Top 11 Lactation Consultant Certifications

Certifications demonstrate a lactation consultant's level of expertise and knowledge in their field, and are essential for success in the job market. Certified lactation consultants are more likely to be hired than those without certification because employers know that certified professionals have met the minimum standards set by professional organizations. Additionally, certifications can give a lactation consultant credibility and help to establish trust with clients. Certification also helps lactation consultants stay up-to-date on the latest research, techniques, and protocols related to breastfeeding. Having current certifications also shows employers that a lactation consultant is committed to continuing education and staying informed about developments in their field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Lactation Consultants and explain how they can further their career.

What are Lactation Consultant Certifications?

Lactation consultant certification is a professional credential that signifies an individual has met the educational requirements and standards established by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) to provide breastfeeding support and education. A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and human lactation.

The IBLCE certification process includes a comprehensive examination that covers the scientific basis for lactation, infant feeding techniques, problem solving, communication skills, cultural competence, and other areas related to breastfeeding. Certified lactation consultants are well-versed in evidence-based practices and knowledgeable about current trends in lactation care. They have demonstrated their ability to assess mothers’ needs and help them make informed decisions regarding breastfeeding.

Certified lactation consultants can provide a wide range of services, including one-on-one consultations with new or expecting mothers, group sessions for expectant parents, newborn feeding assessments, online support groups for nursing parents, community education programs on breastfeeding basics and best practices, and more. They can also work with healthcare providers to develop protocols for optimal care of breastfeeding mothers and babies.

By working with certified lactation consultants, parents can benefit from evidence-based information and personalized support to ensure successful initiation of breastfeeding and continued success throughout their journey as nursing parents. Additionally, certified lactation consultants can help families navigate common challenges such as latch difficulties or milk supply issues so they can achieve their desired goals without unnecessary stress or anxiety.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different lactation consultant certification options available to you before making a decision. Different certifications may have different requirements and offer different levels of recognition, so it's important to understand what each certification requires and which one is best for your career goals.

Related: What does a Lactation Consultant do?

Top 11 Lactation Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Lactation Consultants today.

1. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and must meet rigorous educational, experiential and examination requirements to become certified.

The process to become an IBCLC typically takes 3-5 years, depending on your current level of education and experience. To qualify for certification, you must have at least 90 hours of lactation-specific coursework or training, 1,000 hours of practice working with breastfeeding mothers and babies in the past 5 years, and pass an exam administered by the IBLCE.

To get started on the path to becoming an IBCLC, you can find information about courses and training programs offered through organizations such as La Leche League International or through universities offering lactation-specific degrees or certificates. Once you have completed your required coursework and gained enough experience working with breastfeeding mothers and babies, you will be able to register for the IBLCE exam.

The cost to become an IBCLC varies depending on your chosen educational program(s). You can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for coursework materials or tuition fees. The cost of taking the IBLCE exam is currently $395 USD plus additional fees for international candidates.

2. Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a health care professional who has been trained to provide evidence-based information and support to breastfeeding mothers and their families. The CLC credential is awarded by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP).

To become a CLC, individuals must complete an approved lactation counselor training program. These programs typically require between 60-90 hours of coursework, including both online and in-person instruction. Course topics may include anatomy and physiology of the breast, nutrition for mother and baby, breastfeeding management techniques, cultural considerations, and more.

Individuals can find approved CLC training programs through ALPP’s website or other online resources. Costs vary depending on the program chosen but generally range from $400-$800.

Once the training program is completed, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by ALPP in order to receive their CLC credential. The exam fee is $150 for members of ALPP or $200 for non-members.

3. Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)

A Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) is a professional who has completed specialized training and certification in the field of breastfeeding. CBSs are trained to provide evidence-based breastfeeding support, education, and counseling to families. They are knowledgeable about the latest research on breastfeeding, and are able to provide accurate information and guidance to help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for becoming a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. The requirements include completing an approved course of study, passing an exam administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), and obtaining at least 20 hours of continuing education in lactation every five years.

To become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, you must first complete an approved course of study from an accredited institution or organization. You can find a list of approved courses on the IBLCE website. After completing your coursework, you must then register with the IBLCE and take their exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible for certification as a CBS.

