CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator FAQ

Become a Certified Lactation Educator

Purpose · Position Paper · Overview · Traditional Certification · Distance Certification ·Accelerated Certification · Recertification · Scope of Practice · FAQ· NEW LE(C) Program

CAPPA offers the most professional and comprehensive trainings and certification available for doulas worldwide. CAPPA members receive unsurpassed education, support and networking opportunities. CAPPA has been training, certifying and supporting doulas for well over a decade and is recognized and respected worldwide.

CAPPA Academy and Certification

CAPPA is proud to announce our new, one of a kind, state of the art virtual classroom experience, CAPPA Academy. CAPPA Academy provides the opportunity for students to obtain the highest level of training and education of any perinatal certification organization. As leaders in the perinatal education field, we pride ourselves in offering our members the latest technology. By combining excellent, in-person, evidenced based, standardized trainings with the convenience of the virtual classroom setting, CAPPA now offers unparalleled education for perinatal professionals. As part of our mission to foster and encourage relevant information, support, and training, we are proud to announce the launch of CAPPA Academy, which further demonstrates our commitment to the highest possible standards for all CAPPA members.

In addition to your in-person training, CAPPA members will now be able to enjoy the convenience of a virtual classroom, with features such as:

Downloadable forms (please note that some forms will still need to be mailed to the CAPPA office)

Online exams, with immediate results on the multiple choice portion of the exam

Video instruction from the program directors

Step by step instructions on completing the course

Hot links to important online resources

CAPPA USA members who begin the certification process on or after October 1, 2012, and CAPPA Canada members who begin the certification process on or after March 1, 2013, will enroll in CAPPA Academy to pursue certification. The current enrollment fee is $175.* Instructions for beginning the certification process in CAPPA Academy can be found at www.cappa.net. In the past, all certifying members purchased a certification packet and paid a processing fee. Going forward, certifying members will pay the CAPPA Academy enrollment fee. Certification packets and processing fees will not be charged to USA members enrolled in CAPPA Academy after October 1, 2012 or Canadian members enrolled in CAPPA Academy after March 1, 2013. Please be advised that policies may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process. By enrolling in CAPPA Academy, you agree to abide by these changes. For more information on CAPPA Academy, please visit this link.

Purpose of CLE™ Program

The purpose of the CAPPA lactation educator program is to provide childbirth professionals comprehensive training in breastfeeding education. When a candidate completes the certification program they will be qualified to teach, support, and educate the public on breastfeeding and related issues. When all requirements have been satisfactorily completed, candidates will be issued the CAPPA credential, Certified Lactation Educator. For more information on the trademark of the CAPPA CLE™, please click here.

Currently CAPPA CLEs™ work in many fields providing support and advocacy for families across the United States and internationally. CAPPA CLEs™ can be found teaching breastfeeding classes in hospitals and private settings, as WIC peer counselors, as educators on hospital postpartum floors, working as breast pump rental technicians and in breastfeeding support stores, and facilitating breastfeeding and postpartum support groups - just to name a few. Many of our CAPPA CLEs™ also use this certification to round out their labor and postpartum doula services and knowledge to ensure they are providing the highest quality services for breastfeeding support.

*Our website reflects the most recent updates to our programs. If you are not enrolled in CAPPA Academy and are using a Certification packet purchased prior to October 2012 (USA) or March 1, 2013 (Canada), please adhere to the certification checklist included in your packet to ensure that you've completed all the steps. You are certainly welcome to enroll in CAPPA Academy for a nominal charge in order to have access to the latest certification steps and online support. In order to do so, please contact the CAPPA office at 770-932-7281. For CAPPA members currently in the certification process, you have the following options:

For CAPPA members who have already purchased a certification packet (USA members prior to October 1, 2012 or Canadian members prior to March 1, 2013) , who have NOT prepaid their processing fee, you have the option to upgrade your certification and enroll in CAPPA Academy for $140.*

For CAPPA members who have purchased a certification packet AND prepaid the processing fee (USA members prior to October 1, 2012 or Canadian members prior to March 1, 2013), you can enroll in CAPPA Academy for $65.*

For CAPPA members who have taken a training (USA members prior to October 1, 2012 or Canadian members prior to March 1, 2013) but have not purchased a certification packet: you can enroll in CAPPA Academy at the current enrollment fee of $175.*

For CAPPA members who have attended a training AND purchased a certification packet (USA members prior to October 1, 2012 or Canadian members prior to March 1, 2013), and do not wish to upgrade their certification and enroll in CAPPA Academy: you may continue to follow the steps and fee schedule outlined in your certification packet.

