LER Logo
My Courses

Why Be Certified

Written on .

Your best pathway to becoming an IBCLC

 

Help for choosing a pathway, tailored to your background and goals

Pathways chart one Pathways chart two Pathways chart three
 
 

LER has everything you need to become an IBCLC via Pathway 1 or Pathway 3.

Pathway 1 Pathway 3
 

Meet Pathway 1 Requirements at LER

 

Lactation-Specific Education

LER offers 95+, 52+, and 45+ hour courses. Discover which course is right for you.
 
 
 
 
 
Learn More

Health Sciences Education

You can meet the general health sciences education requirement right here at LER, and our exclusive agreement with Walden University allows you to complete the college health sciences courses at an incredibly low cost.
 
Learn More
 

Clinical Hours

LER’s HOURS program allows you to document your clinical hours and meets the requirement for Pathway 1.
 
 
 
 
Learn More
 
 

Meet Pathway 3 Requirements at LER

 

Lactation-Specific Education

LER offers 95+, 52+, and 45+ hour courses. Discover which course is right for you.
 
 
 
 
 
Learn More

Health Sciences Education

You can meet the general health sciences education requirement right here at LER, and our exclusive agreement with Walden University allows you to complete the college health sciences courses at an incredibly low cost.
 
Learn More
 

Clinical Hours

Complete your clinical hours at a facility near you with LER’s Pathway 3 Internship Program.
 
 
 
 
Learn More
 

More Help For Choosing a pathway to The IBCLC

So You Want to be an IBCLC?

A video explaining the 3 pathways, hosted by two of LER’s experienced IBCLC instructors.

Ask Our Experts Live

If you are considering becoming an IBCLC but wish you knew more about what it’s really like or how to get there, “Real Talk: The Realities of Being and Becoming an IBCLC” is for you. LER’s Accredited Provider Program Director Sekeita Lewis-Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC and Program Director Angela Love-Zaranka, BA, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA offer regular sessions where they talk about the profession and your questions live. Free registration is required.

LER Live Sessions: Explore Becoming an IBCLC

Real Talk: The Realities of Being and Becoming an IBCLC

Upcoming Live Events


If you are considering becoming an IBCLC but wish you knew more about what it's really like or how to get there, register now for our next live session. Sekeita Lewis-Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC and Angela Love-Zaranka, BA, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA answer your questions live on Wednesday, May 7th from 11am - 12pm PDT / 2pm -3pm EDT.

Free registration is required.
  Register Now

On Demand Recording

Don’t want to wait? Enjoy our previously recorded live sessions now! You’ll learn what it’s really like to be an IBCLC and how to get there.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Watch Now

Pathways e-Book

Our in-depth manual explains each pathway and its requirements so you can choose the best one for you. Download your copy for free.
 
 
Download the Pathways e-Book

Get Expert Help Fast

Still not sure which pathway fits your needs? Talk with the LER team. We can help you create a plan for your unique situation, based on your background and goals.
 
Contact the LER Team

  • When I decided to pursue a career in lactation, I had no idea where to start. I was so grateful to find the LER website, where all of the steps toward becoming an IBCLC were clearly laid out and explained. LER's website helped me better understand the differences between the three pathways.
    –Julie P., BA, MA, DMA

  • When I decided to pursue a career in lactation, I had no idea where to start. I was so grateful to find the LER website, where all of the steps toward becoming an IBCLC were clearly laid out and explained. LER's website helped me better understand the differences between the three pathways.
    –Julie P., BA, MA, DMA

Written on .

Complete Your Health Sciences Education for the IBCLC Exam

Complete Your Health Sciences Education for the IBCLC Exam

 
 

Don’t Worry. We Have What You Need.

We offer affordable, accessible health sciences courses for aspiring IBCLCs. 

