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State Licensure vs. NCCAOM Certification

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.

It is very important to use the correct terminology when referring to your NCCAOM certification or any license to practice issued to you by a United States jurisdiction. Certification, a form of self-regulation, is a voluntary program by a private nonprofit organization to evaluate practitioners in a particular profession or business. NCCAOM Certifications are usually granted for a 4-year period and must be renewed. Licensure is the process whereby a governmental unit (state or local) grants an individual permission to pursue an occupation or carry out a business subject to regulation under the government’s “police power.” Those who practice without a license, or whose conduct violates a state’s licensing law, risk punishment ranging from criminal prosecution to license suspension or revocation, as well as possible monetary fines. Penalties for violating licensure laws vary from state to state.

 

State License Requirements

Each State Board carries unique requirements for Licensure. As a service to our candidates, a table of requirements for each state can be viewed by clicking link below. NCCAOM does not guarantee the accuracy of the information. State rules and regulations are subject to change, therefore you should always confirm current requirements for licensure with your State Board.

 

State Licensure (table format) or PDF

 

 

 

 

 
 

NCCAOM Designations

When you achieve NCCAOM Certification in: You may designate yourself as:
Oriental Medicine "Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)" or "Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)"
Acupuncture "Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM)" or "Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)"
Chinese Herbology "Diplomate in Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM)" or "Dipl. C.H. (NCCAOM)"
Asian Bodywork Therapy "Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM)" or "Dipl. A.B.T. (NCCAOM)"

 

 

Verification to State Licensing Board

Sending out verification documents to States is not an automatic event.

NCCAOM sends direct verification to states (requirement for State Licensure) once a request has been made by the Candidate submitting an Exam Results Order Form. Please check your State's specific requirements before submitting this form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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Track My Application
If you've submitted an application and have received the Acknowledgement Form with your ID number, you may track your status of approval by clicking Track My Application.

Candidate Handbook and Application 2008
is the official source for certification requirements. Download one today.


State Licensure
Information about State Licensure and Certification/Exam Verification


Eligibility Information
Pre-Graduation, Eligibility Table and Route to Eligibility


Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, CEO - NCCAOM discuss the benefits of NCCAOM Certification