Understanding Individual CERPs: Your Guide to Continuing Education Documentation
At Lactation Education Resources (LER), we remain committed to our core mission: developing and delivering high-quality, affordable lactation education that serves learners around the globe.
CERPs at LER: What You Need to Know
Nearly all LER courses offer pre-approved CERPs, and you can find this information clearly listed in each course description. However, in a few cases, we have chosen not to apply for CERP approval because the overwhelming majority of students enrolling in those specific courses are not seeking continuing education credits.
If you're taking one of these courses and do need CERPs for recertification, you can use the "individual CERP" pathway. We provide all the documentation you'll need for this process.
Our Commitment Remains Strong
LER continues to stand by our values of providing outstanding education while keeping costs accessible. This means:
- Quality Content: All our courses align with IBLCE's requirements and the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline
- Affordable Education: We're committed to keeping lactation education accessible to learners worldwide
- Diverse Learning Options: We offer the variety of courses you need to grow throughout your career, whether you need CERPs or not
What Are Individual CERPs?
According to IBLCE's Individual CERPs Guide, IBCLCs may submit educational activities that have not already been recognized for Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs). These activities can be used for recertification purposes.
There are three types of CERPs:
- L-CERPs: Lactation-specific education (topics directly related to lactation and breastfeeding)
- E-CERPs: Ethics and legal topics for lactation consultants
- R-CERPs: Related health topics that support lactation practice
How to Document Your LER Courses for Individual CERPs
When you complete an LER course, we provide the documentation described in IBLCE's Individual CERPs Guide. Here's your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Documentation
After completing your course, save these materials:
- Certificate of completion showing the hours you've completed
- Course outline and objectives demonstrating content alignment with the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline
- Program schedule showing the total number of instructional minutes
LER provides all of these materials with every course completion.
Step 2: Determine Your CERP Type
Most LER courses qualify for L-CERPs since they focus specifically on lactation and breastfeeding topics. Education eligible for CERPs must cover subjects found on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
Step 3: Calculate Your CERPs
According to IBLCE guidelines, education that has been awarded educational credit by another board or organization may be counted as CERPs.
Many LER courses are awarded either Nursing Contact Hours from the American Nursing Credentialing Center or Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits from Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
- 1 CERP = 60 minutes of instructional time
- Check your certificate for the total course hours
- Convert to CERPs (example: a 3-hour course = 3 CERPs)
There is no limit to the number of Nursing Contact Hours or Continuing Medical Education credits that can be counted as CERPs.
Step 4: Store Your Documentation Safely
Individual CERPs use a self-reporting process. Keep all course materials organized and easily accessible. According to IBLCE, if you are randomly selected for audit, you have 10 business days to provide:
- Certificate of completion (or attendance verification clearly showing credits received)
- Detailed objectives and outlines
- Program schedule showing the exact and total number of instructional minutes
IBLCE advises: "If recertifying by CERPs, make sure you have access to your certificates before you apply in the event you are randomly selected for audit."
Step 5: Stay Current with IBLCE Guidelines
IBLCE policies and procedures can change over time. Always verify the most current requirements:
- Review the latest Individual CERPs Guide (currently dated August 2018)
- Check IBLCE's recertification FAQs for updates
- Review the Step 1: Prepare for IBCLC Recertification page
- Contact IBLCE directly if you have questions about current policies
We're Here to Support You
As always, LER provides comprehensive documentation with every course completion. Our friendly support team is available to help you understand what materials you have and answer questions about your course documentation.
For questions about IBLCE's individual CERP process, requirements, or how to record them in your account, please contact IBLCE directly:
- IBLCE Website: www.iblce.org
Helpful IBLCE Resources
Have questions about the documentation LER provides? Our expert team is here to assist you.