I Passed!

Oh yeah, I passed my IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners) exam.
I am still a board certified lactation consultant!  The credential is so I will remain an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

A good friend of mine, who took the exam for the first time the same year I did, 1993, decided not to take it again this year.  Her life has gone in different directions.   I am taking some of her blog post about the profession and posting them here because she explains the credentialing process.

IBCLCs are the “gold standard” of professional lactation care. They earn the right to use those initials by amassing practical experience and book knowledge, and officially prove they are ready by sitting for an all-day exam. The test is very clinically based—“what would you do in THIS situation?” It includes pictures—“What’s going on here and what would you do about it?” It is a grueling exam, and is cause for celebration upon receiving a passing score.
Every five years, the IBCLC must recertify in order to retain the right to use the initials. Every other recertification can be accomplished by taking 90 continuing education credits through conferences or other educational means. But at least once every 10 years, the IBCLC must recertify by sitting for that exam again.