Understanding CERPs on Your Own: Your Guide to Continuing Education Writing
At Lactation Education Resources (LER), we are committed to our core mission: to create and deliver high-quality, affordable breastfeeding education that serves students around the world.
CERPs at LER: What You Need to Know
Almost all LER courses offer pre-approved CERPs, and you can find this clearly in each course description. However, in some cases, we have decided not to apply for CERP approval because the majority of students who enroll in these courses do not wish to continue the course.
If you are taking one of these courses and need CERPs to get them back, you can use the “CERP” option. We provide you with all the documentation you need to do this.
Our Commitment Remains Strong
LER continues to adhere to our principles of providing quality education and keeping costs to a minimum. This means:
- Advanced: All of our courses comply with IBLCE requirements and the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline
- Affordable Education: We are committed to making lactation education available to students around the world
- Various Courses: We offer a variety of courses that you will need to grow throughout your career, whether you want CERPs or not
What Are Individual CERPs?
There are three types of CERPs:
- L-CERPs: Breastfeeding related courses (topics directly related to breastfeeding and breastfeeding)
- E-CERPs: Ethical and legal issues for lactation consultants
- R-CERPs: Health topics that support the practice of lactation
How to Register for Your Private CERP LER Training
After completing the LER course, we provide you with the transcripts described in IBLCE’s Individual CERPs Guide. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
After you graduate, keep these things in mind:
- Final certificate showing the hours you have completed
- Education plan and objectives showing a link to the content of the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline
- Program schedule showing the number of training minutes
LER provides all these tools and completes each course.
Step 2: Determine Your CERP Type
Many LER studies qualify for L-CERPs because they focus on breastfeeding and breastfeeding topics. CERP-eligible courses must address the issues found in the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
Step 3: Read your CERPs
According to IBLCE guidelines, courses that have been awarded academic credit by another institution or organization can be counted as CERPs.
Most LER courses are offered in either Nursing Contact Hours from the American Nursing Credentialing Center or Continuing Medical Education (CME) from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
- 1 CERP = 60 minutes of the academic period
- Check your certificate for all course hours
- Convert to CERPs (example: 3-hour course = 3 CERPs)
There is no limit on the number of Nursing Assistant or Continuing Medical Education hours that can be counted as CERPs.
Step 4: Keep Your Documents Safe
CERPs themselves use an automated system. Keep all educational materials organized and easily accessible. According to the IBLCE, if you are randomly selected for a test, you are 10 working days provide:
- Completion certificate (or proof of attendance that clearly shows receipt)
- Goals and detailed plans
- Program schedule showing actual number and number of training minutes
IBLCE advises: “If you are re-accredited with CERPs, make sure you have access to your certifications before applying if you are randomly selected for review.”
Step 5: Stay Current with IBLCE Guidelines
IBLCE policies and procedures are subject to change from time to time. Always check what’s going on here:
We are here to help you
As always, LER provides full transcripts at the end of each course. Our friendly support team is here to help you understand your content and answer questions about your academic records.
For questions about IBLCE’s CERP policy, requirements, or how to log into your account, please contact IBLCE directly:
IBLCE resources
Have questions about the documents that LER offers? Our team of experts is here to help you.