How hard is the IBCLC exam?

It’s no secret that the IBCLC exam is tricky.

I have seen a bunch of nurses in the Facebook groups I am in state that they felt it was more complex than the NCLEX.

Now, I’ve never taken that exam – but from what I understand, they are just very different exams. I think the format may be more difficult depending on the type of person taking it.

I see a lot of people asking how difficult the IBCLC exam is, which is a tricky question (funny—because I feel like the IBCLC exam is all about tricky questions). I thought I would try to answer this question and share my opinion on how hard this exam is.

The Questions are Tricky

One of the hardest parts about the IBCLC exam is how nuanced the questions are. The exam doesn’t just ask you to recall facts; it challenges you to apply knowledge in clinical scenarios that aren’t always black and white. You’ll often come across questions where all the answers seem somewhat right, but you’re tasked with finding the most correct one. It’s about critical thinking and knowing not just the basics of lactation but how to navigate complex situations where things don’t always go by the book.

The Most Right Answer

As I mentioned, you’ll often face a question where multiple answers seem plausible. This is where things get tricky. The IBCLC exam loves to test your foundational knowledge and how well you understand subtle differences between similar concepts. For example, a question may give you four treatment options that are all technically correct in certain situations. Still, only one is the best answer, given the specific details of the case presented. It’s a test of judgment as much as knowledge.

It’s Not All About Memorization

If you excel at memorizing facts, that’s great, but the IBCLC exam will push you beyond simple recall. Yes, you’ll need to know protocols, anatomy, and guidelines, but the exam goes a step further, testing how well you can integrate that knowledge in real-life scenarios. You might know what to do in a perfect world, but the exam is designed to see how you respond when things aren’t going perfectly—when a baby isn’t latching well, when a mom has conflicting medical conditions, or when cultural factors come into play.

Bottom Line

In my opinion, the IBCLC exam isn’t a great measure of how good of a lactation consultant you are or will be. It’s tough, yes, but that doesn’t mean it reflects your ability to help families with breastfeeding. The exam feels more about navigating tricky, situational questions than showcasing your hands-on skills or ability to provide compassionate support. Passing the exam is a huge accomplishment, but remember, your real growth as an IBCLC comes from working with families, not just answering multiple-choice questions.

The IBCLC exam is hard, but don’t let that intimidate you. It’s one part of your journey, and while it feels like a mountain, it’s only a stepping stone towards what truly matters—helping families and making a difference in their breastfeeding journeys.