FAQs for Recertifying IBCLCs
May I fax my application to IBLCE?
Yes, but only if you are paying by credit card. Our fax number is 703-560-7332. Once you have faxed your application, please keep it for your records; it is not necessary to mail it to IBLCE if you have already sent it by fax.
Where can I find my IBCLC ID number?
You will find your ID number on your certificate and ID card. Both the certificate and ID card were sent to you after you passed the exam. You can also find your ID number by searching the registry of current IBCLCs.
You will find your ID number on your certificate and ID card. Both the certificate and ID card were sent to you after you passed the exam. You can also find your ID number by searching the registry of current IBCLCs.
How can I get the recertification guide and application form?
The recertification guide and application form are available on this website. More...
How can I find out when I am due to recertify?
On October 31 of the fifth year after you last certified, your IBCLC certification will expire. You must submit your application to recertify before the expiration date. There are three ways to find your certification expiration date.
On October 31 of the fifth year after you last certified, your IBCLC certification will expire. You must submit your application to recertify before the expiration date. There are three ways to find your certification expiration date.
1. The registry of current IBCLCs shows the expiration date of your IBCLC certification.
2. Your Certificate will show the expiration date.
3. October 31st of the year on your ID card.
Why is recertification by exam required?
The IBLCE certification program for lactation consultants is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and recertification is a requirement of program accreditation. Every 10 years, IBCLCs are required to recertify by exam. Recertification by exam is considered best practice for certification agencies. IBLCE encourages IBCLCs to remain current in their knowledge and skills. For this reason, recertification by continuing education is allowed five years after passing the exam.
The IBLCE certification program for lactation consultants is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and recertification is a requirement of program accreditation. Every 10 years, IBCLCs are required to recertify by exam. Recertification by exam is considered best practice for certification agencies. IBLCE encourages IBCLCs to remain current in their knowledge and skills. For this reason, recertification by continuing education is allowed five years after passing the exam.
How many CERPs do I need to recertify?
You must report 75 CERPs that were earned in the five years since you last passed the exam. At least 50 of the CERPs must be approved for L-CERPs and at least 5 must be approved for E-CERPs. More...
You must report 75 CERPs that were earned in the five years since you last passed the exam. At least 50 of the CERPs must be approved for L-CERPs and at least 5 must be approved for E-CERPs. More...
Do I need CERPs to recertify by Exam?
No. If you are recertifying by exam you are not required to have any CERPs.
Can I do online modules to gain CERPs for recertification?
Yes, you may want to contact CERP providers about online modules.
Yes, you may want to contact CERP providers about online modules.
Do I qualify to recertify by CERPs or Exam? How do I know?
As an IBCLC you are required to recertify every 5 years. IBLCE requires IBCLCs to pass the exam every 10 years. If your last method of recertification was by CERPs, you must recertify by exam. If you last passed the exam, you may recertify by CERPs.
As an IBCLC you are required to recertify every 5 years. IBLCE requires IBCLCs to pass the exam every 10 years. If your last method of recertification was by CERPs, you must recertify by exam. If you last passed the exam, you may recertify by CERPs.
Can I recertify by exam early?
Yes. However, if you take the exam earlier than you are due to recertify and you fail the exam, you will lose your IBCLC certification.
Some of my continuing education is not approved for CERPs. Can I use this continuing education to recertify?
Maybe. All continuing education must be reviewed by IBLCE to determine if it is eligible for CERPs. If you have completed continuing education that is not already approved for CERPs, you must submit the Individual CERPs Supplement and Application along with your Recertification by CERPs application.
Can I use my CEUs to recertify?
In order to use your CEUs, you must submit an indivdual CERP application along with your recertification application to the IBLCE office. Please see the Individual CERPs Guide for details.
In order to use your CEUs, you must submit an indivdual CERP application along with your recertification application to the IBLCE office. Please see the Individual CERPs Guide for details.
Can courses like CPR, NRP, PALS, S.T.A.B.L.E., and ACLS be approved for CERPs?
You may earn 3 R-CERPs for each one of your certifications up to a total of 6 R-CERPs over a five year time period. You are not required to submit an Individual Application for CERP Approval to receive CERPs for these courses. Simply submit copies of the front and back of your card when you apply for recertification by CERPs. If you were the instructor for one of these courses, you can earn a total of 6 R-CERPs for the one course. Regardless of how many of these courses you completed or whether or not you were the instructor, 6 R-CERPs is the maximum you can receive for any of the above mentioned cards.
You may earn 3 R-CERPs for each one of your certifications up to a total of 6 R-CERPs over a five year time period. You are not required to submit an Individual Application for CERP Approval to receive CERPs for these courses. Simply submit copies of the front and back of your card when you apply for recertification by CERPs. If you were the instructor for one of these courses, you can earn a total of 6 R-CERPs for the one course. Regardless of how many of these courses you completed or whether or not you were the instructor, 6 R-CERPs is the maximum you can receive for any of the above mentioned cards.
I don’t have enough CERPs to recertify and the application deadline is only a short time away. What can I do?
If you have completed continuing education that is not already approved for CERPs, you should read the Individual CERPs Guide to determine if any of your education might qualify for CERPs. Alternatively, you can recertify by exam. Nobody really likes to take tests but recertification by exam may be the best option for you. For more information about recertification by exam, click here. If you have sufficient time, you can complete independent study modules or online continuing education that is approved for CERPs.
If you have completed continuing education that is not already approved for CERPs, you should read the Individual CERPs Guide to determine if any of your education might qualify for CERPs. Alternatively, you can recertify by exam. Nobody really likes to take tests but recertification by exam may be the best option for you. For more information about recertification by exam, click here. If you have sufficient time, you can complete independent study modules or online continuing education that is approved for CERPs.
What are the recertification deadlines?
Click here to view the recertification guide. The recertification guide will inform you of the deadlines.
How do I get a printed copy of the recertification guide and application?
Please mail your request in writting with a $5.00 check to the IBLCE office at the following address:
Please mail your request in writting with a $5.00 check to the IBLCE office at the following address:
IBLCE in the Americas
6402 Arlington Blvd., Suite 350
Falls Church VA 22042-2356
USA
My IBCLC certification has expired. How can I become an IBCLC again?
If your certification expired last year, you may qualify as a Lapsed exam candidate. If your certification expired more than one year ago, you must apply as an initial exam candidate. For more information, please see the Candidate Information Guide.
