Pan-Canadian Entry-Level Examination in Acupuncture

For aspiring Acupuncturists in British Columbia, passing the Pan-Canadian Entry-Level Examination is a critical step toward registration with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). 

This guide breaks down the exam structure, eligibility, and application process specific to BC, mirroring the detailed framework used for the Acupuncturist Exam. 

What Is the Pan-Canadian Entry-Level Examination?

The Pan-Canadian Entry-Level Examinations in TCM and Acupuncture are designed to assess the entry-level occupational competencies required for safe, competent, and ethical practice. 
 

There are separate exams for: 

• TCM Practitioners 
• Acupuncturists 
• TCM Herbalists 

The exams are administered by CARB-TCMPA (Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists). 

What Is the Acupuncturist Exam?

Exam Structure and Scoring

The Pan-Canadian exams are national entry-to-practice tests that ensure new graduates can practice safely and competently. 

The Acupuncturists exam consists of two computer-based components:

1. Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) 

• Duration: 2.5 hours 
• Questions: 125 questions 
• Format & Focus: Tests independent knowledge across acupuncture foundations, point location, techniques, diagnosis, biomedical sciences, safety, and ethics. 

2. Clinical Case Question (CCQ) 

• Duration: 2.5 hours 
• Questions: 40 questions 
• Format & Focus: Features case-based scenarios with multiple-choice and multiple-select questions to assess clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and treatment planning. 

The total seated testing time is about 5 hours, not including check-in, instructions, and any breaks between sections. 

How the Acupuncturist exam is marked:

Two components, each counting for 50% of your total mark. 

• CARB-TCMPA uses a scaled scoring system; a total scaled score of at least 400 is required to pass. 
• Key Details: Points are not deducted for incorrect answers. For multiple-select questions, partial marks may be awarded for correct selections, but selecting more options than required results in 0 marks for that question. 
• The exam rewards accurate decision-making, clean clinical logic, and careful reading under time pressure. 

Eligibility Requirements in BC

CCHPBC determines who can write. Key requirements for the Registered Acupuncturist pathway include: 

• Approved Acupuncture Education: Graduation from a program meeting CCHPBC's minimum standards of 1,900 total hours, including a 450-hour practicum (with at least 225 supervised hours), completed over a minimum of 3 academic years. 
• Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirement: At least 60 credits (two years) from an accredited college/university, or demonstration of substantial equivalency. 
• Currency of Education: If your acupuncture graduation was not recent, a pre-approved refresher course may be required. 
  
  Graduated more than 3 years ago: May require a refresher (typically 50-100 hours). 

Always verify your status against the latest CCHPBC application guide, as rules are subject to change. 

The BC Application Process

Submit your Pan-Canadian Exam application to CCHPBC’s Licensure Department (TCMA Examination Applications). CCHPBC publishes a detailed guide for each exam sitting. 

When and Where:

• When: Align with the twice-yearly national schedule (Spring: April/May; Fall: October/November). BC-specific deadlines are posted by CCHPBC. 
• Where: In-person at computer-based testing centres managed by Meazure Learning. Location preferences are considered but not guaranteed. 

Required Documents: 

You will typically need to provide: 

• Uploads: Completed application form, recent photo, government-issued photo ID. 
• Official Documents Sent Directly to CCHPBC:
  
  Official acupuncture program transcript. 
  Official transcript for the liberal arts/sciences requirement.
  A credential evaluation from a recognized Canadian service (e.g., ICES) is mandatory for international education. 

Fees:

• Application Fee: Paid to CCHPBC; usually non-refundable. 
• Examination Fee: Paid after application approval. The Acupuncturist exam fee is $942 (2025 fee). 
• Crucial: CCHPBC sends payment links via email with strict deadlines. Missing a deadline can cancel your application for that sitting. 

Rewrite and Retake Rules: 

BC has structured retake policies: 

• After one failure, a 50-hour pre-approved refresher is typically required before a second attempt. 
• After two failures, a 100-hour pre-approved refresher is usually required before a third attempt. 
• After three failures, you may be ineligible to retake, per CCHPBC policy. 
• Withdrawal refunds depend on deadlines; deferrals are generally not permitted. 

Important Dates: What to Know for Your Pan-Canadian Acupuncturist Exam Timeline

If you’re planning to write the Pan-Canadian Acupuncture exam in British Columbia, following the timeline is essential. 

• Application Period
  Apply in early December (spring exam) or early June (fall exam). The final deadline is mid-January or mid-July. Submit a complete application with all documents; late submissions are not accepted.
   
• Accommodation & Payment 
  Submit any accommodation requests with your application. If approved, pay the exam fee by the deadline, typically one month after applications close, to secure your spot.
   
• Withdrawal
  To cancel, submit a withdrawal form about one month before the exam for a partial exam fee refund. The application fee is non-refundable.
   
• Exam Dates 
  The exam is held twice yearly. The TCM Practitioner exam has two parts (Multiple-Choice and Clinical Case) taken on separate days at a testing centre.
   

Pro Tip: Always verify dates in the latest CCHPBC application guide and prepare documents early. 

Preparing with a Recognized Program: Vancouver Career College
 

The exam tests entry-level clinical competence. Your education program is foundational to building the reasoning and safety judgment the exam requires. Vancouver Career College’s Acupuncture Diploma Program supports exam readiness by aligning with BC's regulatory expectations: 

CCHPBC Recognition

The program is recognized by CCHPBC, ensuring it meets the educational requirements for registration.

Curriculum That Supports Exam-Level Thinking 

Training covers TCM foundations, acupuncture point mastery, techniques, diagnosis, biomedical sciences, and professional practice—essential for the exam's broad scope. 

Extensive Clinical Experience 

The program emphasizes hands-on clinical learning with over 450 hours of practicum. Students diagnose and treat under supervision, discussing plans with instructors, which mirrors the case-based CCQ exam component.

Focus on Professional Practice & Proven Outcomes 

Courses include safety, ethics, and clinic operations. This integrated approach prepares students effectively, as demonstrated by the program's 95.45% pass rate on the Pan-Canadian Acupuncture Examination in April 2024. 

Final Thoughts

The Pan-Canadian exam is a crucial step in BC's acupuncture registration process. Success requires navigating the full regulatory framework set by the CCHPBC. 

For effective planning, prioritize these two actions: first, strictly follow the current CCHPBC application guide for your chosen exam sitting. Second, invest in an education program that emphasizes supervised clinical practice to build genuine competence, like Vancouver Career College’s Acupuncture Diploma Program. This foundation is key to achieving your long-term professional registration.