Follow these steps to become certified as a Lifestyle Medicine diplomate (dipIBLM) with the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Check your eligibility and availability to complete the prerequisites 30 days prior to the upcoming 2026 exam date on 29 November 2026.
Step 2: Enrol for certification
Enrol for the 2026 certification exam by 1 November 2026. Once you have enrolled, follow the prompts to register for your exam date and find details of the location. The enrolment fee includes a non-refundable registration fee, certification fee, and your sitting to the in-person exam. Please note that if you do not pay, you are not registered.
Licensed doctors/physicians (MD. MBBS or equivalent)
Masters or Doctorate degree (health or allied discipline)
Step 3: 30 hours – Online CME
Completion of 30 hours of online CME from an approved course. The Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review (NO CME/CE) is strongly recommended. Receive special pricing of US$499 as a DFN registrant. As part of this course, you will have access to a printable e-book that contains revision material for the exam. You will need to provide us with the course completion certificate at least 30 days before sitting the exam.
Please note: contrary to what may be displayed on the ACLM website, the Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review (NO CME/CE) course DOES count towards CME for the certification in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Step 4: 20 hours – Event CME
Completion of 20 hours of CME from in-person or virtual approved events. We recommend ACLM LM2026 or ACLM 2026 Online. Attend the ACLM conference online for a special price as a DFN registrant. Please contact us for your exclusive discount code. You will need to provide us with the event completion certificate by 8 December 2026 if attending the ACLM conference online.
Submit your prerequisite documentation by 1 November 2026.
Step 5: Case study (licensed doctors/physicians only)
Provide a case study outlining your personal experience with lifestyle medicine. A free case study template is available for you. You will need to provide us with the case study at least 30 days before sitting the exam.
Step 6: Certification exam
Sit the exam on 29th November 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
Consider signing up to the Lifestyle Medicine Question Bank – a powerful tool for exam prep.
Congratulations! Based on your category, you are now either a ‘Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician’ or a ‘Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner’, both with international recognition, and a diplomate of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (DipIBLM).
Exam results are usually released around December 23rd. You’ll receive your printed diplomate certificate via postal mail.
Don’t miss this chance to redefine your career while contributing to a healthier future for your patients. Secure your spot and become lifestyle medicine certified in 2025!
Lifestyle Medicine Certification Guide
Our concise two-page guide provides health professionals with a clear, practical overview of Lifestyle Medicine—what it is, why it matters in modern clinical care, and how it can transform patient outcomes. It outlines the pathway to becoming a diplomate of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine, including key steps, requirements, and benefits. Ideal as a quick reference or introductory resource, the guide supports clinicians to take the next step toward formal certification.
Maintenance of Certification (MOC)
The International Board of Lifestyle Medicine offers two ways to maintain certification:
- Annual pathway (recommended): Sign up for the IBLM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) in the first three months after initial certification (prior to 31 March 2027), submit payment annually by March 31, read three assigned articles with quizzes each year, and complete 30 CME hours every five years. Or,
- Exam pathway: Re-sit the full exam after 10 years..
Timeline
Begin your journey today by completing the required prerequisites, including online and event-based Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. Our team will guide you every step of the way to ensure you’re fully prepared for certification.
| 1 November | 2026 registrations close |
| 1 November | 30h CME online course pre-requisites due |
| 1 November | Confirmation of sitting the exam in 2026 |
| 8-11 November | ACLM LM26 Virtual Conference (use code provided) |
| 29 November | Lifestyle Medicine Certification Exam – same weekend as conference |
| 8 December | All final pre-requisites due (including 20h CME virtual events and case study – physicians only) |
| 23 December | Exam results are published |
| By 31 March 2027 | Sign up for the IBLM MOC (maintenance of certification) pathway to keep your certification current (recommended), or re-sit the full exam every 10 years. |
Don’t miss this chance to redefine your career while contributing to a healthier future for your patients. Secure your spot and become lifestyle medicine certified in 2025!
Further study
Available through the American College of Lifestyle medicine (ACLM):
- Blue Zones Certification Course
- Other relevant courses can be found here.
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Unsure about your eligibility or the next steps?
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Join us and save!
Healthcare professionals who join our DFN membership program will receive 10% off the Lifestyle Medicine Certification enrolment.
→ Not currently a member? Click ‘JOIN US!’ as a Healthcare Professional member.
→ Click ‘LOGIN’ to login to your existing DFN membership.
→ Click ‘ENROL NOW’ above the relevant qualification to create an account and pay for the certification without joining.
