Lactation Education & Certification Pathways
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IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
IBCLCs are healthcare professionals who have completed at least 90 hours of lactation-specific education and between 300–1000+ hours of clinical practice. They must also pass a rigorous international board exam. This is the highest level of lactation credential and is recognized globally.
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CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)
CLCs complete a 45-hour course and pass a competency-based exam. They are trained to provide evidence-based lactation management and support to families. CLCs often work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
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CLE (Certified Lactation Educator)
CLEs are trained to educate parents about breastfeeding during pregnancy and postpartum. They typically work in educational and community-based settings. Training programs focus on teaching skills and breastfeeding advocacy.
Becoming an IBCLC
IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) are healthcare professionals who have completed at least 90 hours of lactation-specific education and between 300–1000+ hours of clinical practice. They must also pass a rigorous international board exam. This is the highest level of lactation credential and is recognized globally.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) are essential for maintaining your IBCLC certification and staying current in lactation best practices. Whether you're working toward recertification or seeking to deepen your knowledge, it's important to choose programs that offer approved CERPs. Visit the IBLCE Continuing Education page to find recognized providers and ensure your learning meets certification standards.
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To maintain your IBCLC credential, you must complete the following within the 5 years prior to your recertification:
250 hours of lactation-specific clinical practice
CPR or NRP (basic life support) education
75 CERPs (Continuing Education Recognition Points)
At least 50 L-CERPs (Lactation-specific)
At least 5 E-CERPs (Ethics)
The remaining 20 CERPs can be any combination of L, E, or R-CERPs
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Before signing up, check if your employer offers CPR or NRP training. If not, explore the following:
Oʻahu - AMR Hawaii, Hawaii CPR Training, Neo-Hawaii
Maui - Glad Life Inc, MM CPR Hawaii
Kauaʻi - Hearts4Kauai
Hawaiʻi Island - Island CPR
Online - ACLS National, American Red Cross, National CPR Association
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Interested in continuing education focused on lactation? Explore the organizations below for webinars, courses, and annual conferences. Many of these offerings have been awarded CERPs, be sure to confirm that the programs you choose include the type and number of CERPs required for your recertification.
IBCLC & Lactation Professional Standards
Maintaining professional standards ensures ethical, evidence-based lactation care. Below are key resources outlining scope of practice, ethics, competencies, and documentation guidelines for IBCLCs and other lactation professionals. Always refer to your certifying organization for the most current standards.
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Scope of Practice
Code of Professional Conduct
Core Competencies
Documentation Guidelines
Advisory Opinions
Guidance on Use of Technology in Clinical Practice
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Scope of Practice for CLCs, ALCs, & ANLCs
Documentation Guidelines
CLC Code of Ethics
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Scope of Practice for CBS
Standards of Practice/Code of Professional Conduct for CBS
Professional Lactation Groups & Memberships
Looking to grow your lactation network or stay current in the field? Join online groups, explore memberships, or volunteer locally with Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi.
Online Groups & Peer Networks
Connect with fellow lactation professionals, share experiences, find mentorship, and grow your knowledge through supportive online communities.