NCCAOM

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is a non‑profit organization that establishes and administers certification and licensing examinations for acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in the United States. Founded in 1985, the commission was created to develop uniform standards that protect public health and to provide an objective assessment of practitioner competence across state regulatory frameworks.

NCCAOM’s core functions include the development, delivery, and scoring of national examinations. For acupuncture certification, the Board Examination for Acupuncture (BEA) is required in many states, with a two‑stage format: a multiple‑choice test covering theory and a clinical assessment that evaluates technical skill. The commission also certifies practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine through the Certified Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner exam. These exams are recognized by numerous state licensing boards, and holders of NCCAOM certification are often required to meet state licensing criteria or to obtain additional state‑specific examinations.

In addition to examinations, the NCCAOM maintains a comprehensive database of certified practitioners, publishes practice guidelines and safety standards, and offers continuing education resources. The organization is governed by a board of directors that includes clinicians, educators, and research scholars. Membership is open to licensed acupuncture and TCM practitioners who meet the commission’s eligibility requirements.

NCCAOM collaborates closely with national and state regulatory agencies, professional associations, and academic institutions to promote the quality and legitimacy of acupuncture and TCM practice. By providing standardized certification, the commission seeks to enhance public confidence, support uniform training standards, and facilitate the integration of evidence‑based TCM practices within the broader healthcare system.