About IBLCE
Vision
IBLCE will advance the health and well-being of mothers and children worldwide
by improving the quality and increasing the number of practitioners of lactation and breastfeeding care.
by improving the quality and increasing the number of practitioners of lactation and breastfeeding care.
Mission
IBLCE is the global authority that determines the competence of practitioners in lactation and breastfeeding care.
Our Story
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. It was established to develop and administer the certification examination for lactation consultants. The IBLCE examination is the premier, internationally recognized measure of knowledge in lactation consulting. Founded in 1985, IBLCE serves over 25,000 certificants internationally in 90 countries, with annual examinations translated into multiple languages and administered in numerous sites around the world.
The IBLCE certification program for lactation consultants has been continuously accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) since 1988. NCCA guidelines require that certification organizations be administratively, financially, and corporately independent, and thus not subject to outside control. Candidates who pass the certification exam are awarded the designation International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
For a more extensive and informative IBLCE History, click on the link to download a PDF file. All the files below are also available on our Resources page.
The Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC) is an international, non-profit scholarship foundation that provides financial assistance to individuals seeking or maintaining certification as an IBCLC. Click here to visit their website for more information or to make a donation!
The IBCLC Care Award program recognizes hospitals, birthing facilities, and birthing services around the globe that hire currently certified IBCLCs and have a dedicated lactation program. This award program is jointly sponsored by IBLCE and ILCA. Click here to view the IBCLC Care Award website and apply for your facility today!
A Few Facts
IBCLCs in the World
The annual exam that IBLCE administers has been translated into 20 languages and has been administered in multiple countries around the world. Download the document that lists the current Number of IBCLCs in each country.
IBLCE Bylaws
The current IBLCE Bylaws were adopted as amended on March 21, 2009. The Bylaws were adopted August 29, 1999 and amended February 6, 2000, August 24, 2002, September 11, 2005, and March 21, 2009.
Milestones
IBLCE has reached many milestones since it was founded in 1985. Please click on the link to download a PDF file.
Role Delineation Study (2007)
This article provides an update to the recommendations and comments from the IBLCE Role Delineation Study conducted in 2007.
Statistical Reports
The results of the IBLCE certification examination are compiled yearly and a Statistical Report is produced. Download the 2011 Statistical Report. If you are interested in a report that is not available here, please contact us.
Our Strategy For The Future
Computer-based Testing
IBLCE is currently researching computer-based testing to convert the current paper-and-pencil examination for IBCLCs to a computer-based examination. Currently, the annual examination is administered on the last Monday of July.
Online Applications
IBLCE is working hard to move to online applications for IBLCE examination candidates. Online applications will enable initial candidates and recertifying IBCLCs to register for a secure account to begin and update their contact information, educational background, continuing education courses and reasonable accommodations.
Role Delineation Study
IBLCE must conduct a Role Delineation Study and provide it to the NCCA with the re-accreditation application. The next upcoming study will be conducted prior to 2014.
All of the files on this page are also available on our Resources page for easy access!
