Amy asks,

> Could you please provide the exact differences between a CLE and IBCLC ? =
> I know that there are different agencies/organizations providing a =
> variety of certifications out there but I a bit confused about what is =
> what, and what a IBCLC can provide that a CLE cannot, etc.  Are there =
> other lactation certifications one can obtain (Lactation Counselor?)?  =
> My understanding is that CLE is mainly a "California" term and is not =
> really offered other places - ?
>
>
Amy, I'd recommend you check the archives for some extremely cogent responses
on this very issue.  In a nutshell, certification offered by a program is
basically a program completion certification.  Period.  It does not have the
rigorous standards for either an exam or qualifications that are demanded by
the IBLCE.  That someone can sit through a 3 to 5 day program and then be
deemed certified (whether or not there are a few other odds and ends that
have to be done following the program) and be considered to have the same
skills & knowledge base as an IBCLC is simply inappropriate.  I haven't a
clue as to what program your CLEs went through -- and it really doesn't make
any difference.  They haven't passed a rigorous exam, designed by experts
from around the world which has been scrutinized by a psychometrician that
follows a specific grid to make sure all areas/appropriate knowledge based
are adequately covered.

To say that a person certified by a program is just as qualified to provide
services as an IBCLC is similar to someone graduating from nursing school but
never sitting the board exam, and then claiming to be as good as a
"registered" nurse.  If you graduate from nursing school but don't take the
boards, you can't practice, pure and simple.  You may be able to have a job
similar to a nurse assistant and be called a "graduate nurse" until you take
and pass your boards, but there is a limited amount of time in which you can
do that.  Why should it be any less for a lactation consultant?  And why
should we have lesser designations that do nothing but confuse the public?

Does the program that certified these people that went through the four day
course have standards of practice?  A code of ethics?  If someone is giving
out incorrect and possibly dangerous information is there a mechanism by
which he or she can be reported to the board of educators of the program and
have her certification stripped?  Are there rules governing recertification
-- or are these folks certified for life?

I'm sure the education program is excellent, and that everyone gets wonderful
basic information.  However, certification through an education program
rather than through the IBLCE is not appropriate for a professional.

In any case, look at the archives -- there is a wealth of info there.

Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC -- Wheaton IL
Lactation Education Consultants
www.lactationeducationconsultants.com

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