Recertification Requirements

Certification as an IBCLC is valid for five years and is renewable through recertification.  Before the end of each five year period, IBCLCs must recertify either by passing the exam again, or through continuing education.

Recertification by Continuing Education

At the five year mark, recertification by continuing education is an option.

» Five years after you last passed the exam you may recertify by showing you have accumulated at least 75 Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs).

Recertification by Exam

Ten years after last passing the exam, IBCLCs must recertify by exam.  The option to recertify by exam is always available to IBCLCs, regardless of when they last passed the exam.

» Ten years after you last passed the exam (5 years after CERPs recertification), you must pass the exam again. 

» Five years after you last passed the exam you may choose to recertify by exam if you prefer, or if you have not earned enough CERPs.

Please note:  You do not need to document CERPs when recertifying by exam, however, it is highly recommended that you keep your knowledge and practice up-to-date through ongoing continuing education.