While you should use the certification checklist provided in CAPPA Academy to ensure that you've completed all the steps, you are certainly welcome to request an updated checklist from your program director if you wish to complete the more up-to-date certification steps. Please remember that you have two years from your date of training in which to certify, after which your training is expired. You have one year of access to CAPPA Academy from the time of enrollment, and must complete the CAPPA Academy process and turn in your certification materials prior to your two year deadline from your date of training. Please note that continuous CAPPA membership is required for access to CAPPA Academy. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in your Academy account being disabled and a re-enrollment fee will be applied. Please be advised that policies may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process.

We are very excited to offer even more new and continuing education opportunities via the CAPPA Academy virtual classroom in the near future.

Overview

In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification they must sign and agree to the following forms- Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, Grievance Policy, Mission Statement, CAPPA Approach / Philosophy Statement, Vision Statement, and Scope of Practice. We reserve the right to withhold certification to those candidates that do not meet the requirements set forth. We also reserve the right to withhold certification based on all contact with candidates for certification, including, but not limited to phone calls, e-mails, and certification materials. An understanding of CAPPA standards of professionalism, our scope of practice, and code of conduct must be demonstrated by candidates at all times and in all communications. Failure to demonstrate an understanding of the aforementioned may result in CAPPA withholding certification. This is rare. Please be advised that policies and prices may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process.

While 92% of candidates do obtain certification, CAPPA cannot guarantee certification will be obtained by entering our program. In the event a candidate fails to pass certification requirements, the candidate will be contacted by the director of the program with further instructions.

Please allow approximately six to eight weeks for CAPPA to grade and process your certification materials* once we receive them. CAPPA receives a high volume of certification requests, and each certification request is given individual attention. Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA certification programs, you will receive a CAPPA certificate. CAPPA certified lactation educators may use the letters "CLE™" after their names.

* You must be at least 18 years old to certify with CAPPA.

* All fees listed are in USD.

* When submitting your certification materials, please do not send originals. Please do not send your certification materials to CAPPA in a way that requires us to sign for them. CAPPA staff retrieves the CAPPA mail after Post Office hours. We cannot sign for mail!

Traditional Certification

Membership fee: $55.00 · CAPPA Academy : $175.00 ·Training registration fee: CAPPA Approved CLE™ Training $350 and up, varies by trainer and location · Total cost: $230 plus cost of training, the cost of books and the HUG Your Baby Program Part I (*$35 - Paid Directly to The HUG) · Time limit:Two years after date of workshop, one year access to CAPPA Academy Access.

Please be advised that policies may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process. By enrolling in CAPPA Academy, you agree to abide by these changes.

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have access to the internet.
Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
You must enroll in CAPPA Academy.
Complete all assignments and view all chalkboards in CAPPA Academy.
Read ALL required readings mentioned in CAPPA CLE Module, 4 books from the reading list and choose one of the following texts in its latest edition: Hale and Hartmann's Textbook of Human Lactation OR Jan Riordan's Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (preferred textbook).
Write a one-page personal essay on why you want to be a certified lactation educator.
Attend a CAPPA-approved 20 Hour CLE Lactation Educator Training and submit certificate of attendance. In order to receive a certificate of completion for your training, you must attend and participate in the entire training. No partial credit will be given.
Document attendance of two La Leche League, Nursing Mother's Council or local breastfeeding support meetings.
Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified lactation consultant, certified lactation educator, certified childbirth educator, or registered or licensed health-care professional.
Submit a sample copy of a breastfeeding class outline, curriculum, and any handouts of your own design.
Attend a breastfeeding consultation as an observer/volunteer with an IBCLC or CLC for a minimum of four hours. Write a one-page summary on what you observe. OR watch the following videos and write a 4 page review on each video; Dr. Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding (available in CAPPA Store), Breasts and Latch 1, 2, 3: Troubleshooting Breastfeeding in the Early Weeks, $29.95 (available from Healthy Children). OR write a 5 page paper based on interviews with at least 2 IBCLCs on standards of practice, the way IBCLCs practice and how IBCLCs receive their certification.
Attend and document attendance at a local breastfeeding class.
Review three current research studies (study published in the past 4 years) and write a 2 page review in MLA or APA format. Compare and contrast two studies and write a comparison study of at least 500 words, double-spaced using MLA or APA formatting.
Create a local resource list for breastfeeding families.
Submit one hour of taped video of myself teaching a breastfeeding topic or student teach with a local breastfeeding educator for a one-hour class. This student teaching must be accompanied by a report from a Mentor educator.
Complete Part I of the HUG Your Baby Training. Use the following link to complete the training: http://cappahyb.digitalchalk.com, as it is a link just for CAPPA members. Included a certificate of completion from HUG Your Baby.
Pass the multiple choice test on lactation topics in CAPPA Academy with at least an 85%. Submit the proof of examination from CAPPA Academy. Pass the essay exam (pass/fail exam) in CAPPA Academy and submit proof of passing certificate.
Complete the CAPPA Academy Certification Processing Form.
Sign the following forms- Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, Grievance Policy, Mission Statement, CAPPA Approach / Philosophy Statement, Vision Statement, and Scope of Practice.

