About the Exam

The IBLCE certification exam for lactation consultants is composed of 200 multiple choice questions; 125 are cognitive, based on word scenarios, and 75 are based on photographs.  Since effective lactation consultation requires assessment and decision-making skills, the questions are primarily designed to test the application of knowledge, rather than the pure recall of facts.

On the last Monday of July, the exam is administered at multiple locations around the world in two sessions of 100 questions each.  Although the exam is administered in two sessions, the scores for both sessions are added together to determine each candidate’s overall score and pass/fail designation.  Candidates pass or fail the examination as a whole.  A higher score in one area can compensate for a lower score in another area, so the candidate passes the overall exam. 

The IBLCE Exam Blueprint gives more information about the disciplines and chronological periods tested and the Statistical Report of the most recent exam provides more information about the exam design, administration and scoring.