*Due to COVID-19, PCE is no longer able to hold on-site prep courses & exams in order to adhere to all mandated gathering restrictions. Please read the Off-Site Exam Process document at the bottom of this page for information on the current process.
Prepared Childbirth Educator’s certification examinations are created with the guidance of test development specialists and content expert panels representing their specialty area. PCE also conducts periodic role delineation studies to analyze the professional skills and abilities required within each specific certification. All PCE certifications are on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) inclusion list of accepted national certifications regarding Magnet status.
The mission of the Breastfeeding Counselor Certification (CBC) is to recognize the specialty role of the nurse as a counselor and educator in lactation management.
The goal of the CBC certification is to:
- recognize the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities of the nurse dealing with lactating women
- strengthen the core competencies of the nurse dealing with lactation management
- contribute to nurse educators professional development
Eligibility Requirements
- Licensure: a currently active nurse license in the United States or its territories
- Experience: at least 1 year of working with lactating women or have taken a course on lactation management
Certification Examination Fees
- If you have taken PCE’s prep course within the past 3 years: Off-site Examination Discounted Rate— taken in your area with your own proctor: $150.00 (email PCEexam@childbirtheducation.org for an exam registration form for the discounted rate)
- You are only eligible for this rate AFTER completing the two day prep course – you cannot register for the prep course & discounted exam rate at the same time.
- Examination ONLY* (if taking the exam without having taken the PCE prep course or you took the PCE prep course more than 3 years ago): $450.00.
*Must meet experience requirements prior to taking the examination:
Please submit Eligibility Verification form.
PCE General Testing and Recertification Handbook
Click here to download.
Breastfeeding Counselor Certification Exam Outline and Study Resource List
Click Here to download.
Registration
- If you have completed the prep course within the past 3 years and are eligible for the discounted exam rates, please email PCEexam@childbirtheducation.org for an exam registration form listing the discounted exam rates.
Then, email completed registration form and payment to PCEexam@childbirtheducation.org.- You are only eligible for this rate AFTER completing the two day prep course – you cannot register for the prep course & discounted exam rate at the same time.
- If you wish to take the Certification Exam Only, without a prep course, Click Here to go to the Off-Site Exam Registration page & register on-line.
UPDATE: Off-Site examination registration opens on Monday, August 15th.
Please see link below for more information about the off-site exam process.
