IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

An Internal Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare team member with knowledge and expertise in the management and care of breastfeeding patients. IBCLCs work independently and collaboratively to help mothers, children and families achieve breastfeeding goals. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is an international certification board that offers IBCLC credentials in 129 countries. Its certification program has National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation.

Completion Time: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the IBCLC exam

Test takers who testify that the test isn’t offered in their native language receive an additional 30 minutes to complete the test.

Cost: Fees are determined by the country of practice.

• Test: $255 to $660

• Retake fee: $127.50 to $330

• Exam fee for lapsed/inactive candidates: $255 to $660

• Hand scoring of paper exams: $70 to $100

Exam Format

There are 175 multiple-choice questions on the IBCLC exam. Although prior content was similar, content areas were updated in 2023. Check the candidate information guide for details. As of 2023, the test contains a set number of questions in each section and distributed as follows:

• Development and Nutrition (32) 

• Physiology and Endocrinology (14)

• Pathology (35)

• Pharmacology and Toxicology (14)

• Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology (20)

• Techniques (25)

• Clinical Skills (35)

Test Dates

The IBLCE offers the IBCLC exam twice each year in March or April in English and in September in all IBLCE languages. Applications are due in testing windows 90 to 180 days before the exams.

Examination Sites

IBLCE offers worldwide computer-based testing (CBT) with approved Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) since the global pandemic. However, the use of LRP may be reexamined in later years. LRP is currently only available in English.

Pop-up CBT testing locations may be available in countries that don’t have CBT centers. IBLCE informs applicants via email when it’s possible to schedule an appointment and they can schedule an appointment as soon as they receive notification. For information on testing modalities visit the IBLCE website.

Eligibility

There are three pathways to meet eligibility requirements. All applicants must have:

• A background in health sciences

• At least 95 hours of lactation-specific education, including 5 hours of communication skills

• Relevant clinical experience

Pathway One

For recognized healthcare professionals or those providing breastfeeding support through a recognized support counselor organization. Applicants must have:

• A  minimum of 95 hours of lactation-specific education completed with five hours devoted to communication skills within five years of the exam

• A minimum of 1,000 hours of specific lactation clinical practice under supervision in a suitable setting

• Adhere to the IBCLC Code of Professional Ethics

• Pay the required fee

• Pass the certification examination

Pathway Two

For applicants who complete a comprehensive academic program in human lactation or breastfeeding accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Applicants must have:

• A minimum of 95 hours of lactation-specific education with five hours devoted to communication skills within five years of the exam

  • Communication skills should be directly related to breastfeeding and lactation care but isn’t required

• A minimum of 300 hours of direct supervised lactation-specific clinical practice within the five years immediately preceding the exam

• Adhere to the IBCLC Code of Professional Ethics

• Pay the required fee

• Pass the certification examination

Pathway Three

Requires a preapproved mentorship between the applicant and an IBCLC. All Pathway 3 Plans must be approved by IBLCE via an application process that includes a $50 to $100 fee. Applicants must have:

• A minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific education and five hours focused on communication skills within five years before applying

• A minimum of 500 hours directly supervised lactation-specific clinical practice within the five years before the exam

  • Direct supervision must be provided by current IBCLC in good standing

• Adhere to the IBCLC Code of Professional Ethics

• Pay the required fees

• Pass the certification examination

Certification Steps

• Apply on the IBCLC website

• Select a path

• Meet the requirements for the selected path

• Submit an application 

• Provide the required supporting documents

• Pay application fee

• Schedule an exam

IBCLC  certification is valid for five years. Applicant must meet the following requirements for renewal:

• Comply with and reaffirm the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs

• Report any negative professional licensing or registration actions and professional disciplinary actions

• Complete 250 hours of lactation consulting work

• Complete basic life support (BLS) education

• Starting in 2025, all IBCLCs must complete 2 hours of WHO Code education

  • If using CERPs, these count toward the 5 required E-CERPs

Recertify by re-examination or by completing a self-assessment and earning continuing education recognition points (CERPs) or equivalent through individual CERPs

• CE Self-Assessment includes 72 multiple-choice questions and renewal candidates have two hours to complete it

• After completing the CE Self-Assessment, you’ll get a Personalized Professional Development Plan (PPDP) showing which IBCLC content areas need more focus

  • A proficient score is 75%

  • For each topic scored below 75%, you must earn at least 5 CERPs

  • If no areas are identified, you may earn CERPs in topics that match your align with the Detailed Content Outline (DCO)

• Renewal through CERPS requires earning 75 CERPs every five years 

  • At least 5 CERPs must be related to professional ethics

  • At least 50 CERPs must relate specifically to human breastfeeding and the provision and care of breastfeeding families

Renewal Fees

Fees are determined by the country of practice.

• Examination or CERPS Fee: $265 to $495

• Hand scoring of paper exams: $70 to $100

The following is a list of eligible activities applicants may use to meet the IBCLC individual CERP renewal requirements:

• Continuing Education through contact hours

• Academic study

• Authoring

• Completing a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation

• Presenting a poster

• Developing a professional video

• Clinical observing

• Presenting an educational offering

• Volunteering

• Pathway 3 mentoring

• Clinical precepting

IBCLC offers various resources to prepare for the IBCLC exam, including:

• IBCLC Detailed Content Outline 

• Professional Standards

Although IBCLC has retired its practice exam, they recommend utilizing learning resources provided by their affiliate, the Global Centre for Lactation Training (GCLT).

Related certifications include:

• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

• CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)

• Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC)

• Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC)

• PCE Breastfeeding Counselor Certification (CBC)