If you choose not to recertify in the year that your IBCLC certification expires or you fail the examination as an IBCLC, you will no longer be permitted to use the designation “IBCLC” and/or “RLC” after your name. To regain the IBCLC certification you MUST sit the examination and pass. All application deadlines are applicable, so please review these if you plan to seek certification.
Should your certification lapse by either failing the IBCLC examination or not renewing by either sitting the examination or recertifying by CERPs, you may take the examination one time within the following twelve months after the expiration year without having to meet the IBCLC examination eligibility requirements; this is limited to one examination seating within the year that immediately follows the lapse of your certification. For any subsequent examination attempts you are expected to meet the eligibility requirements valid at the time of examination application. For example, an individual who fails the examination in April will be able to take the September examination of that same year or the next April examination without having to meet the prerequisites for the exam. An IBCLC who fails in September will be granted one attempt for either April or September of the following year without having to demonstrate meeting the prerequisites.
Should your IBCLC certification lapse, then you will pay the fee associated with initial examination applicants the next time that you apply to sit the exam.
In 2022, IBLCE will introduce an Inactive Status for currently active IBCLCs who are unable to meet recertification requirements in the year they are due to recertify, but intend to earn the certification again within one year. During Inactive Status, individuals do not actively hold the IBCLC credential. This status will replace the Lapsed Status described above.
To regain the IBCLC certification, during the Inactive Status, individuals can either sit and pass the examination without meeting the current eligibility requirements, or recertify by CERPs (75 CERPs), which at that time will include the self-assessment. All candidates exiting Inactive Status
via either method must also complete an additional 15 CERPs.
Should one not reapply for certification in the year of the Inactive Status, then one would need to sit and pass the examination, having met the initial candidate eligibility requirements. Should an IBCLC choose not to enter into the Inactive Status and let their certification expire, then they would need to sit and pass the examination, meeting the initial candidate eligibility requirements.
More information about Inactive Status will be posted as it becomes available.