Kathy R says "I, personally, (correct me if I am wrong) have always thought of the IBCLC exam as an advanced certification (hence, the first "C"), NOT an entry-level exam. We, in the LC profession, do not have an official entry-level exam (equated to a basic licensure as RN or MD). The IBCLC is an advanced Certification (equated to a nursing certification in ER, Maternal-infant, NICU or a medical specialty such as Board-certified in Pediatrics, etc)." Hi Kathy, I disagree. I think, and I've always understood ibclc to be entry level. It could be construed to be an advanced certification for an RN or other known profession, for example, but not for the LC as an INDEPENDENT profession. Since we are a new profession, there is alot of ironing out of the pathways to LCdom and c.e. maintenance etc. For example, while practising as a nurse, I used to have a certification in neonatal intensive care nursing. This was an advanced certification showing I had specialized knowledge in nicu care. I let that lapse when I started working earnestly as an LC (even though I am hired as an RN - this is a barrier we need to overcome, so that ibclc can stand alone). After sitting the iblce exam one has the basic entry level knowledge needed to function as an LC, but surely is not as capable an LC as she will be in 10 yrs. An intern out of medical school passes the boards, but surely is not as capable an MD as one 10 yrs out. Most professions have entry level boards. Does this make sense? One day, the LC profession may have its own university tract and then one could have a BS, MS, PhD etc in lactation. This would show levels of expertise better. Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA _________________________________________________________________ Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html