Five Branches University students received the highest passing rate on the California licensing exam, in Northern California in 2009! Thank you to the Five Branches faculty and students who worked hard to achieve this highest standing!

Since the start of 2009, Five Branches had 20 students take the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination. Ranked Number 1 in California among schools with 10 or more students taking the exam, over half of these first-time test takers passed by more than 15 points and two Five Branches students received 90% or higher.

Tiffa Taylor, Five Branches Faculty and Department Chair of the Review and Assessment Department works with students throughout the four year term preparing students for this examination. There are four courses designed to review coursework each year and to assess the knowledge students have obtained from the curriculum. The students worked really hard, preparing for this examination, and I am incredibly proud of them, states Tiffa.

The California Acupuncture Licensing Examination

Students who have graduated from a TCM school who want to practice acupuncture in California must first obtain a state license, which requires qualifying for and passing the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination.The examination tests the competency of entry level acupuncturists. In order to qualify for California’s examination, an applicant must furnish satisfactory evidence of completion of an approved acupuncture and Oriental medicine training program containing a minimum of 3,000 hours of theoretical and clinical training. Licensee’s from other states or individuals who have passed the National NCCAOM examination may not practice until they have passed the California examination. The Acupuncture Board offers the examination in Mandarin, Korean and English. The content of the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination is based on the results of a comprehensive occupational analysis. Licensed acupuncturists in California are surveyed on a regular basis to determine the tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities that are important components of the acupuncture profession.

Congratulations to all the Five Branches students who passed the exam!