I agree with those who resent having to take the IBCLC exam when they have 
been qualified for many years.  The NCT in the UK (and this model was taken 
up by the Israel Childbirth Education Centre when I was academic 
co-ordinator) did an annual update of all childbirth educators/breastfeeding 
counsellors by sending out a survey which had to be returned by a certain 
date.
The requirements were:
Number of study events (workshops, conferences etc) with proof of 
attendance.
Work experience during that year, number of courses, consultations, with 
details of population served.
Three case studies for each profession.
I think that this is much more valuable than an exam which is only checking 
that the candidate is up to date with modern practice.  It says nothing for 
counselling skills.
One of the reasons that I decided not to apply for IBCLC was that I don`t 
agree with the focus on exams.  As one who failed my driving test three 
times before eventually passing, I go to pieces in an examination 
environment.  But I always did much better if I could prepare for a project 
at leisure at home and many of my case studies were published in the NCT 
journal (with permission of course).
Presumably IBCLC charge for the exam so perhaps money is the bottom line.
Wendy Blumfield 

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