If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE™ director at cledirector@cappa.net.

Cost of Traditional Program

Member of CAPPA (per year) $55.00

CAPPA Academy Lactation Educator Program $175.00

CAPPA Approved CLE Training $350-450, varies by trainer and location

Total Cost: $230 plus cost of training, books and the HUG Your Baby Part I (*$35 - Paid Directly to The HUG)

Distance Certification

Membership fee: $55.00 • Certification program: $200.00 • Processing fee: $75.00 • Online breastfeeding Course (*$188.95 - Paid directly to Jones and Bartlett) • Hug Your baby Part I (*$35 - Paid Directly to The HUG) • Total cost: $330.00 to CAPPA; Plus cost of videos, books and the *HUG Your Baby Program Part I and the Online Breastfeeding Course (These are paid directly to the course websites not CAPPA) • Time limit: 2 years after materials are purchased

10 CEUs are awarded upon completion of the distance program.

Please be advised that policies may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process. By enrolling in CAPPA Certification Programs, you agree to abide by these changes.

You must be at least 18 years old.
Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
Enter certification program by purchasing the lactation educator distance certification packet, available in our shop. This includes the CAPPA CLE Module and Certification packet.
Read ALL required readings mentioned in CAPPA CLE Module, and choose one of the following texts in its latest edition, Hale and Hartmann's Textbook of Human Lactation OR Jan Riordan's Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Text and 4 books from the reading list.
Write a one-page personal essay on why you want to be a certified lactation educator.
Submit a detailed CV or resume.
Attend a local breastfeeding education class, and write a two page (minimum) review, double-spaced.
Attend a breastfeeding consultation as an observer/volunteer with an IBCLC or CLC for a minimum of four hours. Write a one-page summary on what you observed. OR watch the following videos and write a 4 page review on each video. Dr. Newman's Visual Guide to Breastfeeding, Breasts and Latch 1, 2, 3: Troubleshooting Breastfeeding in the Early Weeks, $29.95 (available from Healthy Children). OR write a 5 page paper based on interviews with at least 2 IBCLC's on standards of practice, the way IBCLC's practice and how IBCLC's receive their certification.
Select 3 videos from the CLE Distance program required video list. Write a four page double-spaced review on each video using MLA format. These videos ARE NOT included in the original cost of your CLE Distance packet.
Complete Part I of the HUG Your Baby Training. You must use the following link to complete the training. HUG Your Baby - CAPPA Link as it is a link just for CAPPA members. Cost of the training is $35.00, which you will pay to HUG Your Baby when you access this link. After completing the training, you will receive a certificate of completion from HUG Your Baby, which you will need to submit to CAPPA with your certification paperwork. (This Program is encouraged for members seeking CEUs for re-certification. Program 1= 2CEUs. Program 2= 4 CEUs for Program 2 Be sure to use the CAPPA link above.)
Attend two La Leche League, Nursing Mother's Council or local breastfeeding support meetings.
Choose two breastfeeding topics and complete a research paper on each. A minimum of 1,500 words each is required, double-spaced using MLA or APA format. Any topic that involves breastfeeding is acceptable.
Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified lactation consultant, certified lactation educator, certified childbirth educator, or registered or licensed health-care professional.
Submit a sample copy of a breastfeeding class outline, curriculum, and any handouts of your own design.
Take and pass the online 20 Hour Course Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Course offered through Jones and Bartlett. You must submit a proof of purchase of this course and a passing grade when submitting your final certification materials. The cost of this course IS NOT included in the distance CLE package fee. It is currently $188.95.
Review three current research studies (study published in the past 4 years) and write a 2 page review, double- spaced using MLA or APA format.. Compare and contrast two of the studies and write a comparison study of at least 500 words, double-spaced using MLA or APA formatting.
Create and submit a local resource list for breastfeeding families.
Submit one hour of taped video of yourself teaching a breastfeeding topic or student teach with a local breastfeeding educator for one hour class. This student teaching must be accompanied by a report from the Mentor educator.
Pass the test on lactation topics included in your packet. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required.
Sign the following forms- Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, Grievance Policy, Mission Statement, CAPPA Approach / Philosophy Statement, Vision Statement, and Scope of Practice.
Complete the Certification Processing Form and Application Form If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE Director. In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification, they must sign and agree to abide by the CAPPA Philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice and grievance policy.

