Recertification FAQs
Educators and Birth Professionals

Recertification FAQs


As you navigate the process of renewing your Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) certification, it’s understandable that you may have some questions. Lamaze is here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to renew my LCCE certification?
You will need to apply for recertification every three years, beginning on the year that you earned your Lamaze certification. Your recertification fee also includes your Lamaze International membership dues for three years. 

When do I need to recertify?
You must recertify by the date your Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) certification expires. Your recertification expires every three years on December 31st. Check the date that your LCCE certification expires on your Certification Card (downloadable in the Certification Center), or in the Lamaze Member Center.
 
What are my options for recertification?
You have two options to renew your LCCE certification: either submit 25 continuing education contact hours or re-take and pass the Lamaze Certification Exam. For a complete overview of these options (and specific requirements for each), visit the Recertification Requirements page.

Are you receiving an Application Error within the Certification Center?
This error is most commonly caused by an incomplete address in your Lamaze.org Member Center profile. Please ensure all of your information is up-to-date and filled in completely to include State/Province and Zip Code. If you still experience this error, please contact the Certification Team via certification@lamaze.org.

What do I need to submit for recertification?
You need to submit your recertification application – available in the Lamaze Certification Center – along with either 25 continuing education contact hours, or submit an application for an available exam cycle. Upon passing the Lamaze Certification Exam, your status will automatically update. For a complete overview, visit the Recertification Requirements page.

What approved providers can I earn continuing education contact hours from?
You can earn continuing education contact hours from Lamaze or any organization listed on the Approved Providers of Continuing Education page.

Can I submit alternate credit towards recertification?
You have the option to submit 10 of the 25 continuing education contact hours as alternate credit. For a complete overview of alternate credit guidelines, view the Additional Recertification Information page.

What are the additional fees towards recertification?
If you did not submit your recertification application before your expiration date, you have lapsed and you will be required to pay a $40 late fee in addition to your recertification fee. For a complete overview of fees, view the Recertification Fees page. 

How should I submit my recertification application and materials for certification?
The Certification Center allows you to submit information regarding your continuing education and other recertification details online. It also makes it easy to track contact hours as you earn them, and will let you know when you have enough credits to submit! For more information on how to submit, view our Recertification Tutorial.

Once I submit my recertification application and materials, what can I expect?
All applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Processing takes 3-4 weeks, depending on the volume of submissions.  Educators who submit incomplete or incorrect applications will be notified directly. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an official letter of notification. You will also be able to print your new certification card from the Certification Center indicating your next recertification date.

My certification has already lapsed. What options do I have?
Depending on how long your certification has lapsed, you will either need to pay a lapsed certification fee and submit extra contact hours or re-take the Certification Exam. For a complete overview of the process for lapsed certifications, view the Renew Your LCCE Certification page.

Search