Examination Updates
Check back here for regular updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For general questions, see our FAQs for Initial Candidates and Recertification.
2026 Examination Administrations
Examination Key Dates
& Candidate Dashboards
The IBCLC examination is offered twice a year, in April (in English only) and in September 2026 (in all IBCLC examination languages).
April 2026 IBCLC examination:
Application Dates: Mid-November 2025 – January 5, 2026
Examination Dates: April 15 – 24, 2026
For more key dates and details about the April 2026 examination, check the April 2026 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard here.
September 2026 IBCLC examination:
Application Dates: Applications open mid-May 2026
Examination Administration Dates: September 1 – 10, 2026
Examination Options in 2026
You have options for taking the examination in English:
Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) -or- sitting the examination at a test centre.
Learn more about making this decision here.
⚠ Please read this important IBCLC Examination Options & Examination Day Notice.
Please review the financial options available to you in 2026 here.
Please visit the Examination Resource Centre regularly for application and examination updates.
2025 Examination Administrations
Examination Key Dates
& Candidate Dashboards
The IBCLC examination is offered twice a year, in April (in English only) and in September 2025 (in all IBCLC examination languages).
April 2025 IBCLC examination:
Application Dates: Mid-November 2024 – January 6, 2025
Examination Dates: April 1 – 10, 2025
For more key dates and details about the April 2025 examination, check the April 2025 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard here.
September 2025 IBCLC examination:
Application Dates: Mid-May 2025 – June 15, 2025
Examination Administration Dates: September 9 – 18, 2025
For more key dates and details about the September 2025 examination, check the September 2025 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard here.
Examination Options in 2025
This year, you may have options for taking the examination in English:
Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) -or- sitting the examination at a test centre.
Learn more about making this decision here.
⚠ Please read this important IBCLC Examination Options & Examination Day Notice.
Please review the financial options available to you in 2025 here.
Please visit the Examination Resource Centre regularly for application and examination updates.
