Acupuncture Licensing by US State: How It Varies
How acupuncture licensing differs across US states, with examples from California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington and Colorado as read from state sources. Not a complete list.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
One country, many rules
There is no national acupuncture license in the United States. NCCIH says state governments decide what credentials practitioners need, and states use mandatory licensure, title licensure or registration. [1] It adds that most states license acupuncturists and requirements vary. [2]Below are the states we could read on official pages. We make no claim about states not listed. Rules change, so confirm with the board before relying on any of this. We do not list practitioners. For a general framework see acupuncture licensing and training.
What we read, state by state
| State | Who licenses | What the official page says |
|---|---|---|
| California | Acupuncture Board | A state license is required and means passing California's own written exam. Qualifying routes: an approved program of at least 3,000 hours, or a board-approved tutorial of at least 3,798 hours. No reciprocity, and the national exam is not accepted in place of the state exam. [3] |
| New York | State Education Department, Office of the Professions | Practicing or using the title "licensed acupuncturist" requires a license. Applicants must be at least 21, have 60 semester hours of college including nine in biosciences, finish an approved acupuncture program, and pass two NCBAHM exams (Acupuncture with Point Location and Foundations of Oriental Medicine). [4] |
| Florida | Board of Acupuncture | Applicants must be 21, complete a training program, pass an NCBAHM or board-approved exam, show professional liability insurance and complete electronic fingerprinting. A 60-hour injection therapy course is required for initial licensure. [5] |
| Texas | Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners | US schools accepted for licensure must be accredited by ACAHM. Applicants also take a jurisprudence exam. [6] |
| Washington | State rules (Washington Administrative Code, chapter 246-803) | Rules name the NCCAOM exams (Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, Biomedicine) and the clean needle technique course as required exams. [7] |
| Colorado | Division of Professions and Occupations, Office of Acupuncture Licensure | The division licenses acupuncture; its page describes a licensing program created in 1989. We did not read Colorado's education or exam rules. [8] |
Things that differ most
- Which exam. California runs its own exam. [3] New York names NCBAHM exams. [4] Washington's rules name NCCAOM exams. [7] Texas's page identifies NCBAHM as formerly NCCAOM. [6]
- Hours and school type. See the figures above and acupuncture schools and accreditation.
- Titles and advertising. Washington limits use of "doctor" in advertising unless the degree is clearly stated. [9] California says O.M.D. may be used only by licensed acupuncturists with an earned doctorate from an approved institution. [10] See titles explained.
- What the license allows. California's board says licensees there may not give injections. [10] Florida's licensing page lists an injection therapy course as part of initial licensure. [5] Texas defines acupuncture as inserting a needle and applying moxibustion, with related thermal or electrical treatments and dietary or herbal recommendations. [6]
Physicians in different states
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture says most states allow physicians to practice acupuncture within their medical license, and that ten states plus the District of Columbia set training requirements. [11] It lists Hawaii as requiring a physician to be a licensed acupuncturist, and says Oklahoma has no law regulating acupuncture. [11] These are the Academy's statements; we did not confirm them with those states. Physicians in New York are certified separately from acupuncturists. [4]Checking your own state
- Search for your state's acupuncture board or health department page.
- Use its license lookup for any practitioner.
- Read what services the license covers.
- Ask questions from how to choose an acupuncturist.
For dry needling by other professions see dry needling regulation and state laws. For national certification see NCCAOM certification and US licensing.
Frequently asked questions
Is acupuncture licensed in every state?
Not on the sources we read. NCCIH says most states license acupuncturists. [2] The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture says Oklahoma has no law regulating it. [11]
Can a license from one state be used in another?
Not always. California does not recognize reciprocity. [3] Check each state.
Do all states require the national exam?
No. California requires its own exam. [3] NCCIH says it is required or accepted in most states. [1]
Where do I verify a license?
With the state board or department for the state where you are treated. California's board says it can confirm whether a license is valid, delinquent or has an action. [10]
Why do some pages say NCBAHM and others NCCAOM?
Texas's page lists NCBAHM as formerly NCCAOM; older sources still use the earlier name. [6]
References
- NCCIH. Credentialing, Licensing, and Education. Read 2026-10-22.
- NCCIH. Acupuncture: What You Need To Know. Read 2026-10-22.
- California Acupuncture Board. Examination Requirements. Read 2026-10-22.
- New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. License Requirements for Acupuncture. Read 2026-10-22.
- Florida Board of Acupuncture. Licensing: Acupuncturist. Read 2026-10-22.
- Texas Medical Board (Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners). Acupuncturist License Application. Read 2026-10-22.
- Washington State Legislature. WAC 246-803-240, Examinations. Read 2026-10-22.
- Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations. Acupuncture. Read 2026-10-22.
- Washington State Legislature. WAC 246-803-020, Advertising. Read 2026-10-22.
- California Acupuncture Board. Consumer Frequently Asked Questions. Read 2026-10-22.
- American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (professional body). Acupuncture Requirements by State. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.