100+ Free CLC Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

A breastfed infant's stools by day 5 should normally appear:

Yellow, seedy, and soft (mustard-like)

White or clay-colored

Hard, dark brown pellets

Consistently black and tarry

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CLC Exam

100

Didactic Questions

ALPP CLC Candidate Handbook (2026)

75%

Passing Score

ALPP CLC exam requirements

$120

Total Exam Fees

ALPP ($20 application + $100 exam)

2.5 hrs

Total Exam Time

ALPP FAQ (30 min LAT + 2 hr didactic)

3 years

Certification Validity

ALPP recertification policy

95 hrs

Required Education

ALPP eligibility requirements

The ALPP CLC exam has two portions: a didactic section of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions (2 hours) requiring 75% to pass, and a practical LAT video-based exam (30 minutes). The exam is entirely online and remotely proctored. Application fee is $20, exam fee is $100. Candidates must complete 95 hours of qualifying lactation education and supervised clinical skills before eligibility. Certification is valid for 3 years and requires 18 CE hours for renewal.

Sample CLC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CLC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk production (lactogenesis)?

A.Estrogen

B.Prolactin

C.Progesterone

D.Testosterone

Explanation: Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for milk production (lactogenesis). Released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to infant suckling, prolactin stimulates the alveolar cells in the breast to synthesize and secrete milk. Prolactin levels rise with each feeding, following a supply-and-demand model.

2What is the role of oxytocin in breastfeeding?

A.It stimulates milk production in the alveoli

B.It causes the milk ejection reflex (let-down) by contracting myoepithelial cells

C.It prevents engorgement by reducing blood flow to the breast

D.It increases the fat content of breast milk

Explanation: Oxytocin causes the milk ejection reflex (commonly called let-down) by stimulating the contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli in the breast. This contraction squeezes milk from the alveoli into the ducts and toward the nipple. Oxytocin release can be triggered by infant suckling, hearing a baby cry, or even thinking about the baby.

3Lactogenesis II (secretory activation) typically occurs:

A.Immediately after conception

B.During the second trimester of pregnancy

C.Approximately 30-40 hours after delivery, with copious milk production by days 3-5

D.At 6 months postpartum when complementary foods are introduced

Explanation: Lactogenesis II (secretory activation) is triggered by the drop in progesterone following delivery of the placenta and typically begins approximately 30-40 hours after birth. Mothers experience copious milk production ('milk coming in') between days 3-5 postpartum. Before this, the breast produces colostrum (Lactogenesis I), which begins during pregnancy.

4Colostrum is important for newborns because it:

A.Contains high amounts of lactose and fat for rapid weight gain

B.Is rich in immunoglobulins (especially secretory IgA), protein, and white blood cells that protect against infection

C.Is identical in composition to mature breast milk

D.Is produced only if the mother takes prenatal vitamins

Explanation: Colostrum is a concentrated, yellowish fluid produced in the first few days after birth. It is rich in immunoglobulins (particularly secretory IgA), protein, white blood cells, growth factors, and other protective components. It coats the infant's GI tract and provides critical passive immunity during the vulnerable first days of life.

5What is the primary structural unit of the breast responsible for producing milk?

A.The areola

B.The alveolus

C.The nipple pore

D.The Cooper's ligament

Explanation: The alveolus (plural: alveoli) is the primary milk-producing structure in the breast. Alveoli are small, grape-like sacs lined with lactocytes (milk-producing cells) and surrounded by myoepithelial cells that contract to eject milk. Clusters of alveoli form lobules, which connect to ducts leading to the nipple.

6A mother reports that her baby is 2 days old and she is producing only small amounts of thick, yellowish fluid. What should the lactation counselor advise?

A.This is abnormal and the baby should be supplemented with formula immediately

B.This is normal colostrum production and the baby's stomach is small enough that these amounts are sufficient for the first few days

C.The mother should stop breastfeeding and pump exclusively instead

D.The mother should drink more water to increase milk volume immediately

Explanation: Colostrum production of small amounts (5-7 mL per feeding on day 1, increasing to 15-30 mL by day 3) is completely normal. A newborn's stomach capacity is very small — approximately 5-7 mL on day 1 (marble-sized), increasing gradually. Colostrum is concentrated and perfectly designed to meet the newborn's needs until copious milk production begins around days 3-5.

