I (and others) have written about this issue extensively. (for example, see
my series of articles at
http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/professional/courses%20and%20credentials.htm.)

Simply put, the IBLCE exam is still the only existing legally valid and
legally defensible professional credential in the field of breastfeeding
care.

The most important aspect of a true credential (as opposed to an
end-of-program completion document) is the ability and responsibility of the
issuing agency to WITHDRAW the credential for cause, using a valid
disciplinary process that provides protection for both the person certified
and the person complaining. No existing end-of-course "title" provides that
level of public protection.

The IBLCE exam was created in 1985 with extensive input from virtually every
"big name" in breastfeeding around the world, and was designed to be the
ENTRY LEVEL standard of competency for those providing care to breastfeeding
mothers & babies. Once more, from the top: for those who propose a lesser
"credential"  than IBCLC certification, what would you leave out?

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre www.bflrc.com
6540 Cedarview Ct., Dayton, OH 45459-1214 USA
(937) 438-9458 email [log in to unmask]

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