Health Sciences Courses

To qualify to sit for the exam, you need 14 health science courses, including:  

 

8 courses from an accredited college or university

Get them here:
Walden University, in partnership with LER
 
The details:
 
LER Lactation Consultant Health Sciences Bundle
  • Includes all college courses required for the IBCLC exam
  • Enroll through LER’s partnership with Walden University
  • Pay just $250 per course
  • Online and at your own pace
  • Already have some of the courses? Only purchase the courses you need.
  • The IBCLC Commission’s Health Sciences Education Guide can help determine whether your past courses fulfill the requirement.
Learn More at Walden
 

5 continuing education classes

Get them here:
LER's General Education Package
 
The details:
 
LER’s General Education Package
  • 5 required courses in one easy package
 
Includes:
  • Medical Documentation
  • Medical Terminology
  • Occupational Safety and Infant Security
  • Universal Precautions and Infection Control
  • Legal and Ethical Concerns
  • Courses can also be purchased separately
 
Buy General Ed Now

Basic life support

Get it here:
In your community
 
The details:
 
A variety of basic life support courses such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Neonatal Pulmonary Resuscitation (NPR) will meet this requirement.
 
Consider contacting your local hospital, fire department, or relief agency (such as Red Cross) for options.
 
 
(Are you a health care professional? You may already have these credits. Click here to learn more.)
 
 
 

We’re Here to Help!

Feeling confused about IBCLC exam eligibility requirements? Need help choosing the courses that are right for you? Contact our support team to schedule a consultation and create your personalized path to lactation consultant certification.
 
Find Your Next Step
 
 

More Health Sciences Resources

 
blog image

Certification Playbook: Getting Your Health Sciences Courses

Wondering why you need 14 health sciences courses and how to fit them in? Our blog has answers.
Read More
baby image
Upcoming Live Events
Join our live sessions with experts who cover all you need to know about becoming a lactation consultant and answer your questions. Registration required.
Learn More
 
 

  • The Additional General Education Package was an incredibly convenient way for me to fulfill a part of educational requirements with Pathway 1. The classes were self-paced and well organized, and I was confident that I was learning the information I needed to excel in my training.
    –Stephanie W., BA

    Choosing LER was an amazing decision. LER has positively challenged me to my highest ability.
    –Rebecca S., CBS, BS

  • Right from the start, all of the LER staff were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, patient, and informative … I am forever thankful. Because of them, I will be helping moms and babies breastfeed successfully for many years to come!
    –Taylor H., CBS

    LER's online, self-paced program was convenient and flexible. This allowed me to pursue my goal of becoming an IBCLC while also juggling a busy family life.
    –Ilana G., RN, BSN, CBS

  • The Additional General Education Package was an incredibly convenient way for me to fulfill a part of educational requirements with Pathway 1. The classes were self-paced and well organized, and I was confident that I was learning the information I needed to excel in my training.
    –Stephanie W., BA

    Choosing LER was an amazing decision. LER has positively challenged me to my highest ability.
    –Rebecca S., CBS, BS

  • Right from the start, all of the LER staff were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, patient, and informative … I am forever thankful. Because of them, I will be helping moms and babies breastfeed successfully for many years to come!
    –Taylor H., CBS

    LER's online, self-paced program was convenient and flexible. This allowed me to pursue my goal of becoming an IBCLC while also juggling a busy family life.
    –Ilana G., RN, BSN, CBS
 
 
Juntos Triunfamos Scholarship Rising Tide Scholarship
 
 
LER scholarships can help cover the cost of becoming a lactation consultant. Sign up for the LER newsletter to be kept up-to-date on our next scholarship cycle.
 
Sign up

Written on .

Recertifying by CERPs? LER has you covered.

At LER, we make recertifying by CERPs easy and affordable, so you can focus on the important things–enhancing your practice and serving your clients.
 

Just Getting Started?

For a comprehensive guide to recertifying by CERPs, visit our blog.
Want fast answers to the most common questions? Check out our FAQs.
 

Find CERPs in Your Needed Area

Already have your Personalized Professional Development Plan and need CERPs to fulfill it? We’ve sorted our courses by Detailed Content Outline (DCO) area, so you don’t have to. Click on a DCO Topic below to see course options.
 
 
 
 
Once you complete a course, your certificate of completion will list the DCO area covered, making your record-keeping easy.
 

Continuing Education Bundles

Our course bundles deliver the CERPs you need at a savings.
Each bundle lists DCO areas covered, so you can choose the right bundle to fulfill your Personalized Professional Development Plan.
 
