application to the best of your ability. You can always save your progress and come back to it later if you need to.
Keep in mind: The IBCLC exams are offered in April and October of each year. If you’ve already missed the application deadline for the soonest upcoming exam, you’ll need to wait for the next application deadline.^{[11]
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Submit your payment for the exam. After completing the application, you’ll be prompted to pay a fee for the exam. This fee is typically $660 USD, although some students with special circumstances may be able to use a coupon code to get a discounted rate.^{[12]
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- You can pay for the exam online with a credit card.
- Contact your regional IBLCE office to find out if you qualify for a discount.
5
Upload any supporting documents if your application is audited. In some cases, the IBLCE may audit your application and request additional supporting documents. If this happens, you’ll get a notification from an IBLCE staff member and also see a message when you log in to the Credential Management System page. You’ll need to submit any requested documents through the “Supporting Documentation Submission” form.^{[13]
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- You may be asked to provide additional proof of your education or clinical experience.
6
Follow the instructions to register for an exam date and location. After you’ve submitted the application, you’ll receive instructions to sign up for a test date in your area. Depending on when you sign up and where you live, you may have the option to take either a computer-based or a pencil and paper exam.^{[14]
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- In some cases, you may have to travel a long distance (e.g., up to 250 miles (400 km)) from your home to take the exam. Depending on where you live, you may have a better chance of taking an exam close to home if you sign up early in the registration period.
7
Arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes early. When you arrive at the test center, you’ll need to present 2 forms of ID and register with the exam administrator. You’ll also have to store your personal belongings in a locker on site. Ideally, you should arrive half an hour before the exam is supposed to start. If you show up less than 15 minutes early, you won’t be allowed to take the exam.^{[15]
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- The IBCLC exam takes 4 hours, so have a good meal in advance and consider bringing water and a light snack with you.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule your exam, contact the IBLCE as far in advance as possible. If you miss your appointment without notifying anyone, you won’t be able to get your exam fee back.
8
Apply to retake the exam if you don’t pass. If you pass the exam, you’ll be able to access the results about 2 months later. For example, the April exam results are available in late June, with an official certification date of July 1. If you don’t pass, you’ll be able to take the exam again on the next available date.^{[16]
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- When you apply to retake the exam, you can get a 50% discount on the exam for the next 3 exam attempts. If you don’t try to retake the exam right away, the discount is good for the next 3 years after your initial attempt.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Finding Work as an IBCLC

1
Check for jobs through a lactation consultant association. Once you become an IBCLC, you can apply to work as a lactation consultant in a variety of settings, such as in a hospital or birth center, a public health clinic, or a pediatric practice.^{[17]
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Research source} One good place to start looking for job opportunities is through professional associations in your area.
- For example, the United States Lactation Consultant Association runs an IBCLC job board.^{[18]
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Tip: You can also look for international opportunities on the IBLCE Career Opportunity Center website, located here: https://iblce.org/career-opportunity-center/.
2
Search general job boards for IBCLC jobs. You can also find IBCLC jobs posted on general job posting sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter. Do an online search using terms like “IBCLC jobs near me” or “lactation consultant jobs in Chicago.”
- Some positions may have additional requirements, such as a nursing degree.
3
Reach out to your professional network. When you are completing your education and clinical experience requirements for your IBCLC certification, make an effort to stay in touch with your classmates, coworkers, mentors, and teachers. They may be able to recommend open positions to you or provide good references for jobs you’re applying for.
- If you worked with an IBCLC mentor while completing your clinical experience requirement, they may be able to provide you with valuable insights into the process of starting a lactation consulting career.^{[19]
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4
Look into starting a private practice. If you’d rather work on your own, starting a private practice is another great option for many IBCLCs. If you decide to do this, it’s a good idea to take some courses on how to operate a small business. You’ll also need to get familiar with the insurance and licensing requirements in your area.^{[20]
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- Do some research to find out about the specific needs of your local community in terms of lactation care and support.
- You’ll also need to find out about how other private lactation consultants in the area price their services so that you can charge your clients appropriately and competitively.
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