IBCLC Examination Results 2023; The IBCLC Examination is a globally recognized certification for lactation consultants. It is designed to evaluate the knowledge and competency of individuals who provide lactation care and support to mothers and their infants. The IBCLC Examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover various topics related to lactation and breastfeeding. The examination is offered twice a year, in March and September.
The release of IBCLC Examination results is eagerly anticipated by candidates who have taken the exam. The results provide candidates with an indication of their performance and whether they have achieved the minimum passing score. The results are released approximately six weeks after the examination date. Candidates can access their results online through their credential management account. Certificates and identification cards are mailed to successful candidates approximately six weeks after the release of the results.
Key Takeaways
- The IBCLC Examination is a globally recognized certification for lactation consultants.
- The examination is offered twice a year, in March and September.
- Candidates can access their results online through their credential management account.
Overview of IBCLC Examination
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) examination is a rigorous and comprehensive test that evaluates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of lactation consultants.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to take the IBCLC examination, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of 90 hours of lactation-specific education
- Completion of 1,000 hours of clinical lactation practice
- Completion of at least 5 hours of communication skills training
- Completion of at least 5 hours of medical documentation training
- Current healthcare professional license
Examination Content
The IBCLC examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover the following areas:
- Anatomy and physiology of lactation
- Infant and child growth and development
- Breastfeeding and human milk feeding
- Clinical management of lactation
- Professional responsibilities
Testing Periods
The IBCLC examination is offered twice a year, in March and September. The testing window for the March examination is typically in the first two weeks of the month, while the testing window for the September examination is typically in the third week of the month.
Candidates have four hours to complete the examination, and the passing score is determined by a criterion-referenced standard setting process.
Overall, the IBCLC examination is a challenging but rewarding experience that ensures that lactation consultants have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to breastfeeding families.
Results Release Schedule
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) releases the results of the IBCLC examination on a schedule. This section outlines the notification process and results dissemination.
Notification Process
Candidates receive notification of their examination results through their online credential management account. The results are not provided over the phone or via email.
IBLCE sends an email to candidates when their results are available. The email contains instructions on how to access the results through the online credential management account. Candidates are advised to check their spam or junk email folder if they do not receive the email.
Results Dissemination
Results are released according to the schedule set by IBLCE. The schedule is available on the IBLCE website. The schedule includes the examination dates and the results release dates.
According to the IBLCE website, the results for the September 2023 examination administration were released in December 2023. Candidates who sat for the March 2023 examination received their results in June 2023. The results for the April 2024 examination administration will be released in late May 2024, while the results for the September 2024 examination administration will be released in late November 2024.
Candidates who pass the examination receive a certificate and an identification card by post. The certificate and identification card are mailed to the address provided in the candidate’s profile in the online credential management account.
Candidates who do not pass the examination receive information about their performance. The information is available in the online credential management account. Candidates who do not pass the examination can retake the examination in a future administration.
Interpreting Your Results
Score Reporting
After completing the IBCLC examination, candidates are provided with a score report that includes an overall score and a breakdown of scores by content area. The score report is available through the candidate’s online credential management account approximately six weeks after the examination. The score report is not released to anyone other than the candidate.
The overall score ranges from 100 to 500, with a passing threshold of 350. The score report also includes a scaled score for each content area, ranging from 10 to 90. The scaled score is based on the number of questions answered correctly in that content area and the difficulty of those questions.
Passing Threshold
The passing threshold for the IBCLC examination is 350. This means that a candidate must achieve an overall score of 350 or higher to pass the examination. The passing threshold is set by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) based on the difficulty of the examination questions and the minimum level of knowledge and skill required to practice as an IBCLC.
Certificate Issuance
Candidates who pass the IBCLC examination will receive a certificate and identification card approximately 12 weeks after the examination. The certificate and identification card are sent to the address listed in the candidate’s online credential management account. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that their address is up to date in their account.