If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE™ Director.

Cost of Distance Program

Member of CAPPA (per year) $55.00

Lactation Educator Distance Program $200.00

Online Breastfeeding Course $188.95 (*This is paid directly to Jones and Bartlett)

Hug Your Baby Part 1 $35

Certification processing fee $75.00

Total Cost: $330.00 to CAPPA plus cost of books, videos and the *HUG Your Baby Part I and the *Online Breastfeeding Course (These fees are paid directly to the course sites, not CAPPA)

Accelerated Certification

Membership fee: $55.00 · CAPPA Academy : $175.00 · Training registration fee: $350 and up
Total cost: $230.00, plus cost of training and books· Time limit: Two years after materials are purchased, one year access to CAPPA Academy.

Please be advised that policies may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process. By enrolling in CAPPA Academy, you agree to abide by these changes.

In order to enter this program, you must meet one of these requirements. To apply for the accelerated program, you must first gain permission from the Executive Director Of Lactation Program. You can email her at cledirector@cappa.net and put in the subject line: Accelerated Program Approval Request. Copies of licenses/certifications required.

Be a currently licensed RN with at least one year lactation experience working with mothers and babies who are breastfeeding. Proof required in the form of a letter from nurse manager or administrator stating nursing experience and specific breastfeeding support.
Be a La Leche League Leader with at least two years of experience.
Be a certified childbirth educator (with CAPPA, Bradley, ICEA, Lamaze or Birthworks) who has taught a minimum of 12 breastfeeding classes. Proof required in the form of class rosters and/or evaluations and CCCE certificate.
Be a WIC Peer Counselor or Registered Dietician with at least 2 years breastfeeding support experience.

In addition to the above requirements, you must also meet the following requirements to obtain certification:

You must be at least 18 years old.
Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
Have internet access.
Must enroll in CAPPA Academy.
Complete all assignments and view all chalkboards in CAPPA Academy. Complete Accelerated Program Checklist.
Read ALL required readings mentioned in CAPPA CLE Module, 1 book from the reading list and choose one of the following texts in its latest edition: Hale and Hartmann's Textbook of Human Lactation OR Jan Riordan's Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (preferred textbook). Document on Required Reading Form.
Write a one-page personal essay on why you want to be a certified lactation educator. Document with Personal Essay Form.
Attend a CAPPA-Approved 20 Hour CLE Lactation Educator Training and submit a copy of the certificate of attendance. In order to receive a certificate of completion for your training, you must attend and participate in the entire training. No partial credit will be given.
Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified lactation consultant, certified lactation educator, certified childbirth educator, or registered or licensed health-care professional.
Submit a sample copy of a breastfeeding class outline, curriculum, and any handouts of your own design.
Create a local resource list for breastfeeding families.
Submit fifteen minutes of taped video of yourself teaching a breastfeeding topic or student teach with a local breastfeeding educator for a one-hour class. This student teaching must be accompanied by a report from a Mentor educator. Complete Teaching/Mentor Form.
Pass the multiple choice test on lactation topics in CAPPA Academy with at least an 85%. Submit the proof of examination from CAPPA Academy. Pass the essay exam (is pass/fail exam) in CAPPA Academy and submit proof of passing certificate.
Complete the CAPPA Academy Certification Processing Form.
Sign the following forms- Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, Grievance Policy, Mission Statement, CAPPA Approach / Philosophy Statement, Vision Statement, and Scope of Practice.

If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE™ Director.

