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| Students |
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| Q: Why do I need NCCAOM Certification? |
| A: NCCAOM certification is the only nationally recognized certification available to qualified practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. NCCAOM certification is a requirement for licensure in most states. Many third-party payers recognize NCCAOM certification as a criterion for reimbursement. Employers may require NCCAOM certification as a condition for hiring or promotion. NCCAOM certification indicates to your clients that you adhere to nationally accepted standards of practice. |
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| Q: What is the difference between State Licensure and NCCAOM Certification? |
| A: The NCCAOM is a private, voluntary certification organization. It awards certification in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Oriental Medicine and Asian Bodywork Therapy. It does not award licenses to practice acupuncture or other forms of Oriental medicine. In the United States, licensure laws vary among the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and United States territories and possessions. |
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| Q: What are the fees for certification? |
| A: Fees differ from Certification to Certification. For every certification, there is an application fee and a separate exam(s) fees. For example, a Certification for Acupuncture would cost at a minimum $425 Application Fee and $800 required exams fee - a total minimum of $1225. Please refer to the Fees Schedule on the Candidate Handbook for details. |
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| Q: When can I apply? |
| A: For US students, you may submit an application anytime. For students educated outside the United States, it is advised that you apply after your Foreign Education Evaluation by AACRAO is complete. All applications are good for 4 years so it is advised that applications be submitted near or after graduation. |
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| Q: Can I just take the exams? |
| A: No. You must meet eligibility requirements in order to be approved to take the exam(s). Submission of an application is a prerequisite in order to review your eligibility. |
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| Q: What are my options for downgrading from Oriental Medicine application to Acupuncture? |
A: Downgrade requests are often submitted due to Licensure requirements. In many cases, an applicant submits an OM application later to find their State requires the minimum of Acupuncture Certification. Please carefully review options A and B below before considering a downgrade.
Option A: To downgrade from OM to AC, please submit an Acupuncture application with a fee of $100 administrative fee and a letter stating your reasons for the downgrade request. This action will void your original OM application but will transfer all credits (exams passed) to the newly submitted Acupuncture application. Should you want to certify in OM at a later date or take the Chinese Herbology exam, you'll need to resubmit an OM application and submit a full payment of $550 plus additional Chinese Herbology exam fee.
Option B: You may submit independently an Acupuncture application with the fee of $425. This action will leave your OM application active allowing you to complete the requirements for Acupuncture Certification and later (within 4 years from the initial receipt) complete the requirements for Oriental Medicine.
Please call NCCAOM for more information. |
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| Q: How do I prepare for exams? |
| A: NCCAOM provides content outlines and bibliographies. In addition, NCCAOM offers an online practice test for a small fee. |
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| Q: I'm having technical difficulties with the online practice test. Who do I call? |
| A: You may call NCCAOM's testing vendor - ITS, Inc. at 410-889-2200 for issues such as logins and payments. |
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| Diplomates |
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| Q: I am not listed on the NCCAOM's Certification Registry (Find a Practitioner Search Engine). How do I get listed? |
| A: You may login the to Certification Tracking tool to verify and update your demographic information. Please choose the "List" option for Website Directory Listing Preference under Custom Questions. |
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| Q: When does my certification expire? |
| A: Certification is good for 4 years. Please refer to your wall Certificate or ID card for exact certification date. |
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| Q: How do I recertify? |
| A: Continuing Education is a requirement for recertification. Please download the Recertification Handbook for details. |
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| Q: I am moving to different State. How does it affect my certification? |
| A: NCCAOM Certification is nationally recognized. Portability is one of many benefits of maintaining your certification current. However, since Licensure requirements differ from State to State, it is advised that you check with your State Board. |
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| Q: How do I request/submit a name change? |
| A: To ensure all records are corrected filed, requests for name changes must be submitted in writing with an attached copy of a government issued document (e.g. marriage certification or drivers license) clearly identifying the name change. |
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| General Public |
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| Q: How do I find a practitioner in my area? |
| A: Please use the NCCAOM Certification Registry Search Engine located under the Find a Practitioner tab. The NCCAOM Practitioners who choose to be listed can be found under this Search Engine. The practitioners listed are nationally certified and meet minimum competence to practice. NCCAOM does not make recommendations as it is up to the consumer to make contact before deciding on a practitioner of choice. |
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| Q: I'm interested in becoming a Practitioner. How do I get started? |
| A: In most cases, investigating State Licensing requirements would be your first step. Over 40 States require exams or certification from NCCAOM. Please refer to the Candidate Handbook for details. |
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