Candidates who do not pass the IBCLC examination will receive a score report that includes information on their performance by content area. Candidates who do not pass may retake the examination in a future administration. The use of LRP has been approved for 2024 IBCLC examination administrations.
It is important to note that passing the IBCLC examination is just one step in becoming an IBCLC. Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements, which include education, lactation-specific clinical experience, and continuing education.
Post-Examination Procedures
After taking the IBCLC examination, candidates will need to follow certain post-examination procedures. These procedures include the retake policy, credential verification, and continuing education.
Retake Policy
If a candidate does not pass the IBCLC examination, they may retake the examination at a later date. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be met. According to the IBCLC Commission’s Examination Resource Centre, candidates may only take the examination three times within a five-year period. Additionally, candidates must wait at least 90 days before retaking the examination. Candidates who have failed the examination three times within a five-year period must wait five years before taking the examination again.
Credential Verification
After passing the IBCLC examination, candidates will receive their IBCLC credential. The credential is valid for five years. During this time, candidates must complete continuing education requirements and recertify in order to maintain their credential. Employers, clients, and other interested parties may verify a candidate’s IBCLC credential by using the IBCLC Registry Search tool on the IBCLC Commission’s website. The registry search tool allows users to search for IBCLCs by name, location, or other criteria.
Continuing Education
In order to recertify their IBCLC credential, candidates must complete continuing education requirements. According to the IBCLC Commission’s Examination Resource Centre, candidates must complete 75 hours of continuing education in the five-year period before their credential expires. Additionally, candidates must complete at least 5 hours of ethics education. Continuing education activities must be relevant to lactation and breastfeeding and must be approved by the IBCLC Commission. Candidates must also submit documentation of their completed continuing education activities.
Appeals and Grievances
Candidates who are not satisfied with their IBCLC examination results have the option to appeal the outcome. According to the IBCLC Commission, an appeal is “a request for reconsideration of the examination outcome based on a perceived error in scoring or irregularity in the examination process.”
To file an appeal, candidates must complete and submit the Examination Outcome Appeals Form within 30 days following the date that the examination results were disseminated. The form can be found on the IBCLC Commission website in PDF format. Candidates must provide specific details and evidence to support their appeal.
The IBCLC Commission will review the appeal and provide a written response within 60 days of receipt of the appeal. The response will either affirm the original outcome or provide a new outcome if the appeal is upheld. The decision of the IBCLC Commission is final and cannot be further appealed.
Candidates who have concerns about the examination process or any irregularities that occurred during the examination can file a grievance with the IBCLC Commission. A grievance is “a formal complaint regarding the examination process that does not involve the outcome of the examination.”
To file a grievance, candidates must complete and submit the Examination Grievance Form within 30 days following the date that the examination was administered. The form can be found on the IBCLC Commission website in PDF format. Candidates must provide specific details and evidence to support their grievance.
The IBCLC Commission will review the grievance and provide a written response within 60 days of receipt of the grievance. The response will either affirm the original examination process or provide a new examination process if the grievance is upheld. The decision of the IBCLC Commission is final and cannot be further appealed.
It is important for candidates to carefully review the IBCLC examination policies and procedures before filing an appeal or grievance. Candidates should also ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the examination content and format to increase their chances of success on the examination.
Statistical Reports and Insights
Annual Performance Summary
The IBCLC examination is administered twice a year, in March and September, and the results are released a few months after the examination. The IBCLC Commission provides an annual performance summary report, which includes data on the number of candidates who sat for the examination, the pass rate, and the average score. The report also includes a breakdown of the scores by domain and subdomain.
According to the IBCLC Commission’s 2023 Annual Performance Summary report, a total of 1,698 candidates from 58 countries sat for the March 2023 examination, and 1,956 candidates from 62 countries sat for the September 2023 examination. The overall pass rate for the March 2023 examination was 75.9%, and the overall pass rate for the September 2023 examination was 77.1%. The average score for the March 2023 examination was 105.4, and the average score for the September 2023 examination was 105.8.
