The Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential identifies a specialist in lactation counseling who has successfully passed an examination based on identified work-place competencies derived from role delineation studies. The latest ALPP role delineation study was in 2005.

The CLC credential signifies that the holder has demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation. CLCs are dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems. They understand that breastfeeding works best when it is the cultural norm and when the provider of lactation support and services is culturally competent. Obtaining the CLC credential is a way of demonstrating your knowledge and skills in lactation management. Certification is open to applicants who successfully complete Healthy Children Project's 45 hour evidence based, comprehensive lactation course, and awarded those who successfully pass the comprehensive examination. The Code of Ethics for ALPP CLCs is available by clicking here. If you have a concern about the ethical actions of a CLC, please feel free to fill out this form and mail it to ALPP. You can read the policy of the practice and disciplinary procedures in the Candidate Handbook.

Individuals who hold the CLC credential come from a variety of different educational and employment backgrounds, including mothers, peer counselors, educators, nurses, childbirth educators, doulas, nutritionists, dietitians, midwives, physicians, social workers, public health workers, public administrators, and many others. Individuals work as lactation counselors in settings including obstetric and pediatric practice settings, hospitals, public health programs, and independent practice.

"CLCs work in counseling model, understanding that breastfeeding decisions are made by the mother, who may have values and goals different from the counselor." A counseling approach is used to elicit information and provide appropriate support to the mother and her family. The CLC works as part of the US health care team, assuring appropriate referrals and recommendations. CLCs provide breastfeeding counseling and lactation management in:

CLCs are members of the health care team who can provide knowledge and counseling about optimal and sub-optimal breastfeeding. Research has shown that the education required of CLCs prior to certification is associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes.

Applicants for certification must meet criteria specified for the examination. Information on requirements can be found in application materials for the exam. To be eligible to sit for any exam administered by ALPP, applicants must not be currently under disciplinary action by ALPP and must not have suffered any adverse disciplinary action by ALPP within two years of applying for ALPP Certification. Applicants for an examination must sign a declaration attesting to the fact that all information provided on the application form is accurate, complete and true.

Applicants must have successfully completed, in its entirety, Healthy Children Project's 45 classroom hour competency based lactation management course based on the World Health Organization (WHO)/UNICEF Breastfeeding Counseling Course, which is also approved by the following four standard setting agencies: by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation for RN credits, by the Commission on Dietetic Research for RD credits, by The American College of Nurse Midwives and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for IBCLC credits, as well as worth college credit to be eligible to sit for the exam. Faculty signature must verify successful completion of coursework and picture identification must verify identity. The exam registration fee must be paid.