1. Assessment Method:
   The IBLM certification involves a standardised, globally developed examination. Written by an international panel of experts, it ensures a rigorous and objective assessment of knowledge, with a focus on practical application.
2. Evidence-Based Standards:
   The IBLM emphasises interventions supported by peer-reviewed research, making it the gold standard for evidence-based practice.
3. Global Recognition:
   IBLM certification is accepted internationally, including in the UK, Australia, Nigeria, and the USA. The same exam is administered worldwide and translated into multiple languages.
4. Independent Collaboration:
   Educational content and CMEs are provided by independent, accredited organisations, ensuring diversity in preparation resources.
5. UK Accessibility:
   In the UK, IBLM partners with Plant-Based Health Professionals UK to support candidates, including hosting the London-based exam on November 8th, 2025.

The certification is open to licensed physicians and health professionals with advanced degrees: 

• To certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician you must hold an MD, MBBS or equivalent degree
• To certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Professional, you must hold a Masters or Doctorate degree in a health or allied health discipline

The IBLM exam tests knowledge of key lifestyle medicine competencies, including:

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Sleep health 
• Emotional well-being and stress management
• Substance cessation 
• Health behaviour change
• Positive psychology and social connections
• Personal health and community advocacy by practitioners

Emphasis is placed on both evidence-based interventions and practical application.

The full list of core competencies and their relative weighting can be found here.

Yes, approved courses are recommended to meet the online CME requirement. We strongly recommend using the Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course (LMBRC – no-CME). Please note that the no-CME version of this course is sufficient, not the CME version. A certificate of completion, issued after completing all modules, is required as evidence of meeting this prerequisite.

Event CME hours can be earned through various approved events, such as those organised by Plant-Based Health Professionals UK – the Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Conferences (NLMC). In 2025, you can complete the full 20 hours of event CME by attending the following:

• 4th October 2025: Online NLMC conference
• 6th & 7th November 2025: In-person NLMC conference in South Kensington, London

If these dates are unsuitable, you may attend other approved events. A full list of approved CME options is available on the Eligibility & Prerequisites webpage under the subtitle “CMEs”

Please note: the exam will be in central London on 8th November, 2025.

The case study will detail a patient case (which may include yourself) where lifestyle change was prescribed as the primary treatment for one or more chronic conditions. It will highlight your personal experience with lifestyle medicine, and need only focus on a single pillar. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to apply principles learned during your CME course in practical, real-world scenarios. The template and instructions can be found here.

The total cost varies based on the CME courses and events you select, your profession, and whether you are a member of Plant-Based Health Professionals UK (PBHP UK). Below is an estimated cost range using the Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Course (LMBRC – no-CME) and the NLMC events:

Enrollment Fees

Includes certification fee + non-refundable registration fee (physicians – £235, professionals – £155)

• Member professional: £1069
• Non-member professional: £1169
• Member physician: £1299
• Non-member physician: £1399

Course Fees

• No-CME LMBRC: $499 (~£390)

Conference Fees

• 2-day in-person event: £135–£220 (depending on early bird offers and membership status)
• 1-day virtual event: ~£25

Estimated Total

• Member professional: £1219–£1304
• Non-member professional: £1319–£1404
• Member physician: £1449–£1534
• Non-member physician: £1549–£1634

These estimates will vary if you choose alternative CME courses or events.

PBHP UK provides a range of resources to help you prepare, including:

• WhatsApp Group: Connect with peers for ongoing support
• Small Study Groups (virtual): Collaborate with others for focused learning
• Live CME Events: Gain practical knowledge and insights
• Monthly Webinars: Broaden your understanding of Lifestyle Medicine
• Certified Exam Tutors: Receive expert guidance and tips

These resources are designed to enhance your confidence and readiness for the exam.

You can defer your place to the following year without penalty, provided you notify us at least two weeks before the exam date.

You can retake the exam the following year by paying the non-refundable registration fee again (£235 for physicians, £155 for professionals). However, if you wait two years or more to retake the exam, you will need to pay the full enrollment fee.

CMEs are valid for 36 months.

To stay up to date and maintain your Lifestyle Medicine certification, you may enroll in the IBLM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) pathway. This involves reading three articles with quizzes annually, earning 30 CME hours every five years, and paying an annual fee by March 31st. The MOC pathway is cost-effective and avoids the need to retake the exam after 10 years. 

CME for the maintenance of certification

We offer the following as CME for the MOC:

• Plant-Based Health Professionals UK webinars 
• All Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Conferences
• University of Winchester courses:
  • Plant-based nutrition 
  • Cancer and lifestyle medicine 

The IBLM (International Board of Lifestyle Medicine) certification and the BSLM (British Society of Lifestyle Medicine) accreditation differ significantly in their structure, assessment methods, and scope. Both qualifications offer valuable learning opportunities depending on professional goals. However, the IBLM certification provides a globally recognised, evidence-based qualification that emphasises international collaboration, rigorous assessment, and practical application. For professionals aspiring to an international career or wishing to align with global standards, IBLM remains the benchmark.