CMBA Herbal Medicine MCQ study plan

Map the Domain 1 syllabus into single-herb categories (release exterior, clear heat, tonify, transform phlegm, etc.) and label each category with its core representative herbs

Memorise properties, channels entered, and primary actions for the release-exterior and clear-heat herb groups using spaced-repetition cards

Distinguish the key clinical differences between closely related herbs in the same category (e.g. warming vs cooling exterior releasers) in writing

Build a personal herb-comparison table with columns for nature, flavour, channels, actions, and cautions

Memorise properties, actions, and contraindications for tonifying, phlegm-transforming, and blood-invigorating herbs

Write the classical formulae most associated with each herb group and identify the chief herb in each formula

Explain the safety cautions for toxic or potent herbs (e.g. those requiring processing or restricted dosing) in your own words

Complete at least 60 Domain 1 practice MCQs and log every wrong answer with the reason

Memorise the channel pathways, functions, and key indications for the most commonly tested acupuncture points by body region

Locate each point on a body chart or model and state its needling depth, angle, and contraindications

List the major contraindications and cautions for needling (e.g. pregnancy points, deep needling near organs) and rehearse them aloud

Group points by clinical scenario (e.g. digestive, gynaecological, musculoskeletal) to practise point selection

Consolidate acupuncture safety and point-selection knowledge by completing 50 Domain 2 MCQs and reviewing all errors

Memorise the eight principles, six excesses, and the core zang-fu patterns with their key signs and symptoms

Practise writing pattern diagnoses from short clinical vignettes (symptoms, tongue, pulse) without looking at the answer

Explain the relationship between qi, blood, yin, yang, and body fluids in a written summary

Memorise tongue and pulse findings and link each to its corresponding pattern

Work through at least 40 Domain 3 MCQs covering pattern identification and treatment principles

Practise differentiating similar patterns (e.g. liver qi stagnation vs liver fire) with written comparison notes

Apply the four levels and six stages frameworks to sample case descriptions

Outline the legal and regulatory framework governing herbal practice in your jurisdiction, including registration, prescribing, and dispensing responsibilities

State the professional and ethical duties around informed consent, confidentiality, and scope of practice

List the key safety protocols for herb-drug interactions, adverse-event reporting, and referral

Write short answers to 10 scenario-based professional-practice questions and compare them against reference standards

Complete a full-length timed mock covering all four domains under exam conditions

Analyse results by domain and identify the two weakest areas for targeted revision

Revisit error logs from weeks 1-6 and re-test the most frequently missed facts

Practise pacing and question-reading strategy on flagged or ambiguous items

Re-test all weak facts identified in week 7 using spaced-repetition cards until recall is consistent

Complete two shorter mixed-domain mocks and compare scores for improvement

Review all safety, regulatory, and ethical content one final time

Rehearse a calm exam-day routine, including time allocation per section