The cost for becoming a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist varies depending on which course you choose and where it is offered. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$2,000 depending on length and type of materials included in the program. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the IBLCE exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees if applicable.

4. Certified Professional Lactation Educator (CPLE)

Certified Professional Lactation Educator (CPLE) is a certification for health care professionals who are trained to provide evidence-based lactation education, counseling and support. This certification is designed to help health care providers meet the needs of breastfeeding families by providing them with evidence-based lactation education and resources.

The CPLE certification is offered through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). To become certified, individuals must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in lactation-related topics, pass an exam, and maintain their certification by completing 10 hours of continuing education every two years.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Professional Lactation Educator (CPLE), individuals should first complete the required coursework. The IBLCE offers several online courses that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, breastfeeding management and more. After completing the coursework, individuals must register with IBLCE to take the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for becoming a CPLE varies depending on which courses you choose to take. The IBLCE offers several different courses ranging from $50-$200 each. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $150 for registering for the exam and an annual maintenance fee of $60 for maintaining your certification.

5. Certified Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC)

A Certified Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC) is a professional credential awarded by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). It is designed for individuals who want to provide comprehensive lactation support and education to breastfeeding mothers and families. The CLEC credential requires candidates to have knowledge in the areas of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, communication skills, and cultural competency.

The CLEC certification process takes approximately 12-18 months to complete. Candidates must first complete an approved lactation education program which includes both didactic coursework and clinical practice hours. Once the required coursework is completed, candidates must then pass the IBLCE exam in order to receive their CLEC credential.

The cost of becoming certified as a CLEC varies depending on the type of education program chosen. Most programs range from $2,000-$3,500 USD for tuition and fees. Additional costs may include books, study materials, exam fees, travel expenses related to clinical practice hours, etc.

6. Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC)

A Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding. They are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

To become an RLC, you need to have a minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific education, 30 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass the IBLCE exam. Depending on your current educational background and experience, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to get your RLC certification.

The cost for getting an RLC certification varies depending on which educational program you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 for the entire process.

7. Certified Clinical Lactationist (CCL)

A Certified Clinical Lactationist (CCL) is a professional who has been certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) to provide evidence-based clinical care and education to breastfeeding mothers and their infants. CCLs are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of breastfeeding problems, as well as lactation counseling and support. The CCL credential requires that an individual pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, infant growth and development, psychology, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, research methods, problem solving skills, professional ethics and standards of practice.

It typically takes between one to two years to become eligible for the CCL certification exam. This includes completing a minimum of 90 hours of coursework in lactation-related topics from an accredited institution or program. In addition to formal education requirements, individuals must also complete at least 25 hours of supervised clinical experience with breastfeeding mothers and infants.

To become certified as a CCL you must pass the IBLCE certification exam which is offered twice per year in multiple locations around the world. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

8. Certified Lactation Accreditation Professional (CLAP)

Certified Lactation Accreditation Professional (CLAP) is a certification for professionals who work with breastfeeding mothers and babies. It is offered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). The certification recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of lactation professionals in providing evidence-based care to breastfeeding families.

To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific education, passing a written exam, and completing at least 30 hours of supervised clinical experience. The IBLCE also requires that applicants have current CPR/First Aid certification and complete an ethics course prior to taking the exam.

The CLAP certification process typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete depending on the individual’s level of commitment and availability. To get started on the path to becoming certified, individuals must first apply for eligibility by submitting an application packet which will include proof of their educational background and CPR/First Aid certification. Once approved, applicants can then register for the exam which is typically offered twice a year in April and October.

The cost for the CLAP certification process varies depending on the type of application packet submitted as well as any additional fees associated with registering for the exam or other required courses. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD to become certified.

9. International Breastfeeding Centre's Certificate in Clinical Lactation Management

The International Breastfeeding Centre’s Certificate in Clinical Lactation Management is a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to provide lactation professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective clinical management of breastfeeding. The program is offered online and consists of five modules that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology of lactation, assessment of breastfeeding, infant feeding techniques, professional practice, and lactation management. Each module includes lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive activities.

The program takes approximately three months to complete and requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week for study. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive an official certificate from the International Breastfeeding Centre.

The cost for the Certificate in Clinical Lactation Management is $795 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes access to all course materials, lectures and activities as well as one-on-one support from an experienced lactation consultant throughout the duration of the program.

10. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s Certification in Clinical Lactation Care

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s (ABM) Certification in Clinical Lactation Care is a professional credential that recognizes advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of breastfeeding medicine. This certification is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in the management of breastfeeding and lactation-related problems.

The certification requires successful completion of an online course, as well as passing an examination. The course consists of seven modules that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, normal lactation, common breastfeeding issues, and strategies for managing them. To obtain the certification, applicants must complete all seven modules within one year and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for obtaining the ABM Certification in Clinical Lactation Care varies depending on whether you are a member of ABM or not. For non-members, the cost is $750 USD; for members, it is $500 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $100 USD for both members and non-members.

Overall, obtaining the ABM Certification in Clinical Lactation Care can take up to one year to complete if you are taking your time with each module. However, if you are dedicated to completing the course quickly then it could potentially be done within a few months.

11. La Leche League International’s Leader Accreditation Program

La Leche League International’s Leader Accreditation Program is a program designed to provide education and support to individuals who are interested in becoming La Leche League Leaders. The program consists of three phases: Orientation, Training, and Accreditation.

Orientation: During this phase, potential Leaders attend an orientation session with an experienced Leader. This session is designed to introduce the potential Leader to the La Leche League philosophy and mission as well as the role of a Leader. It also provides an opportunity for potential Leaders to ask questions and learn more about the organization.

Training: After completing the Orientation phase, potential Leaders must complete a minimum of six months of supervised leadership training with an experienced Leader. During this time, potential Leaders will gain experience leading meetings and providing breastfeeding support through one-on-one counseling sessions.

Accreditation: Upon successful completion of the Training phase, potential Leaders must pass a written exam in order to become accredited. The exam covers topics such as breastfeeding management, nutrition, parenting skills, and La Leche League philosophy and mission. Once accredited, Leaders are able to lead meetings independently and provide breastfeeding support through one-on-one counseling sessions.

The entire process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year depending on how quickly you progress through each phase. There is no cost associated with becoming a La Leche League Leader; however there may be some costs associated with attending orientation or training sessions (e.g., travel expenses).

Do You Really Need a Lactation Consultant Certificate?

When it comes to the decision of whether or not you need a lactation consultant certificate, there are a few things to consider. The first and most important factor is what type of role you plan on playing in the lives of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Are you looking to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or are you just looking for some basic breastfeeding education?

If you are looking to become an IBCLC, then yes, obtaining a lactation consultant certificate is absolutely necessary. IBCLCs must have at least 90 hours of accredited lactation-specific education along with passing a certification exam. This certification allows them to provide comprehensive care to breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

On the other hand, if you are just looking for some basic breastfeeding education, then a lactation consultant certificate may not be necessary. There are many online courses available that can provide this information without requiring certification. These types of courses may cover topics such as anatomy and physiology related to lactation, common breastfeeding issues, positioning and latch techniques, and how to support mothers through their breastfeeding journey.

Ultimately, it depends on your goals and how much time and money you are willing to invest in becoming certified. If you have the resources available, obtaining a lactation consultant certificate can be extremely beneficial for those who desire full-time work as an IBCLC or want more knowledge about breastfeeding before working with families.

Related: Lactation Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Lactation Consultant Certifications

Q1: What is a Lactation Consultant Certification?

A1: A Lactation Consultant Certification is a professional certification that allows healthcare professionals to provide breastfeeding support, education and counseling to new mothers. The certification is awarded by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

Q2: How do I become certified as a lactation consultant?

A2: To become certified as a lactation consultant you must pass the IBLCE exam and meet other requirements such as completing an approved lactation consultant program and having either a degree in nursing or health-related field.

Q3: How long does it take to complete the certification process?

A3: The entire process can typically take up to 12 months, depending on when you start your studies and how quickly you complete them.

Q4: What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant?

A4: Becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant allows healthcare professionals to provide breastfeeding support, education and counseling to new mothers. It also provides them with the opportunity for increased job opportunities and higher salaries in their field.

Q5: Does my state require me to be certified as a lactation consultant?

A5: Each state has different regulations regarding licensing requirements for lactation consultants. It is important to check with your local licensing board or department of health for specific information about licensure requirements in your state.