Changes to exams effective June 2026

The Council approved termination of the practical components of the Alberta Acupuncture Registration Examinations (AARE). New candidates who have never attempted the AARE are not required to take or pass the acupuncture points or modalities exams. April 2026 was the last general administration of the practical exams.

Impact for current students who have never written the AARE

Students who have never written the AARE are subject to the new policy and registration requirements. To register with the College, you will have to meet the registration requirements in place at the time you apply. As of June 2026, those requirements include passing the Pan-Canadian Examination and completing the College's online safety module.

Impact for Alberta graduates who passed the AARE

Candidates who passed all components of the AARE may proceed with registration.

Impact for Alberta graduates who failed a practical component of the AARE

Candidates who failed the acupuncture points or modalities exam, or both, remain subject to the registration requirements and policy that were in effect at the time they wrote the AARE.

Any candidates who wrote the AARE in April 2026 or prior and failed any component must still pass all components of the AARE. The College is providing a one-year transition period to support candidates in meeting their exam requirements.

Approved registration exams

The Council approves registration exams that may be used as an entry-to-practice exam in Alberta. The following exams are approved:

  • Alberta Acupuncture Registration Examinations (AARE)
  • Acupuncture Certification of the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine exam
  • California Acupuncture Licensing Examination
Important: An Alberta-based applicant who writes the Acupuncture Certification of the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine through the College does not gain the ability to be licensed or work in the United States. The College is currently working on an updated registration process to accommodate candidates who choose the NCBAHM exam.

Alberta Acupuncture Registration Examinations information

The Alberta Acupuncture Registration Examinations include the following components:

  • Pan-Canadian Acupuncturists Examination administered by CARB-TCMPA
  • Online Safety Module offered by the College

    • For the most current and accurate information regarding the Pan-Canadian Examinations, refer directly to the CARB-TCMPA website and communicate with CARB-TCMPA for any inquiries.

    Important dates

      FALL EXAMINATION SPRING EXAMINATION
    Application Opens June 1st December 1st
    Application Closes July 15th January 15th
    Examination Fees Due August 15th February 15th

    Exam withdrawal

    Applicants who withdraw after the examination fees due date may not receive a full refund. Applicants must contact CARB-TCMPA if their withdrawal is within four weeks of the exam administration date.

Eligibility for exams

Applicants educated in Alberta can apply for examinations if:

  • The applicant has obtained a diploma from an approved acupuncture education program; OR
  • At the time of application, the applicant is enrolled in and actively completing the final year of their approved acupuncture education.

Applicants educated in a Canadian jurisdiction outside of Alberta must upload a copy of their diploma and transcripts to their online application form. Additional documentation, such as a program syllabus, may be requested.

International applicants must upload an education credential assessment from a designated organization and copy of their diploma to their online application form. The education credential assessment must indicate a minimum 3 years of training in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine or Medicine with a focus in Chinese Medicine. Additional documentation may be requested.

More information on eligible credential assessments can be found in the International Graduates section on our Applications page.