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.
2027 Examination Administrations
Examination Key Dates
& Candidate Dashboards
The IBCLC examination is offered twice a year, in March/April (in English only) and in September 2027 (in all IBCLC examination languages).
March/April 2027 IBCLC examination:
Application Dates: Mid-November 2026 – January 4, 2027
Examination Dates: March 23 – April 1, 2027
For more key dates and details about the March/April 2027 examination, check the March/April 2027 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard here.
September 2027 IBCLC examination:
Application Dates: Applications open mid-May 2027
Examination Administration Dates: September 8 – 17, 2027
Examination Options in 2027
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 2027 here.
Please visit the Examination Resource Centre regularly for application and examination updates.
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: Early May – June 8, 2026
Examination Administration Dates: September 1 – 10, 2026
For more key dates and details about the September 2026 examination, check the September 2026 IBCLC Examination Candidate Dashboard here.
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.
