Kim B made the following comment today about the IBLCE exam: "I have noticed recently that several people have posted that they decided to sit for the exam and did a minimum of study. They read the LC series, some of the current BF reference books, JHL, etc. and then passed. What does this say about this exam? It does seem to prove that it is really just an entry level exam." I just wanted to comment that if you look at the folks making those statements, it is typically LLL Leaders and others who have extensive, well-rounded experience in the field for years--THAT is the real study that these folks did, and the exam is designed to reflect that "real-time" study, not just the book study. For the record, I did the same kind of "minimum" study of those items, plus attending every bf conference I could manage to get to, in addition to being an LLL Leader, pump rental station, and WIC BF Counselor (that was the title I chose for myself because I didn't want to call myself an "LC" until I earned it!). I would be interested in seeing some current research on the relationship between "any" college degree verses a more "related" college degree verses no degree as well. At least the decision that was made 10 years ago was BASED on RESEARCH and not just the whims of the Powers-That-Be. From what I understand of the history of the exam, great care has been taken all along to make the exam and the initials that are earned through it actually mean something to both the folks taking it and to the rest of the world--much of which obviously still needs some education! Just my $.02 worth!! Melissa Vickers, IBCLC and LLLL [log in to unmask]