Cost Of Accelerated Program

Membership fee $55.00

CAPPA Academy $175

Cost of training varies $350.00-$450.00

Total $165 plus cost of training, texts and books

Become a Community Lactation Educator

Purpose · Position Paper · Overview · Traditional Certification · Distance Certification · Recertification · Scope of Practice · FAQ

CAPPA Academy and Certification

CAPPA members will now be able to enjoy the convenience of a virtual classroom, with features such as:

Downloadable forms (please note that some forms will still need to be mailed to the CAPPA office)

Online exams, with immediate results on the multiple choice portion of the exam

Video instruction from the program directors

Step by step instructions on completing the course

Hot links to important online resources

CAPPA USA members who begin the certification process on or after October 1, 2012 will be automatically enrolled in CAPPA Academy. The current enrollment fee is $175.* Instructions for beginning the certification process in CAPPA Academy can be found at www.cappa.net. In the past, all certifying members purchased a certification packet and paid a processing fee. Going forward, certifying members will pay the CAPPA Academy enrollment fee. Certification packets and processing fees will not be charged to members enrolled in CAPPA Academy after October 1, 2012. Please be advised that policies may be changed or adjusted during the course of your certification process. By enrolling in CAPPA Academy, you agree to abide by these changes. For more information on CAPPA Academy, please visit this link.

Purpose of LE(C) Program

The purpose of the CAPPA community lactation educator program is to provide childbirth professionals comprehensive training in breastfeeding education. When a candidate completes the certification program they will be qualified to teach, support, and educate the public on breastfeeding and related issues. When all requirements have been satisfactorily completed, candidates will be issued the CAPPA credential, Certified Community Lactation Educator, LE(C).

This program is distinct and separate from the CLE program. While both the LE(C) and the CLE provide families with support and education, the LE(C) is not qualified to lead group classes or facilitate a breastfeeding class. LE(c)s are trained breastfeeding professionals that offer one on one breastfeeding support and education. The LE(C) also does not offer medical advice or provide lactation consulting or breastfeeding assessment. The LE(C) does receive extensive training in proper referral for families needing breastfeeding intervention.

This program does not issue Lactation Consultant status, and does not qualify one to issue medical advice, diagnose medical conditions for mother or baby, or to prescribe treatment or medication. Currently. CAPPA LE(C)s can work in many fields providing support and advocacy for families across the United States and internationally. CAPPA LE(C)s can be found as WIC peer counselors, as educators on hospital postpartum floors, working as breast pump rental technicians and in breastfeeding support stores, and working in public health departments - just to name a few. Many of our CAPPA LE(C)s also use this certification to round out their labor and postpartum doula services and knowledge to ensure they are providing the highest quality services for breastfeeding support.

LE(C) Overview

While 92% of candidates do obtain certification, CAPPA cannot guarantee certification will be obtained by entering our program.

Please allow approximately six to eight weeks for CAPPA to grade and process your certification materials* once we receive them. CAPPA receives a high volume of certification requests, and each certification request is given individual attention. Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA certification programs, you will receive a CAPPA name tag and a certificate. CAPPA community lactation educators may use the letters "LE(C)" after their names.

You must be at least 18 years old to certify with CAPPA. When submitting your certification materials, please do not send originals. Please do not send your certification materials to CAPPA in a way that requires us to sign for them. CAPPA staff retrieves the CAPPA mail after Post Office hours. We cannot sign for mail!

Please allow approximately six to eight weeks for CAPPA to grade and process your certification materials* once we receive them. CAPPA receives a high volume of certification requests, and each certification request is given individual attention. Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA certification programs, you will receive a CAPPA certificate. CAPPA certified community lactation educators may use the letters LE(C) after their names.

LE(C)Traditional Certification

Membership fee: $55.00 · CAPPA Academy : $175.00 ·Training registration fee: CAPPA Approved CLE™ or LE(C) Training $350 and up, varies by trainer and location · Total cost: $230 plus cost of training and books and texts · Time limit: Two years after date of workshop, one year access to CAPPA Academy.

You must be at least 18 years old.
Have access to the internet.
Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
Must enroll in CAPPA Academy.
Complete all assignments and view all chalkboards in CAPPA Academy.
Read ALL required readings mentioned in CAPPA CLE Module, 4 books from the reading list and choose one of the following texts in its latest edition: Hale and Hartmann's Textbook of Human Lactation OR Jan Riordan's Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (preferred textbook).
Write a one-page personal essay on why you want to be a certified lactation educator.
Attend a CAPPA-approved 2 Day Community Educator Course or a 20 Hour CLE Lactation Educator Training and submit certificate of attendance. In order to receive a certificate of completion for your training, you must attend and participate in the entire training. No partial credit will be given.
Document attendance of two La Leche League, Nursing Mother's Council or local breastfeeding support meetings.
Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified lactation consultant, certified lactation educator, certified childbirth educator, or registered or licensed health-care professional.
I have created a local resource list for breastfeeding families.
Complete Part I of the HUG Your Baby Training. Use the following link to complete the training: http://cappahyb.digitalchalk.com, as it is a link just for CAPPA members. Included a certificate of completion from HUG Your Baby.
Pass the multiple choice test on lactation topics in CAPPA Academy with at least an 85%. Submit the proof of examination from CAPPA Academy. Pass the essay exam (is pass/fail exam) in CAPPA Academy and submit proof of passing certificate.
Complete the CAPPA Academy Certification Processing Form.
Sign the following forms- Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, Grievance Policy, Mission Statement, CAPPA Approach / Philosophy Statement, Vision Statement, and Scope of Practice.

