Purpose and Commitment

Birthwork Institute™ is committed to fairness, impartiality, and equitable access for all candidates pursuing the Certified Lactation Support Specialist™ (CLSS™) credential. Birthwork Institute recognizes that, in some cases, individual circumstances may require reasonable accommodations to ensure that all candidates have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their competence.

Special accommodations may be granted when justified by documented circumstances and when they do not compromise the integrity, validity, or security of the CLSS™ certification process.

Scope

This policy applies to all applicants and certificants seeking accommodations related to the CLSS™ certification process, including application, assessment, and renewal requirements.

Examples of special accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Adjustments for a documented disability or medical condition
• Time extensions for candidates with valid ADA or ESL needs
• Modifications due to technology or access limitations
• Alternate experience documentation in cases of extraordinary hardship

If future CLSS™ examinations are administered under proctored conditions, alternate proctoring arrangements may also be considered where standard procedures present an undue hardship.

Requesting a Special Accommodation

Candidates who believe any policy or process presents an undue hardship may request a special accommodation by submitting a written request that includes the following:

• The policy, requirement, or process for which the accommodation is being requested
• A clear explanation describing why the accommodation is needed
• Supporting documentation of the circumstance or condition that justifies the request

Requests must be submitted to support@birthworkinstitute.com at least ten (10) business days before the relevant application, examination, or renewal deadline.

The Certification Review Committee of Birthwork Institute™ will review each request and provide a written response within ten (10) business days of receipt. All decisions are final.

Supporting Documentation

Depending on the nature of the request, candidates may be required to submit one or more of the following completed forms along with their written request:

• Documentation of Disability-Related Needs Form (completed by a qualified licensed professional)
• ADA or ESL Request Form (detailing the specific accommodation requested)
• Experience Substitution Request Form (when traditional experience requirements present an extraordinary hardship)

All forms must be fully completed, signed, and submitted together with the candidate’s written request to support@birthworkinstitute.com.

Birthwork Institute™ treats all accommodation materials as confidential and uses them solely to evaluate the request.

Submission and Review Process

Candidates should submit their accommodation request and supporting documentation via email to support@birthworkinstitute.com at least ten (10) business days before the relevant application, examination, or renewal deadline.

Upon receipt, the request will be reviewed by the Certification Review Committee of Birthwork Institute™ to determine whether the documentation supports the requested accommodation and whether granting it would maintain the integrity of the CLSS™ certification process.

Candidates will receive a written decision within ten (10) business days of receipt. All decisions are final.

Confidentiality and Contact Information

All special accommodation requests and supporting documentation are treated as strictly confidential. Information is used solely for the purpose of evaluating and processing the request, and access is limited to individuals directly involved in the review process.

Candidates who have questions regarding this policy or the request process may contact:

Birthwork Institute™ Certification Review Committee
Email: support@birthworkinstitute.com

Last updated: December 2025