Maybe someone from IBCLE can comment on passing rates of "lay" vs
"professional".  It would be a factoid of interest to tease out of the
data.  My impression is that early on the test takers were a lot of LLLL or
former LLLL and they did very well.  Personally I don't think  HCP initials
 necessarily make a good LC.
One of the best CB instructors I've ever known was a former teacher.  It
was her teaching skills that made her such a great CB educator.  Being able
to educate is an area where HCPs frequently don't have the necessary
skills. They tend to be more directive and expect people to do what they
say.  On the other hand HCPs usually understand the anatomy and physiology
better than a lay counselor.
My point is everyone who is earnestly interested in helping moms BF lends
one or another attribute to our total fund of knowledge.  Our many skills
are complementary and help those of us deficient in one area or another
strive to  be better, while sharing our talents with a colleague  who can
use a boost in an area we deal  well with. (Coach Smith Rule 4. Nobody
knows it all.)  Sincerely, Pat in SNJ