ANLC - Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant

The Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC) certification validates the knowledge and skills of nurses who provide lactation care to mothers and babies. The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) offers the ANLC exam. ANLCs possess the knowledge and skills to develop and implement management strategies for complex breastfeeding and human lactation problems.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the ANLC exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have an active RN license

• Have the CLC certification from ALPP or the IBCLC Certificate from IBLCE

• Completed the 3-day “Maternal and Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation” course offered by Healthy Children Project Center

• Completed the 5-day “Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice” course offered by Healthy Children Project Center

• Integrate various approaches for lactation, including Relational Theory, Archetypes of Female, Identity Narrative Theory, Kleinman’s approach to Cultural Competency, Models of Growth and Development, and Role Assumption

Completion Time: Pending

Cost: 

• “Maternal and Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation” course: $375

• “Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice” course: Pending

• ANLC Exam: $120

• Retest fee: $100

Exam Format

The ANLC exam includes developing a plan of care for 4 patient cases and a multiple choice exam. ANLC exam topics include:

• Long term breastfeeding

• Maternal and infant nutrition

• Nipple and breast problems

• Latch-on and positioning for breastfeeding

• Milk supply, formula supplementation

• Commercial products (pumps, feeders etc.) and techniques for their use

• Weaning

• Special circumstances, maternal and infant

Test Dates

Refer to the Healthy Children Project’s Center for Breastfeeding website for prerequisite courses and test dates. Candidates may also contact the ALPP office at 508-833-1500 for more test-related information.

Test Results

ALPP mails test results 6 to 8 weeks after exam completion.

Online Application

More details on applying for ANLC certification are provided after the candidate completes the required courses.

ANLC is valid for 3 years. Renewal applicants can renew by completing 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), submitting the recertification application and paying the renewal fee.

To renew:

• Download the Recertification Application

• Enter contact information

• Check the appropriate box under the ANLC Recertification Fee Schedule

• Insert payment information

• Insert CEU information

• Include copy of nursing license with application

Fax to (508)-833-6070 or mail to Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, Department of Recertification - ANLC, PO Box 2170, South Dennis, MA 02660

Renewal Fees

• Early Recertification Fee (submitted more than 2 months before expiration): $102

• Regular Recertification Fee (submitted within 2 months before expiration): $126

• Late Recertification Fee (submitted within 3 months after expiration): $176

ALPP requires 25 CEUs to renew the ANLC. CEUs must focus on:

• Evidence based breastfeeding research

• Updated management training

• Advocacy

• Practice

• Counseling

• Promotion

• Protection

• Support

The words “breastfeeding,” “lactation” or human milk” must appear in the title of the CEU. Applicants should include certificates of completion with the recertification application. Refer to the Recertification Handbook for full information.

ALPP provides several resources to help prepare for the ANLC exam, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Maternal Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation course

• Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice course

• Maternal and Infant Assessment Guide for $40

• Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis for $10.63

Other related certifications include:

• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

• Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC)

• Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW)

• Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC)

• Certified - Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT)

• Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (C-ONQS)