What is the difference between NCCAOM certification and state licensure?

The NCCAOM is a Certification Services agency that validates entry-level competency in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) through professional certification. NCCAOM certification or a passing score on the NCCAOM certification examinations are pre-requisite for licensure as an acupuncturist by 46 states plus the District of Columbia which represents 98% of the states that regulate acupuncture.

State licensure is the process whereby a government (state or local) grants an individual permission to pursue an occupation and/or operate a business. NCCAOM examinations and/or Certification does not guarantee the Diplomate a state acupuncture license; licensing is regulated by the state in which a Diplomate practices and varies greatly from state to state as some states require that applicants for licensure send their NCCAOM exam results, while other states require full NCCAOM certification. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check all prerequisites for state licensure.

The NCCAOM certification and State Licensure are two different credentials and must be obtained and maintained separately.