IBCLC Certification Exam Eligibility Requirements for CSUN Students

Students wishing to pursue certification as an IBCLC must pass the IBCLC certification exam. In order to be eligible to take the IBCLC certification exam individuals must fulfill the below listed eligibility requirements:

IBCLC Certification Exam Eligibility Requirements for CSUN Students

  1. Complete course work in 14 health science subjects

  2. Complete at least 95 hours of education in human lactation and breastfeeding including 5 hours focused on communication skills within the 5 years immediately prior to applying for the exam.

  3. Complete clinical hours helping breastfeeding mother baby dyads.

IBCLC Exam Health Sciences Course Work Eligibility Requirements Courses Offered at CSUN
I. Health Sciences Course Work Requirement  
Courses that Must be Taken at an Accredited Institution of Higher Education  
Biology BIOL 101: General Biology and Lab (3)*
Human Anatomy BIOL 211/212: Human Anatomy and Lab (3)*
Human Physiology BIOL 281: Human Physiology*
Infant and Child Growth and Development FCS 330: Child Growth & Development (3) or * CADV 150: Foundations of Child & Adolescent Development (3)*
Nutrition HSCI 337 Nutrition and Health (3) or FCS 207 Nutrition for Life (3) *
Psychology or Counseling or Communication Skills PSY 150: Introduction to Psychology (3)
Sociology or Cultural Sensitivity or Cultural Anthropology SOC 150: Introductory Sociology (3)
Introduction to Clinical Research MATH 140: Introductory Statistics (3)
Courses that May be Taken as Continuing Education  
Basic Life Support (CPR) HSCI 170: Emergency Procedures (2)*
Medical Terminology HSCI 170: Emergency Procedures (2)*
Medical Documentation HSCI 170: Emergency Procedures (2)*
Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals HSCI 170: Emergency Procedures (2)*
Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control HSCI 170: Emergency Procedures (2)*
Professional Ethics for Health Professionals HSCI 170: Emergency Procedures (2)*

Please note the following: Courses marked with a * are part of the Department of Health Sciences Minor in Human Lactation

IBCLC Exam Human Lactation and Breastfeeding Course Work Eligibility Requirements Courses Offered at CSUN
95** hours of Coursework in Human Lactation & Breastfeeding
  • HSCI 434-Lactation Education: Prenatal and Perinatal Period (3)*
  • HSCI 446- Lactation Education: Postpartum Period (3)* (Prerequisite HSCI 434)

Please note the following: Courses marked with a * are part of the Department of Health Sciences Minor in Human Lactation

** If you completed HSCI 446 Spring 2021 or before this date you will have completed 90 hours of lactation specific education requirements and need to take an additional 5 hours focused on communication skills to fulfil the 95 lactation specific education requirements

At this time CSUN Does Not provide students with the opportunity to complete the required clinical hours needed to sit for the certification exam to become an IBCLC. CSUN students completing the Minor in Human Lactation, who wish to obtain the required supervised clinical experience to be eligible to sit for the IBLCE exam, may do so through IBLCE Pathway 1 or IBLCE Pathway 3. For more information about completing clinical hours towards the IBCLC certification exam visit. https://ibclc-commission.org/step-1-prepare-for-ibclc-certification/lactation-specific-clinical-experience/

Please note: Taking coursework at CSUN that leads to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential.

  • Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check). Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

  • The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from the department.

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