If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE™ Director at cledirector@cappa.net.

Cost of LE(C)Traditional Program

Member of CAPPA (per year) $55.00

CAPPA Academy $175

CAPPA Approved CLE or LE(C) Training $350-400, varies by trainer and location

Total Cost: $230 plus cost of training books and texts

LE(C) Distance Certification

Please note that at this time, CAPPA Distance Programs are not utilizing CAPPA Academy

Membership fee: $55.00 · Certification program: $200.00 · Processing fee: $75.00 · Online Breastfeeding Course *$188.95 (*Paid directly to Jones and Bartlett)
Total cost: $330.00 to CAPPA · Plus cost of *online breastfeeding course, videos and books Time limit: 2 years after materials are purchased

10 CEUs are awarded upon completion of the distance program.

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have access to the internet.
Be a member of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues.
Enter certification program by purchasing the lactation educator distance certification packet, available in our shop. This includes the CAPPA CLE™ LE(C) Module and Certification packet.
Read ALL required readings mentioned in CAPPA CLE™ Module, the CAPPA CLE™ LE(C)Module, and choose one of the following texts in its latest edition, Hale and Hartmann’s Textbook of Human Lactation OR Jan Riordan’s Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Text and 5 books from the reading list.
Write a one-page personal essay on why you want to be a community lactation educator.
Submit a detailed CV or resume.
Select 4 videos from the CLE™ LE(C)Distance program required video list. Write a four page double-spaced review on each video using MLA format. These videos ARE NOT included in the original cost of your CLE™ Distance packet (Form E-1).
Complete Part I of the HUG Your Baby Training. You must use the following link to complete the training. HUG Your Baby - CAPPA Link as it is a link just for CAPPA members. Cost of the training is $35.00, which you will pay to HUG Your Baby when you access this link. After completing the training, you will receive a certificate of completion from HUG Your Baby, which you will need to submit to CAPPA with your certification paperwork. (This Program is encouraged for members seeking CEUs for re-certification. Program 1= 2CEUs. Program 2= 4 CEUs for Program 2 Be sure to use the CAPPA link above.)
Attend two La Leche League, Nursing Mother's Council or local breastfeeding support meetings (form C) or attend a local breastfeeding education class, and write a two page (minimum) review, double-spaced (Form B)
Choose two breastfeeding topics and complete a research paper on each. A minimum of 1,500 words each is required, double-spaced using MLA formatting. Any topic that involves breastfeeding is acceptable.
Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified lactation consultant, certified lactation educator, certified childbirth educator, or registered or licensed health-care professional.
Take and pass the online breastfeeding class, Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Course through Jones and Bartlett. You must submit a proof of purchase of this course and a passing grade when submitting your final certification materials. The cost of this course IS NOT included in the distance CLE™ LE(C) package fee and is paid directly to Jones and Bartlett, not CAPPA.
Review three current research studies (study published in the past 4 years) and write a 2 page review, double- spaced using MLA or APA format.. Compare and contrast two of the studies and write a comparison study of at least 500 words, double-spaced using MLA or APA formatting.
Create and submit a local resource list for breastfeeding families.
Pass the test on lactation topics included in your packet. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required.
Complete the certification Processing Form and Application Form

If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE™ Director.

In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification, they must sign and agree to abide by the CAPPA Philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice and grievance policy.

Cost of LE (C) Distance Program

Member of CAPPA (per year) $55.00

Lactation Educator Distance Program $200.00

Online Breastfeeding Course $188.95 (*This is paid directly to Jones and Bartlett)

Certification processing fee $75.00

Total Cost: $330.00 to CAPPA Plus cost of *online breastfeeding course, videos and books

If you need help at any point, please contact the CLE™LE(C) Director.

In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification they must sign and agree to the CAPPA Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice and Grievance Policy.

The Executive Director for the Lactation Education Program is Laurel Wilson (cledirector@cappa.net).