Trend Analysis
The IBCLC Commission conducts a trend analysis of the examination results to identify any patterns or changes in the performance of the candidates over time. The trend analysis includes data on the pass rate, the average score, and the scores by domain and subdomain. The trend analysis is used to inform the development of the examination and to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date.
The trend analysis of the IBCLC examination results from 2018 to 2023 shows that the overall pass rate has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase in the pass rate in 2023 compared to 2022. The trend analysis also shows that the average score has remained relatively stable over the years, with a slight increase in the average score in 2023 compared to 2022. The scores by domain and subdomain have also remained relatively stable over the years, with some minor fluctuations.
Overall, the IBCLC examination results from 2023/2024 demonstrate that the candidates have a good understanding of the knowledge and skills required to provide lactation care and support to mothers and infants. The IBCLC Commission will continue to monitor the performance of the candidates and make any necessary adjustments to the examination to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date.
Resources for Candidates
Preparation Materials
Candidates preparing for the IBCLC Examination can access a range of preparation materials to help them succeed. The IBCLC Commission provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses. These materials are designed to help candidates develop their knowledge and skills in the key areas covered by the exam, including lactation management, human anatomy and physiology, infant and child development, and professional ethics.
In addition to the resources provided by the IBCLC Commission, candidates can also find a wealth of information and support from professional organizations such as the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM). These organizations offer a range of educational resources, including conferences, online courses, and peer-reviewed journals.
Support Services
Preparing for the IBCLC Examination can be a challenging and stressful experience, but candidates do not have to go it alone. The IBCLC Commission provides a range of support services to help candidates throughout the exam process. These services include a candidate dashboard, which provides information on exam dates, application deadlines, and exam results. Candidates can also contact the IBCLC Commission directly for assistance with any questions or concerns they may have.
In addition to the support provided by the IBCLC Commission, candidates can also find support from other sources, such as study groups and mentorship programs. These resources can provide candidates with valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals, as well as a supportive community of peers who are also preparing for the exam.
Overall, candidates who take advantage of the preparation materials and support services available to them are more likely to succeed on the IBCLC Examination. By developing their knowledge and skills, and seeking out support from others, candidates can approach the exam with confidence and achieve their professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the IBCLC examination results for the 2023-2024 cycle be released?
According to the IBCLC Commission website, the September 2023 IBCLC examination results are already available online. All candidates who took the September 2023 examination can log in to their online credential management account to access their results. Certificates and identification cards will follow by post in 2024. The IBCLC Commission will start sending Examination Authorization Emails for the April 2024 IBCLC examination in February 2024.
In what format can I access my IBCLC exam results for the 2023-2024 period?
Candidates can access their IBCLC exam results for the 2023-2024 period through their online credential management account. The results are itemized, and any item that performed unexpectedly goes to review.
Are the IBCLC examination results for California and Texas released on the same date?
There is no information available on whether the IBCLC examination results for California and Texas are released on the same date. Candidates can access their results from their online credential management account.
What is the pass rate for the IBCLC examination in the 2023-2024 cycle?
There is no official information available on the pass rate for the IBCLC examination in the 2023-2024 cycle. However, according to the IBCLC Commission website, the pass rate for the IBCLC examination varies from year to year and depends on the performance of the candidates.
What are the next steps after receiving the IBCLC examination results?
After receiving the IBCLC examination results, candidates who pass the exam can start the process of obtaining CERPs for IBCLC recertification. Candidates who do not pass the exam can retake the examination in the next cycle. For more information on the next steps after receiving the IBCLC examination results, candidates can refer to the IBCLC Commission website.
How can I obtain CERPs for IBCLC recertification?
According to the IBCLC Commission website, candidates can obtain CERPs for IBCLC recertification by attending approved continuing education programs. Candidates can find a list of approved continuing education programs on the IBCLC Commission website. Candidates can also obtain CERPs by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to lactation.
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