NCCAOM Acupuncture study plan

Recite the Yin-Yang relationships and the Eight Principles from memory, then classify 30 mixed clinical vignettes by principle pairs

Reproduce the Five Element correspondence table (color, sound, odor, emotion, sense organ, tissue, taste, season, climate) closed-book

Explain the physiological functions and interrelationships of each Zang and Fu organ in writing, one paragraph per organ

Build a one-page condensed reference sheet for Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids (production, functions, relationships)

Diagram the generation, control, over-acting, and insulting cycles of the Five Elements and apply each to two clinical patterns

Compare the Six Levels and Four Levels models, listing the hallmark signs of each stage side by side

Distinguish the four major external pathogenic factors by their presenting signs, and differentiate wind-cold from wind-heat in 15 vignettes

Trace the pathway of Qi, Blood, and Fluid pathology to organ patterns, naming the causative mechanism for 25 pattern statements

Label every primary meridian and its points on a blank body map from memory without reference

Recite the point categories (Five Shu, Yuan-Source, Luo-Connecting, Xi-Cleft, Front-Mu, Back-Shu) and list member points for at least six channels

Locate and describe the anatomical landmarks, needling angle, and depth for the Five Shu points of all twelve channels

Demonstrate the cun measurement system by self-measuring proportional distances on the forearm, abdomen, and lower leg

Identify the Eight Confluent points and the Hui meeting points, and state the tissue or function each influences

Locate the Back-Shu and Front-Mu points of all Zang-Fu organs and pair each organ with both

List the extra points and empirical points most commonly tested, with landmark, angle, and depth for each

Complete 200 timed point-identification flashcards at 85% or higher accuracy

Explain the clinical reasoning for point selection (local, distal, symptomatic, empirical) using five case vignettes

Interpret standard laboratory panels (CBC, CMP, thyroid, HbA1c, lipids, urinalysis) and flag values outside reference range

Differentiate the red-flag presentations that require immediate medical referral from those appropriate for continued acupuncture care

Explain the biomedical pathophysiology, typical signs, and conventional management of the ten highest-yield conditions seen in acupuncture practice

Describe clinically relevant drug classes (anticoagulants, antihypertensives, hypoglycemics, corticosteroids, opioids) and their implications for needle treatment

Outline the signs and immediate response steps for syncope, pneumothorax, and anaphylaxis during a treatment session

Describe universal precautions and the full clean needle technique sequence from hand hygiene through sharps disposal

Identify the anatomical danger zones (lung field, major vessels, spinal canal, eye, throat) and state the safe angle and depth for each

Summarize informed consent, scope of practice, record-keeping requirements, and mandatory reporting obligations for the acupuncture setting

Explain the ethical and legal handling of a patient who discloses a condition outside your scope of practice

Recite OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards and the correct procedure for a needlestick exposure

List absolute and relative contraindications and precautions for acupuncture by region, patient population, and condition

Compare treatment-modification strategies for pregnancy, anticoagulation, diabetes, and immunocompromise

Draft a complete sample patient chart including intake, assessment, treatment plan, consent, and adverse-event documentation

Explain professional boundaries, dual relationships, and confidentiality obligations in practice

Complete two full-length timed practice examinations under test conditions and score each section

Rank your four domain scores and re-drill the two weakest domains to 85% or higher

Review every item in your personal correction logs and re-test on previously missed points, patterns, and red flags

Rehearse the point-location map and the CNT sequence one final time for speed and accuracy