I, too, took the exam last year without any formal training. My degrees are in Women's Studies, Humanities and Liberal Arts. I had been a volunteer with Nursing Mothers Counsel for nine years. I took their 18 hour volunteer class in 1986. I was a volunteer rental station for most of those nine years and saw lots of different breastfeeding challenges. I was pregnant, breastfeeding or both for seven years. I started studying in March. I read the entire LC Series, the previous year's JHLs and Riordan and Auerbach cover to cover. I was really afraid of bombing on the test and wished I could've taken it in another state so not one of my friends would know if I couldn't pass! Well, I did pass the exam. My only regret is not taking the exam years earlier when I was first eligible. I'm amazed at home much more knowledgeable HCP think I am! I also get many more referrals. Elizabeth