 
Shop the Bundles

One Bundle Has You Covered

IBCLCs recertifying by CERPs now need to base some of their CERPs on each area identified in their CE Self Assessment. (The deadline for recertification by CERPs is typically September 30th each year.)
Our 75-CERP Recertification Bundle contains at least 7 CERPs in every area of the Detailed Content Outline. No matter the results of your CE Self Assessment, this bundle fulfills your CERPs recertification requirement!
 
 
View This Bundle
 
 

Already Completed an LER Course, But Need to Know the DCO Areas?

Look up your course here to find out what DCO areas it covered. If you are audited, please reach out to customer support.
We will happily provide updated completion certificates listing the DCO areas for audited students.
 
 

Prefer to recertify by exam? Learn more about our exam prep options here.

 
 

FAQS

  • Q. Should I confirm details of recertification with IBLCE?

    A. Yes, always! IBLCE’s requirements are subject to change. Find information here.

  • Q. How many CERPs do I need to recertify?

    A. You need a total of 75 CERPs. The 75 CERPs must include 50 L-CERPs, 20 L-CERPs or R-CERPs and 5 E-CERPs.

  • Q. What counts as a CERP?

    A. One CERP is the equivalent of 60 minutes of professional education in an online or in-person class, a conference, or another forum.

  • Q. How do I know what areas I need CERPs in?

    A. Your specific CERP requirements are determined by the results of your Continuing Education Self Assessment (CE Self Assessment), a 70-question multiple choice test offered online by IBLCE for free. The CE Self Assessment is aligned to IBLCE’s Detailed Content Outline (DCO). This is the same document the IBLCE exam is based on.

  • Q. How does my CE Self-Assessment determine my CERPs needs?
    • In 2023: if you have one or more required topic areas identified in the PPDP, you are required to earn a minimum of three CERPs in each of those topic areas,
    • In 2024 and beyond: if you have one or more required topic areas identified in the PPDP, you are required to earn a minimum of five CERPs in each of those topic areas,
    • If you have no required topic areas identified in the PPDP, you can earn CERPs based on your career path, practice setting, or interest areas in alignment with the Detailed Content Outline (DCO).
  • Q. What is a Personalized Professional Development Plan and how do I get one?

    A. IBLCE will send you an email with login details for the CE Self-Assessment Dashboard. After you complete your CE Self Assessment, your Personalized Professional Development Plan will be automatically generated. It lists the DCO areas where you need to earn CERPs to recertify.

  • Q. When should I take the CE Self Assessment?

    A. IBCLCs will be given access 18 months after they certify or recertify. Look for an email from IBLCE with log-in details. Taking the test at the 18-month mark gives you 3 years to earn your needed CERPs before you must apply for recertification.

  • Q. How many of my 75 total CERPs need to be based on my Personalized Professional Development Plan?

    A. It depends on your recertification year, based on IBLCE’s phased roll-out of the new system. In 2023 you are required to earn a minimum of 3 CERPs in each topic area determined by your self assessment results. In 2024 and beyond you are required to earn a minimum of 5 CERPs in each topic area determined by your self assessment results.

  • Q. How do I know which DCO areas a course covers?

    A. All LER courses have been evaluated for DCO content areas. Simply click on the DCO area you need, and you will receive a list of our courses that cover that area. Choose individual courses, or browse our course bundles to find those that fit your needs. If you are recertifying in 2022, we have one bundle that will fulfill your Professional Development Plan, regardless of the results of your CE Self Assessment, since it contains at least 7 CERPs in each DCO area!

  • Q. Do I have to document my CERPs when I apply for recertification?

    A. You should keep careful records of the CERPs you complete alongside your Personalized Professional Development Plan. You will only need to present documentation to IBLCE if your application for recertification is audited.

  • Q. I took one or more courses from LER before I took my CE Self Assessment. Can I count those CERPs toward my needed areas?

    A. Yes, as long as the course covers the area you need. Locate your course on this table to find the DCO areas it covers.

  • Q. If I am recertifying by CERPs, are there any other requirements?

    A. Yes! You must engage in 250 hours of lactation consulting practice. In addition, you must take Basic Life Support or Neonatal Resuscitation Program training (this counts for 3 of your CERPs).

  • Q. I still have more questions.

    A. Our step-by-step guide provides more information. IBLCE’s own recertification information can be found at Step 1: Prepare for IBCLC Recertification – IBLCE. You can also contact our friendly support team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 
 

Need More Assistance?

