Candidates that did not recertify when their IBCLC certification expired and did not fail a recertification examination automatically transition into Inactive Status on January 1 after their certification expires. Inactive Status lasts for one year, and Inactive candidates are not certified as IBCLCs and are not permitted to use the designation IBCLC after their name or practice as an IBCLC while in Inactive Status.

If you log into the online credential management system, you will see red text with your status (Inactive) and your expiration date. If you scroll down, you will find the options for “Reinstatement by Exam” or “Reinstatement by CE” when applications are open.

Candidates are able to reinstate by CERPs or by examination from Inactive Status.

To transition from Inactive status back to Active status, candidates will need to:

Reinstate by IBCLC examination or by CE Self-Assessment and CERPs, meeting all current recertification requirements, in the year they hold Inactive Status
- Candidates must apply during the regular recertification application windows posted on the IBCLC Commission website
Earn an additional 15 CERPs
Pay a fee

Learn more about these options below.

Reinstatement by CERPs

Reinstatement by CERPs was introduced in 2023.

To reinstate by CERPs:

Log into IBLCE’s online credential management system during the application window to apply in English, Chinese Traditional, Danish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Attest to completing your continuing education in the “My CERPs Portfolio” (left menu). Please note that those Reinstating by CERPs must complete an additional 15 CERPs, for a total of 90 CERPs.
After you complete your CERPs Portfolio, you can continue by clicking “Submit Reinstatement Application” on your account home page to complete the application and submit the fee.

You can find reinstatement by CERPs applications in Croatian, Dutch, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Polish, or Slovenian on your language page.

Reinstatement by Examination

To reinstate by examination:

Log into IBLCE’s online credential management system to apply in one of the 10 IBCLC examination languages during the application window.
Click “Submit Reinstatement Application” on your account home page to complete the application, attest to completing 15 CERPs, and submit the fee.

If accepted for the examination, you can find more information on the Examination Resource Centre.

Resources: visit the IBCLC Information page to find the Recertification Guide and other related resources.

Applications for reinstatement can be found in the IBLCE online credential management system during the application window.

Inactive FAQs

1. I submitted an application for reinstatement. When will my certification start?

If you successfully reinstate by passing the April IBCLC examination, your IBCLC credential will become effective on July 1 of that year.

If you successfully reinstate by CERPs, your IBCLC credential will become effective on January 1 of the next year.

If you successfully reinstate by passing the September IBCLC examination, your IBCLC credential will become effective on January 1 of the next year.

2. How can I tell if my reinstatement by CERPs application was successful?

After submitting your application, you can log into your online account. You may see a message on your home page:

“Your reinstatement application has been pre-approved” means you have successfully applied and there is nothing further to do at this time. Your IBCLC credential will be updated according to the timeline in FAQ #1 above.
“Your application is under review” means that your application has been selected for audit or we need more information. IBCLC Programme staff will reach out to you.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the region that serves you.