CLC Certification for Nurses: Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor

Supporting breastfeeding patients requires both knowledge and compassion—and increasingly, healthcare facilities are looking to nurses with CLC certification to lead the way. Whether you work in labor and delivery, postpartum care, NICU, or community nursing, becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) enhances your ability to guide new parents through feeding challenges while amplifying your nursing credentials.

How to Get Your CLC Certification

To become a Certified Lactation Counselor, nurses must complete a specialized training program and pass a national certification exam administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Meet the prerequisites
   You don’t need to be an RN to pursue CLC certification, but nurses are especially well-positioned to succeed due to their clinical experience.
2. Enroll in an approved training course
   ALPP-approved courses are typically 45 hours in length and cover the physiology, management, and counseling aspects of breastfeeding.
3. Complete the course
   This can be done online or in-person, depending on the provider.
4. Pass the CLC exam
   A 2.5-hour, 100-question, multiple-choice exam evaluates your knowledge and skills.
5. Receive your credential
   Upon passing, you’ll receive a certificate and badge that validates your status as a Certified Lactation Counselor.
   

Quick Link: Visit  to browse upcoming training sessions and exam dates.

Benefits of CLC Certification for Nurses

Earning a CLC credential can provide measurable advantages in both patient care and professional growth. Benefits include:

• Expanded expertise in breastfeeding support and counseling
• Stronger qualifications for NICU, postpartum, and pediatrics roles
• Improved patient outcomes and satisfaction in maternal-child health
• Enhanced credibility with patients and interdisciplinary teams
• Greater career mobility, especially in travel nursing opportunities

Becoming a CLC allows nurses to deliver more holistic care, addressing one of the most common challenges new parents face.

Requirements for CLC Certification

To take the CLC exam, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete an ALPP-approved 45-hour lactation counselor training course
• Agree to the CLC Code of Ethics
• Pass the certification exam with a score of at least 75%

While prior clinical experience in maternal or neonatal nursing is not mandatory, it provides a strong foundation.

Navigating the CLC Certification Process

• Choose your course provider: Options include Healthy Children Project, Lactation Education Resources, and others
• Plan for study time: Many nurses complete the training in 1–2 weeks
• Schedule your exam: Exams are offered online and in-person
• Apply continuing education credits: Some programs qualify for CEUs or contact hours

Stay organized by setting calendar reminders for course deadlines, exam registration, and certification paperwork.

Overcoming Common Challenges with CLC Certification

Many nurses recommend group prep sessions or study cohorts to stay motivated and reinforce knowledge.

Online Resources and Support for CLC Certification

Helpful tools to prepare and stay informed include:

• ALPP CLC Certification Information 
• How to Become a Lactation Consultant (Nurse.org) 
• Facebook Groups for Lactation Professionals
• YouTube channels featuring exam prep and case scenarios
• Reddit’s r/nursing for nurse discussions

How Much Does CLC Certification Cost?

The total cost of CLC certification typically ranges from $525 to $650 for the course and exam, with additional optional expenses for study materials ($30–$75) and renewal every 3 years ($75–$100). Travel and housing costs may vary if attending an in-person course.

Here’s a look at the potential costs and funding options:

Cost-saving tips:

• Ask your employer about reimbursement or tuition support
• Use Continuing Education benefits from your hospital or staffing agency
• Consider bundling CEUs with course enrollment to save on fees

Ongoing Education and Renewal for CLC Certification

The CLC credential is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must:

• Complete 18 hours of continuing education in lactation-related topics
• Submit documentation through the ALPP renewal portal
• Pay the renewal fee

Renewal ensures your skills stay current as lactation research and clinical best practices evolve.

How Nomad Health Supports Travel Nurses Obtaining CLC Certification

At Nomad Health, we believe in empowering nurses with tools to grow professionally—whether you’re working full-time or taking travel assignments across the country.

Here’s how Nomad supports your journey:

• Access to high-paying postpartum and NICU roles that value CLC credentials
• Resources and career guidance for certification prep
• Transparent platform—no recruiters, just real job opportunities
• Flexible travel contracts so you can complete training at your own pace
• Future plans to filter jobs by certifications like CLC

Nomad is more than a staffing agency—we’re a career partner for nurses pursuing growth, flexibility, and meaningful work.