Contact our expert customer support staff for answers to all your recertification questions.
Contact Us

Written on .

About CERPS

CERPs (“Continuing Education Recognition Points”) are special education points for lactation consultants. One CERP is equivalent to sixty (60) minutes of instructional time in subjects listed on the IBLCE Detailed Content Outline. Programs that offer CERPs will mention it in their ads. You can get CERPs from events or online classes. For more information, visit the IBLCE website here.

There are three types of CERPs:

L-CERPs are for education specifically for lactation consultants

Examples include:

  • Breast anatomy in relation to lactation
  • Clinical skills for IBCLCs
  • Clinical documentation for IBCLCs
  • Influence of culture on breastfeeding
  • The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
  • Breastfeeding management
  • Breastfeeding research
  • Nutrition during lactation
  • L-CERPs available from LER can be found here
 

E-CERPs are for education on ethics related to IBCLC practice.

Examples include:

  • Practice ethics for lactation consultants
  • Informed Consent
  • Health workers and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes
  • Conflict of interest
  • Knowing your limits; when to refer
  • Human rights and infant feeding choice
  • Dealing with a colleague whose practice is not based on scientific principles and up-to-date information
  • Copyright and intellectual property
  • E-cerps available from LER can be found here
 
R-CERPs are for education related to lactation but not specifically for lactation consultants.

Examples include:

  • General anatomy
  • Infant growth and development
  • Research methods and statistics
  • Cultural differences in health practices
  • Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Postpartum depression
  • Counseling or communications skills
  • Adult education principles
  • Family dynamics
  • Infant Massage Practices
  • Nutrition (if not lactation-specific)
  • Complementary therapies (overview sessions only)
 

Written on .

Everything you need to become a lactation consultant

Everything you need to become a lactation consultant

 

How to Become a Lactation Consultant

Congratulations on your decision to pursue a career in lactation consulting! There are many ways to become a lactation counselor or consultant. We’re here to help you find the best path for you.
 
Lactation consultants come from many different backgrounds and professions. Our students include nurses, dieticians, physicians, doulas, midwives, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, peer-to-peer counselors, and more. If you are passionate about helping lactating families, earning a lactation consultant credential is a great path to rewarding work.

Choosing a Lactation Credential

Lactation support professionals hold a variety of credentials. The best one for you depends on your goals, background, and budget, as well as the setting you want to work in and the type of lactation care you want to provide.
 
Entry-level certifications: When you earn a credential like the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), Certified Lactation Support Provider (CLSP), and others.
 
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): When you earn the IBCLC, you can help families with the normal course of breastfeeding as well as the most complex lactation challenges. Certification requires 95+ hours of lactation training, college-level health science courses, and clinical experience as a hands-on lactation helper.

LER Offers Both

You can earn the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) credential right here at LER. We also have everything you need to qualify to become an IBCLC and prepare for the IBCLC exam.
 

Education, clinical hours, and exam prep, all in one place

Become an IBCLC

An IBCLC:
  • Holds the highest credential in the lactation care field.
  • Joins the healthcare team in hospitals, clinics, and the community.
  • Is able to support families with the most complex lactation challenges.
Certification Requirements *
  • Complete 95+ hours of lactation training, complete health science courses, earn clinical hours, and pass the IBLCE exam.
  • Recertify every five years through continuing education credits or by retaking the exam.
 
 
Become an IBCLC

Become a CBS

A CBS:
  • Supports families through pregnancy, breastfeeding initiation, and the normal course of lactation.
  • Is able to start helping families right away.
  • Is a respected member of the healthcare team.
  • Can use their hours toward the IBCLC.
Certification Requirements *
  • Complete 52+ hours of lactation education.
  • Pass a certifying exam. (Exam is included in the course cost.)
  • Renew your certification every five years.
 
Become a CBS
*IBLCE’s requirements change. Find the most recent requirements at https://ibclc-commission.org/

More Articles ...

ANCC approved
IPMA
LEAARC
My CAA
Walden University

Contact Us

2631 Housley Road, Suite 1122, Annapolis, MD 21401 | Tel (443)-203-8553 | Fax (410)648-2570 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Copyright © Lactation Education Resources. All Rights Reserved.