NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), established in 1982, is a non-profit organization formed by relevant personnel engaged in the profession. Responsible for the examination and certification of American Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists.
The NCCAOM certificate has three independent certificate programs, there are Acupuncture Certificate, Chinese Herbology certificate and Oriental Medicine certificate.
Currently, 45 states in the United States and the District of Columbia have listed the NCCAOM exam and certificate as a prerequisite for state license, so passing the NCCAOM exam is the only way for future to practice in the United States.
NCCAOM® is driven to produce valid and reliable measurements of competence in AHM practitioners who seek certification from us. Choosing an NCCAOM National Board-Certified Acupuncturist™ means receiving excellent care from a professional and qualified practitioner.
1）Generous salary package
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for acupuncturists is $35.92. Hourly wages typically start at $18.96 and go up to $65.36. The median annual salary for TCM physicians is $74,710. Salaries typically start at $39,440 (junior acupuncturist) and go up to $135,950 (senior acupuncturist).
Doctors' salaries and employment also vary according to the state's economic development. Acupuncturists earn a median salary of $128,960 in Maryland, $115,030 in the District of Columbia, and $48,140 in Nebraska, the lowest.
Excellent acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners open private clinics in the United States, and will have more lucrative income.
2）Higher status than other occupations
After obtaining the TCM qualification certificate, American TCM practitioners can choose to join the local TCM association in the United States. Members can not only enjoy various discounts and benefits, but also regularly hold various colorful activities such as academic exchange activities, lectures, free clinics, etc. . The International Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine regularly holds international conferences and conducts international academic exchanges of traditional Chinese medicine.
3）Good employment prospects
The acupuncture industry in the United States is concentrated in Maryland, California and Florida, because there is a better employment environment and strong demand, and it is more conducive to peer exchanges and learning. There are currently an estimated 50,100 acupuncturists in the U.S., and the acupuncturist job market is expected to grow by 12% through 2024.
Route 1
Formal Education: United States Applicant
Route 2
Formal Education: International Applicant
Route 4
Combination of Formal Education & Apprenticeship Applicant
PS:The Apprenticeship for US and International Applicants (Route 3) had be eliminated as of December 31, 2021.
Remarks: Those who have obtained the qualifications through the semi-training examination cannot directly apply for the NCCAOM Oriental Medicine Certificate. They need to apply for the Oriental Medicine Certificate after obtaining the Acupuncturist Certificate.
1.Examination Time
All exams have monthly exam schedules, and the reference time can be flexibly arranged. Theoretical subject tests are divided into Adaptive form and Linear form. The Adaptive form is taken at any time throughout the year, and the Linear form is tested 3-4 times a year (currently only the Adaptive form)
2.Exam Location
The clean needle test is an online test, you can refer to it when you prepare your computer and mobile phone at home
Theory exam subjects are administered through Pearson Vue's test centers in China and around the world
Chinese test centers are: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Taiwan
3.Exam fee
Clean Needle Exam: $150 for English theory test / $200 for Chinese theory test; $75 for practical test (Chinese/English)
Theory exam: English: $310Chinese: $500
4.Exam form
Theoretical subjects:
(1) Adaptive form - 100 questions per exam, 2.5 hours (out of 100 points, 70 points pass); adaptive exam - computer exam (all-choice questions), the difficulty of the next question is determined by the candidate's correct or incorrect previous question , candidates cannot check the questions they have done. After submitting the test paper, the computer will display: PASS/FAIL;
(2) Linear form - 130 questions for each English test, 3.25 hours (out of 100 points, 70 points for passing); 100 questions for Chinese test, 2.5 hours (out of 100 points, 70 points for passing). Linear test - computer test (all multiple choice questions), unified test difficulty, after completing all the questions, you can return to check the modified questions, after submitting the test paper, the computer will not display the results, it takes 30-45 working days to check the test score
(3) CNT: Online exam. There are multiple exams every month. The order of the exam is changed to apply for the theory exam first, and then apply for the practical exam after passing the exam. Exam results will be notified by email within 10 working days.
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