Initial Certification Application Fees
In order to make its certification financially accessible to all those qualified to participate, despite the wide variance in economic conditions throughout the world, IBLCE uses the purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita metric as determined by international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and used by a number of international NGOs. PPP takes into account the relative cost of living and the inflation rates of countries. Check the IBLCE Fee Guide for initial certification. IBLCE only accepts payment in USD.
For detailed information about the initial certification process, review the Candidate Information Guide.*
*Please read in conjunction with the June 2022 Updated Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements (Reissued on June 30, 2022).
Upcoming Key Dates
The IBCLC examination is offered twice a year, in March and/or April (English) and in September (in all IBLCE languages).
March 2023 IBCLC Examination
Administered worldwide in English.
Learn more on the March 2023 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard
| Application Window | October 21 – December 5, 2022 |
| Examination Administration | March 8 – 17, 2023 |
September 2023 IBCLC Examination
Administered worldwide in all currently offered examination languages.
Learn more on the September 2023 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard coming soon
| Application Window | May 10 – June 22, 2023 |
| Examination Administration | September 20 – 29, 2023 |
April 2024 IBCLC Examination
Administered worldwide in English.
| Application Window | November 20, 2023 – January 4, 2024 |
| Examination Administration | April 15 – 20, 2024 |
September 2024 IBCLC Examination
Administered worldwide in 10 examination languages.
| Application Window | April 22 – May 31, 2024 |
| Examination Administration | September 10 – 16, 2024 |