Published on September 12, 2025
📝 Introduction to the NCCAOM Exam
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam is the national certification exam required for becoming a licensed acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner in most U.S. states.
Exam Modules
- Foundations of Oriental Medicine (FOM)
- Acupuncture with Point Location (ACPL)
- Biomedicine (BIO)
- Chinese Herbology (CH) – optional module
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions, offered at Pearson VUE test centers across the U.S.
This exam is a crucial step toward professional practice in the U.S. and ensures candidates meet national competency standards.
📊 Pass Rates for the NCCAOM Exam
Based on historical data, approximate pass rates:
- Foundations (FOM): 75–85%
- Acupuncture (ACPL): 70–80%
- Biomedicine (BIO): 65–75%
- Herbology (CH): 60–70%
Key factors affecting pass rates
- English proficiency
- Use of systematic study tools
- Familiarity with exam-style practice tests
Compared with the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE), the NCCAOM focuses more on academic theory and knowledge, while California’s exam emphasizes clinical practice and regulations.
📚 Recommended Study Resources
1) Official Resources
2) Standard Textbooks
- Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine
- Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion
- A Manual of Acupuncture (Peter Deadman)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Bensky)
3) Online Tools & Platforms
- Core features are free: targeted flashcards designed for NCCAOM modules
- Every practice item includes detailed explanations; each card links to case-based analysis
- Shared flashcard sets available in English and Chinese; explanations follow the selected language (friendly for non-English speakers)
- Audio playback supports on-the-go review (driving, chores, walking)
- Note: AI-generated content may contain occasional errors — best used alongside textbooks/official resources
- Large exam-style question bank; practice categorized by exam topics; useful for readiness checks
- Pricing: $18/day or $150+/month (varies by plan)
- Money-saving tip: First Tuesday of each month → $5 for 1-day full access
- Cons: Costly for long-term use
- Covers both NCCAOM and Canadian exams
- Offers online practice, textbooks, and physical flashcards ($65–100 per subject)
- Cons: All resources are paid; total cost can add up
- Articles and resources related to TCM learning and practice
- Cons: Not an exam-specific practice platform; best as supplemental reading
- Free/basic flashcards and spaced-repetition tools
- Cons: Not exam-specific; explanations often missing; requires self-curation
YouTube tutorials
- Useful for point location demos and diagnostic walkthroughs
- Cons: Not structured to match NCCAOM modules
🎯 Study Strategies and Exam Tips
1) Time Management
- Recommended study duration: 6–12 months
- Daily routine: 2–3 hours, rotate across modules
2) Key Focus Areas
- Point Location: high-frequency points such as ST36 (Zusanli), LI4 (Hegu), DU20 (Baihui)
- Differentiation Theories: Eight Principles, Zang-Fu, Six Channel differentiation
- Herbology: common herbs, properties, and formulas
- Biomedicine: pathology, anatomy, pharmacology basics
3) Effective Memory Techniques
- Use flashcard tools (TCMFLASH.COM recommended for explanations + case applications)
- Create mind maps for meridians, formulas, and diagnostic frameworks
- Take full-length mock exams to simulate the real test environment
4) Exam-Day Strategies
- Multiple-choice: eliminate obviously wrong answers; focus on keywords
- Time management: allocate 1–2 minutes per question
- Complete at least 2–3 full mock exams before test day
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My English is not good, will it affect the exam?
A: When registering, you can choose the Chinese test version. However:
- Some states may require proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL) during licensing — always check your target state’s policy in advance.
- The Chinese version costs about $150–200 more per module than the English version — plan your budget accordingly.
Q: Can I retake the exam if I fail a module?
A: Yes. Each module can be retaken individually, but you must pay the exam fee again. Review your incorrect answers and strengthen weak areas before retaking.
Q: Do I need to prepare for both the NCCAOM and California exams?
A: It depends on your career plan. If you plan to practice in California, you must also take the CALE. The two exams share approximately 70% of their content.
✅ Conclusion
The NCCAOM exam requires thorough preparation, but with the right resources and study plan, the pass rates are encouraging. Focus on consistent time management, structured learning tools, and effective memory strategies.
Recommended Platform: TCMFLASH.COM — not just a flashcard tool, but a comprehensive study companion with detailed explanations, bilingual sets, case-based learning, and audio-enabled review.