IBLCE in Asia Pacific and Africa

Recertification by CERPs

Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is for a period of five years, and is renewable by recertification at five year intervals. Before the end of this five-year period, the IBCLC must recertify, either by passing the exam again, or through a recertification application showing at least 75 Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs).


Frequently asked CERP questions:

What is a CERP?

How do I earn CERPs?

How many CERPs do I need?

What is NOT a CERP?

What if a program does not have CERPs approval? (Individual Application for CERPs)

I am short a few CERPs to recertify. What should I do? 

When is the deadline to recertify? 

When can I start collecting CERPs? 

What is a CERP?
CERPs are Continuing Education Recognition Points, instructional units defined by the IBLCE for professional education that is specific and appropriate for IBCLCs. CERPs are earned by IBCLCs who complete an educational program; one CERP being equivalent to one hour of educational time. L CERPs are for Lactation topics, E CERPs are for Ethics topics, R CERPs are for Related topics. For a more detailed description of L, E and R CERPs click here


How do I earn CERPs?
You can earn CERPs in a variety of ways, all of which are outlined in the Guide to Earning CERPs


How many CERPs do I need?
IBCLCs must have acquired a total of 75 CERPs within the five year recertification period. This is to be made up of a minimum of 50 L CERPs, a minimum of 5 E CERPs and the remainder can be made up of either L, E or R CERPs.

 What is NOT a CERP?
Clinical work as an IBCLC and preparing a hospital for Baby Friendly accreditation are not professional education, and are not eligible for CERPs. Activities such as private study, reading journals, watching DVD's (without a group discussion) are not eligible for CERPs.

Antenatal/postnatal classes for mothers are also not professional education and are not eligible for CERPs. CERPs can be claimed for presentations to peers or health professionals, not to parenting groups. CERPs are awarded not for the presentation but for the level of professional information given. The process of presenting to peers or other health professionals would be in greater detail and depth than the general information parents may require.

• Computer skills
• Complementary therapy (instructional program)
• Motivational sessions
• Specialised midwifery skills, e.g. foetal monitoring

 What if a program does not have CERPs approval?(Individual Application for CERPs) 
Sometimes you will attend, present or participate in a relevant program or session that does not have CERPs allocated by IBLCE. If you want to include these sessions when you recertify, you must submit an Individual Application for CERPs.

For more detailed information, please see the Individual Application for CERPs Approval Guide

I am short a few CERPs to recertify. What should I do?
Call the Regional Director and we can discuss your individual situation and help you work out a solution. You can also find information on just some of the available CERP approved education here:

Conferences/Seminars

Independent Study Modules

Interest Groups

When is the deadline to recertify?
 Click here to find out the recertification deadlines

When can I start collecting CERPs? 
CERPs may be counted from the day after you last sat the exam, even though you did not receive your exam results until October. For courses started before the exam, CERPs may be counted only for sessions or work done after the exam date.

For more information you can download the Recertification Information booklet

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