License Requirements

Individuals wishing to practice acupuncture in California must first obtain a state license, which requires qualifying for and passing California's written examination administered by the Acupuncture Board.

California does not recognize out-of-state licensing for practice in this state. The Acupuncture Board believes that, because it has no oversight authority of education and examination standards outside of California, it cannot ensure basic competency of those licensees to California consumers. Licensees from out-of-state may not practice in California until they have taken and passed the California exam and received their California license.