7Signs of an effective latch include all of the following EXCEPT:

A.Baby's mouth is wide open with flanged lips

B.More areola visible above the upper lip than below the lower lip

C.Clicking or smacking sounds during sucking

D.Rhythmic suck-swallow pattern with audible swallowing

Explanation: Clicking or smacking sounds during breastfeeding typically indicate that the baby is breaking suction — a sign of an ineffective or shallow latch. Signs of a good latch include: wide-open mouth with flanged lips, more areola visible above the upper lip than below, rhythmic jaw movements with audible swallowing, and the mother feeling tugging but not pain after initial latch.

8The cross-cradle hold is particularly useful for:

A.Mothers who have had a cesarean delivery

B.Newborns learning to latch because it gives the mother maximum control over head positioning

C.Exclusively nighttime feedings

D.Mothers who want to breastfeed twins simultaneously

Explanation: The cross-cradle hold is especially effective for newborns still learning to latch because the mother uses the hand opposite the feeding breast to support the baby's head, giving her precise control over positioning at the breast. The baby's body rests across the mother's lap, and the mother can guide the baby onto the breast with optimal head and neck support.

9A mother recovering from a cesarean section delivery would most benefit from which breastfeeding position?

A.Cross-cradle hold with baby across the abdomen

B.Football (clutch) hold or side-lying position to avoid pressure on the incision

C.Upright sitting with the baby on her lap facing her

D.Standing while holding the baby

Explanation: The football (clutch) hold and side-lying position are recommended for mothers recovering from cesarean delivery because they keep the baby's weight off the abdominal incision. In the football hold, the baby is tucked under the mother's arm at her side. Side-lying allows both mother and baby to rest comfortably without abdominal pressure.

10How often should a healthy newborn breastfeed in the first few weeks of life?

A.Once every 6-8 hours on a strict schedule

B.At least 8-12 times per 24 hours, or approximately every 2-3 hours

C.Only when the baby cries loudly

D.Three times per day with water supplementation between feedings

Explanation: Healthy newborns should breastfeed at least 8-12 times per 24 hours (approximately every 2-3 hours) in the early weeks. Frequent feeding stimulates milk production, establishes supply, prevents engorgement, and ensures adequate caloric intake. Feeding should be responsive (cue-based), not on a rigid schedule.

About the CLC Exam

The CLC certification identifies clinical lactation care providers who have demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to support breastfeeding families. The didactic exam covers breastfeeding physiology, latch and positioning, common problems, maternal and infant nutrition, counseling techniques, and professional ethics aligned with the WHO/UNICEF framework.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours (didactic) + 30 min (practical)

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

$120 ($20 application + $100 exam) (Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP))

CLC Exam Content Outline

~20%

Breastfeeding Physiology & Anatomy

Lactation anatomy, milk production stages, hormonal regulation, and infant oral structures

~20%

Latch, Positioning & Milk Transfer

Latch assessment, positioning techniques, effective feeding signs, and milk transfer evaluation

~25%

Common Problems & Special Circumstances

Nipple pain, engorgement, mastitis, low supply, prematurity, medications, and infant conditions

~15%

Nutrition, Growth & Development

Maternal/infant nutrition, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, and weight gain patterns

~20%

Counseling, Ethics & Public Health

Counseling techniques, WHO Code, breastfeeding promotion, ethics, and public health strategies

How to Pass the CLC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (didactic) + 30 min (practical)
Exam fee: $120 ($20 application + $100 exam)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CLC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the three stages of lactogenesis and the hormonal feedback loop (prolactin and oxytocin)

2Know the signs of effective vs. ineffective latch and when to intervene

3Study common problems chronologically: early days (engorgement, nipple pain) through later months (supply, teething, weaning)

4Understand the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

5Practice counseling-style questions that test empathy, active listening, and appropriate referral decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CLC exam?

The CLC didactic exam consists of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions. There is also a separate practical (LAT) video-based exam portion.

What score do I need to pass the CLC exam?

Candidates must score at least 75% on the didactic (multiple-choice) portion to pass. Both the didactic and practical portions must be passed for certification.

How much does the CLC exam cost?

The application fee is $20 and the exam fee is $100, for a total of $120. This does not include the cost of the required 95-hour education course, which typically ranges from $500-$800.

How long is the CLC exam?

The practical LAT exam takes approximately 30 minutes. Following that, the multiple-choice didactic exam has a 2-hour time limit. Total exam time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Can I retake the CLC exam if I fail?

Yes. You may retake one or both portions of the exam up to three times within one year. Each retake costs $100.

How should I prepare for the CLC exam in 2026?

Focus on lactation physiology and milk production stages, practice identifying proper latch and positioning, study common breastfeeding problems and evidence-based interventions, and review WHO/UNICEF guidelines and counseling techniques.