CLSS™ Voluntary Relinquishment Policy

Purpose

To explain how a certificant may voluntarily give up the CLSS™ designation and what happens if someone simply does not renew.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals who currently hold, or recently held, the CLSS™ designation issued by Birthwork Institute™.

Definitions

• CLSS™: Certified Lactation Support Specialist™ designation issued by Birthwork Institute™.
• Certificant/Designee: An individual currently authorized to use “CLSS™.”
• Marks: The CLSS™ credential name, initials, logo(s), digital badges, and any representations of certification.

Failure to Renew (no action required)

If renewal is not completed by 11:59 p.m. (local time) on the last day of the expiration month, authorization to use the CLSS™ designation and marks automatically ends.

• Immediately stop using “CLSS™” and all related marks.
• Remove, destroy, or return any digital/printed certificates or badges if requested.
• Update profiles, websites, bios, email signatures, and marketing materials to remove the credential.
• Reinstatement (if offered) may require meeting current requirements and paying non-refundable fees.

Note: Individuals who let the credential lapse do not need to submit a voluntary relinquishment request.

Voluntary Relinquishment (active status)

A certificant in good standing may choose to relinquish the CLSS™ designation at any time by sending a written request to support@birthworkinstitute.com. The request must include:

• Full name and CLSS™ ID (if known)
• Current contact information
• A clear statement that you are voluntarily relinquishing your CLSS™ designation
• The effective date you wish the relinquishment to begin (default is the date we receive your request)

Upon confirmation from Birthwork Institute™:

• Authorization to use CLSS™ and all associated marks ends immediately (or on the stated effective date, if approved).
• You must cease use of the designation and remove it from all public and private materials.
• Any digital/printed certificates or badges must be removed, destroyed, or returned if requested.
• All fees paid are non-refundable.

Records & Data

Birthwork Institute™ will update internal records to reflect your status and retain necessary information consistent with our retention and privacy policies.

Reinstatement After Lapse or Relinquishment

Eligibility for reinstatement (if offered) is at the discretion of Birthwork Institute™ and may require:

• Meeting current CLSS™ eligibility and renewal requirements
• Submitting proof of Continuing Education or other competency evidence
• Passing any required assessments
• Attesting to the Code of Ethics and Candidate Agreement
• Paying applicable non-refundable reinstatement and renewal fees

Ownership of Marks

CLSS™ and Birthwork Institute™ names and logos are trademarks of Birthwork Institute™. Permission to use the marks exists only while the certificant is in good standing and ends upon expiration, suspension, revocation, or voluntary relinquishment. Refer to the Use of Credential and Trademark Policy for more information.

How to Submit

Email: support@birthworkinstitute.com
Subject line: CLSS Voluntary Relinquishment – [Your Name]

Last updated: December 2025