Insight into the IBCLC Exam

The IBCLC Exam consists of 175 multiple-choice items. Approximately half of those test items are image-based; the remaining items consist of text only. You will need to answer all 175 questions.

Exam items are constructed in a fairly uniform way. Read about the anatomy of an exam item. I’ve said it before, but I want to emphasize that all or nearly all of the items on the IBCLC Exam are written at the application level. It’s not straight recall. You’ll need some serious test-taking skills. Perhaps the most important test-taking skill is reading and heeding the qualifiers in exam items.

Qualifiers in the stem of the item are so important that I’ve written three separate blog posts to help test-takers. Here, I’ve described several different kinds of qualifiers and how to deal with them. Here, I’ve talked about the word “first” as a qualifier. However, since people were still having trouble, I went into more depth with specific examples of “first” qualifiers. Keep in mind, not paying attention to a qualifier means you will likely answer the question incorrectly. I’ve seen this happen to dozens of people. (Maybe more!)

More detailed information is given in our Test-Taking Strategies book. You can purchase the hard copy from us, or from Amazon. Better yet, save money and get the e-book.

The IBLCE’s Detailed Content Outline uses categories known as disciplines and chronological areas.

If you have already taken and failed the exam, consider purchasing my book, How to Pass the IBCLC Exam This Time. It’s not a substitute for a solid comprehensive course or even a thorough review. But many people who have failed the exam have found the book helpful. And, some first-time test takers have found it helpful, even before they attempt the exam!