IBLCE’s revised strategic plan contemplates a strategic language policy as well as financial sustainability. The World Health Organization, with a substantial budget, often makes its information available in just 6 languages, while IBLCE currently offers its examination in 17. Analysing longitudinal data over multiple years, there is relatively low demand for the examination in 7 languages, and given the extensive costs associated with the translation and publication of the examination into each language, IBLCE is transitioning, effective 2024, to focusing its efforts on the 10 most frequently administered examination languages/those which are financially sustainable.
This is a matter of equity to the global IBCLC community as well as good stewardship. As the CE Self-Assessment is available in all 17 languages, current IBCLCs have a method to recertify with a number of cost-effective ways to earn continuing education.