Beginning in 2022, IBCLCs must meet three requirements every five years to recertify:
Requirement 1: Basic Life Support Education
Requirement 2: 250 Hours of Practice in Lactation Consulting
Requirement 3: Select & Complete One Recertification Method
There are now two recertification options for each five-year recertification cycle:
The IBCLC examination remains an option for recertification but is no longer a requirement.
The IBCLC Continuing Education Self-Assessment is now available in English to IBCLCs due to recertify in 2022. The CE Self-Assessment will be available in all IBLCE languages in November.
The CE Self-Assessment is now required for all IBCLCs who wish to recertify by CERPs. The CE Self-Assessment is a free, 120-minute, remote assessment with approximately 70 multiple-choice questions based on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
You can take the CE Self-Assessment at any time after you receive an email letting you know that the CE Self-Assessment is available to you.
Upon completion of the CE Self-Assessment, you will receive immediate feedback in the form of a Personalised Professional Development Plan. This plan will show you the topic areas of the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline where you will be required to focus your continuing education.
2022 is the beginning of the transition period. For IBCLCs due to recertify in 2022, of the 75 total CERPs, only 7 CERPs (10%) will be based on their Personalised Professional Development Plan.
To recertify by CERPs, you will need to complete all requirements and submit your recertification by CERPs application by September 30, 2022.
Learn more about all recertification requirements in 2022 here.
For IBCLCs due to recertify in 2023 and beyond, we will provide more information about when you will be eligible to take the CE Self-Assessment in the coming months.
If you have questions about your specific situation, please reach out to the IBLCE location that serves you.