IBCLC Requirements and Continuing Education

Recognition Points

(CERPs)

The Australian Lactation Consultants' Association is the national non-profit professional association exclusively for Australian International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).

Every IBCLC in this country is entitled to join ALCA Ltd., which has been an affiliate of the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) since 1989.

The IBCLC credential is acknowledged by professional associations throughout the world as the professional credential for LCs. Before being eligible for the exam, candidates must demonstrate that they already have extensive clinical experience working with breastfeeding mothers and appropriate education in breastfeeding. Most candidates do many hours of study over a 1 to 2-year period in preparation for the exam.

The exam assesses knowledge and skills in the following disciplines, as they relate to the practice of lactation consultant:

• Anatomy;
• Physiology and endocrinology;
• Nutrition and biochemistry;
• Maternal and infant immunology and infectious disease;
• Maternal and infant pathology;
• Maternal and infant pharmacology and toxicology;
• Psychology;
• Sociology and anthropology;
• Growth parameters and developmental milestones;
• Interpretation of research;
• Ethics and legal issues;
• Breastfeeding equipment and technology;
• Techniques;
• Public health and advocacy.

Would you like to know more about becoming an IBCLC?

Vist the IBLCE website at http://www.iblce.edu.au/

CERPs

Certification is for 5 years, and recertification is required. After 5 years IBCLCs may recertify by continuing education, but must recertify by exam after 10 years.

Check with your local Branch to see what seminars are coming up, and what CERP points are available for attending chat nights etc.