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100+ Free CLC Practice Questions

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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.

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.