IBLCE in Asia Pacific and Africa

Why Should I Recertify?

What is the purpose of recertification?

How does it benefit the consumer?

How does it benefit the profession?

How does it benefit the individual?

What do I need to do?

What if I do not recertify?

What is the purpose of recertification?
Most Health Professional Groups are requiring documentation of continuing education and/or competence for registration, licensure or certification to remain current. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is no different. It is no longer the case that the skills and knowledge a person acquires before, and are examined at original certification reflect the competence of that person to practice in the field in years to come. As the profession’s knowledge base continues to expand rapidly and new insights and practices develop, it is essential that International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) maintain their level of expertise and knowledge. Recertification is a means of documenting that an IBCLC has met the IBLCE requirements.

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How does it benefit the consumer?
Mothers want to able to identify people with the skills, competence and knowledge to help them breastfeed. The IBCLC certification was initially established with this in mind, but the requirement of recertification ensures that IBCLC's continue to update and maintain their knowledge level. As consumers of IBCLC services, mothers can therefore be sure that any IBCLC they see will be up-to-date and competent regardless of when they were first certified.

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How does it benefit the profession?
Recertification increases public confidence in the profession as those not prepared to maintain the required level of skill and knowledge are no longer certified. IBCLCs and other Health Care Professionals can assume that those IBCLCs with whom they work are current. Hospitals, other employers and work colleagues can see that the profession takes the role of further education, competency and quality seriously.

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How does it benefit the individual?
While most IBCLCs are self-motivated to learn more about breastfeeding related issues, recertification highlights the need for them to remain current and proficient within a rapidly developing and changing profession. It emphasises the responsibility of all Practitioners to know their own strengths and weaknesses and to identify areas that would benefit from further education, promoting life long learning. By knowing that there are ongoing competency assessment and assurance requirements a person’s performance and practice may change to incorporate these aspects.
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What do I need to do?
IBCLCs need to recertify every five years. This is done by re-examination or Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs)

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What if I do not recertify?
If you do not recertify, or miss the deadlines for recertifying by exam or by CERPs, you may not use the title "IBCLC" after the expiration date on your certificate.  If you seek certification at a later date, you will need to submit a complete exam application, according to the requirements in place at the time of that year's exam. The Recertification Application for the current year supersedes previous years' applications.

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