CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor

The Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification is designed for professionals who wish to provide evidence-based lactation counseling and support to breastfeeding families. This credential is offered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) and is widely recognized in the healthcare community. It is suitable for nurses, midwives, nutritionists, dietitians, public health practitioners, and others interested in breastfeeding support. The CLC certification signifies a commitment to helping mothers and infants achieve optimal breastfeeding outcomes and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of lactation management.

Completion Time:

The CLC certification process, including the training course and examination, typically takes one week to complete.

Cost:

Application fee: $20. Course and Examination Fee: Approximately $500 - $800 (this may vary based on the training provider). The retake fee is $100.

The certification process involves a comprehensive training course, usually 95 hours long, covering a wide range of lactation topics, including anatomy, physiology, counseling skills, and clinical management of breastfeeding.

The examination is a 100-question multiple-choice test administered at the end of the training course, assessing the knowledge and skills acquired. To pass the Didactic portion of the CLC Examination, a candidate must score at least 75%.

Certification Steps

1. Eligibility: Open to all individuals interested in lactation counseling, with no specific prerequisites in terms of healthcare background.

2. Registration: Enroll in a CLC training course through an authorized provider.

3. Course Participation: Attend the full course, participating in both theoretical and practical sessions.

4. Exam: Complete the CLC certification exam at the end of the course.

5. Certification: Receive the CLC certification upon passing the exam.

The CLC certification requires renewal every 3 years and completion of 18 continuing education units related to lactation and breastfeeding-related topics.

Renewal Fees:

• Early Recertification Fee (submitted more than 2 months before expiration): $106

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

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

Specific continuing education requirements are outlined by the ALPP, including the number of hours and types of educational activities.

Continuing education can be achieved through workshops, conferences, online courses, and self-study of relevant literature.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on CLC certification, individuals should refer directly to the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) website or contact authorized training providers. These sources provide comprehensive details on the CLC certification process, including eligibility criteria, course content, registration procedures, examination format, and renewal information.

Candidate Handbook

Recertification Handbook

Training providers typically supply course materials, including a comprehensive manual and access to additional online resources. Supplementary resources like books, online articles, and peer-reviewed journals are also beneficial for in-depth study.

After obtaining the CLC, individuals may pursue advanced lactation credentials such as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

CLC serves as a foundational certification for those seeking to specialize further in lactation consulting.

The ALPP also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC)

• Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC)