CLSS™ Candidate Agreement

The following agreement must be reviewed and accepted by all individuals applying for the Certified Lactation Support Specialist™ (CLSS™) credential. This agreement affirms the candidate’s understanding of the eligibility requirements, ethical obligations, examination expectations, and certification policies established by the Birthwork Institute™ and outlined in the CLSS™ Candidate Handbook.

Candidate Application Statement

I hereby apply for certification as a Certified Lactation Support Specialist™ (CLSS™) through the Birthwork Institute™. I understand that certification is awarded only to individuals who meet all published eligibility requirements, adhere to the ethical and professional standards of the credential, and successfully complete the CLSS™ Certification Examination.

I attest that the information I submit in my application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge and provided in good faith. I understand that the Birthwork Institute™ may request additional information to clarify or verify my application, and I agree to provide such information upon request. I further understand that if any information is later found to be false, misleading, or incomplete, the Birthwork Institute™ may deny, suspend, or revoke my certification.

If awarded certification, I agree to abide by all policies, procedures, and standards established by the Birthwork Institute™, including the CLSS™ Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, the Scope of Practice, and all requirements described in the Candidate Handbook.

I agree to notify the Birthwork Institute™ if at any time I am unable to meet the professional, ethical, or practice standards required of a CLSS™ certificant.

I acknowledge that candidates may request disability-related accommodations in accordance with the Birthwork Institute™’s Special Accommodations Policy.

I understand that all CLSS™ marks, names, and logos are the property of the Birthwork Institute™. If my certification is suspended, revoked, denied, or allowed to lapse, I will immediately discontinue all use of the credential and any marks associated with it, and I will comply with any request to return or remove issued certificates or representations of certification. I agree to use the CLSS™ credential only as described in the CLSS™ Use of Credential and Trademark Policy and to ensure that my use of the credential is truthful, accurate, and not misleading in any context.

I release and hold harmless the Birthwork Institute™, its Certification Council, staff, officers, and agents from any claims or actions arising from the application, evaluation, or certification process, including decisions regarding eligibility or certification status.

Candidate Exam Agreement

To proceed with the CLSS™ Certification Examination, I affirm the following:

• I attest that I am the individual registered for this examination and that I will comply with all identification and security requirements associated with the exam.
• I understand that the CLSS™ examination is administered under secure, proctored conditions, and that no outside materials, electronic devices, or unauthorized resources may be used unless explicitly permitted in accordance with Birthwork Institute™ policy.
• I agree not to copy, record, reproduce, disclose, or in any way share or distribute exam questions, answers, content, or structure. I understand that exam materials are confidential and protected, and that any attempt to obtain or share exam content is strictly prohibited.
• If using remote proctoring, I agree to comply with all proctor instructions, including showing my workspace, permitted materials, and surroundings before, during, and after the exam; remaining connected to the proctoring system; and demonstrating that all notes have been erased or destroyed as required.
• I agree to remain in the approved exam environment for the duration of the exam attempt and understand that environmental or comfort-related concerns will not be grounds for invalidating the attempt once the exam has begun.
• I agree to report any exam irregularities or security concerns immediately to the Birthwork Institute™.
• I understand that failure to comply with exam administration rules may result in invalidation of my exam attempt, classification as a failed attempt, denial of certification, or disciplinary action in accordance with Birthwork Institute™ policies.

Last updated: December 2025