At a glance

Licence status
Licence required See the source
Routes

Your roadmap

Trained in Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $1,512
  • 4 steps without a listed fee
  • Listed time: 1.6 months (only 1 of 7 steps state a time)
  1. You apply for registration with the NLCHP and submit the required documents, such as photo ID, a conduct check, transcripts, insurance proof and certificates.

    Source
    “Applicants will need to submit the following:”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  2. If you are scheduled to take or have taken the national or clinical competency exam and are waiting for results, you can be granted temporary registration while you wait.

    Source
    “Provided you meet all other registration requirements, if you are scheduled to complete or have completed your National Certification Exam / Clinical Competency Exam and are waiting on results you will be granted a temporary status.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  3. Once approved for registration you are automatically registered to write the Pan-Canadian Examination for acupuncture at the next available exam date.

    • Pan-Canadian Examination (PCE) fee: $942
      Source
      “The cost for the PCE is $942 (plus tax)”
      nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
    Source
    “Applicants approved for registration with NLCHP will be automatically registered to write the PCE.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  4. Once approved for registration in NL you are automatically registered to complete the in-person practical modalities exam at the next available date.

    • Clinical Competency Exam fee: $450
      Source
      “The cost for the Clinical Competency Exam, which includes the following modalities, is $450:”
      nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
    Source
    “Applicants approved for registration in NL will automatically be registered to complete the exam at the next available date.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  5. You must complete an online safety module, which you get access to through your registration application, and then provide proof of completion to the NLCHP.

    • Online safety module fee: $120
      Source
      “The cost to complete the online safety module is $120.”
      nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
    Source
    “Applicants must complete an online safety module provided through the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA). Applicants will be given access to the online safety module through their application for registration with the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  6. You must complete the required online courses and submit certificates of completion within three months of submitting your application.

    Source
    “Certificates of completion are required for the following online courses. Courses must be completed within 3 months of the date your application is submitted.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  7. After all required documentation is submitted, the NLCHP makes a registration decision and emails you once your name is added to the list of registered health professionals.

    Time: 50 days
    Time source
    “A registration decision will be made no later than 50 business days after all required documentation has been submitted to the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
    Source
    “A registration decision will be made no later than 50 business days after all required documentation has been submitted to the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $1,512

One-time fees listed for Trained in Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Exams $1,512 100%
One-time total $1,512 100%

4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Licensed in another province

  • Listed one-time fees: $120
  • 5 steps without a listed fee
  • Listed time: 0.7 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)
  1. If you are or were registered in another jurisdiction, you must have that regulatory body send a verification of registration or letter of good standing directly to the NLCHP.

    Source
    “Individuals currently or previously registered to practice in another jurisdiction must provide a Verification of Registration/Letter of Good Standing”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
  2. You apply for registration with the NLCHP and submit the required documents, such as photo ID, a conduct check, transcripts, insurance proof and certificates.

    Source
    “Applicants will need to submit the following:”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
  3. You must provide proof that you have successfully passed the Pan-Canadian Examination for acupuncture.

    Source
    “Applicants must provide proof that they have successfully completed the Pan-Canadian Examination (PCE) for acupuncture as offered by the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CARB-TCMPA).”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
  4. You must complete an online safety module, which you get access to through your registration application, and then provide proof of completion to the NLCHP.

    Source
    “Applicants must complete an online safety module provided through the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA). Applicants will be given access to the online safety module through their application for registration with the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
  5. You must complete the required online courses and submit certificates of completion within three months of submitting your application.

    Source
    “Certificates of completion are required for the following online courses. Courses must be completed within 3 months of the date your application is submitted.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
  6. After all required documentation is submitted, the NLCHP makes a registration decision and emails you once your name is added to the list of registered health professionals.

    Time: 20 days
    Time source
    “A registration decision will be made no later than 20 business days after all required documentation has been submitted.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
    Source
    “A registration decision will be made no later than 20 business days after all required documentation has been submitted.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $120

One-time fees listed for Licensed in another province, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Exams $120 100%
One-time total $120 100%

5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Trained outside Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $1,512
  • 4 steps without a listed fee
  • Listed time: 1.6 months (only 1 of 7 steps state a time)
  1. If you graduated from a TCM or acupuncture program outside Canada, you must submit a BASIC credential evaluation report from ICES so your registration eligibility can be determined.

    Source
    “To determine registration eligibility, graduates of TCM/A programs outside Canada are required to submit a BASIC credential evaluation report from the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES).”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  2. You apply for registration with the NLCHP and submit the required documents, such as photo ID, a conduct check, transcripts, insurance proof and certificates.

    Source
    “Applicants will need to submit the following:”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  3. Once approved for registration you are automatically registered to write the Pan-Canadian Examination for acupuncture at the next available exam date.

    • Pan-Canadian Examination (PCE) fee: $942
      Source
      “The cost for the PCE is $942 (plus tax)”
      nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
    Source
    “Applicants approved for registration with NLCHP will be automatically registered to write the PCE.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  4. Once approved for registration in NL you are automatically registered to complete the in-person practical modalities exam at the next available date.

    • Clinical Competency Exam fee: $450
      Source
      “The cost for the Clinical Competency Exam, which includes the following modalities, is $450:”
      nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
    Source
    “Applicants approved for registration in NL will automatically be registered to complete the exam at the next available date.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  5. You must complete an online safety module, which you get access to through your registration application, and then provide proof of completion to the NLCHP.

    • Online safety module fee: $120
      Source
      “The cost to complete the online safety module is $120.”
      nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
    Source
    “Applicants must complete an online safety module provided through the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA). Applicants will be given access to the online safety module through their application for registration with the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  6. You must complete the required online courses and submit certificates of completion within three months of submitting your application.

    Source
    “Certificates of completion are required for the following online courses. Courses must be completed withing 3 months of the date your application is submitted.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  7. After all required documentation is submitted, the NLCHP makes a registration decision and emails you once your name is added to the list of registered health professionals.

    Time: 50 days
    Time source
    “A registration decision will be made no later than 50 business days after all required documentation has been submitted to the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
    Source
    “A registration decision will be made no later than 50 business days after all required documentation has been submitted to the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $1,512

One-time fees listed for Trained outside Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Exams $1,512 100%
One-time total $1,512 100%

4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Other listed fees

The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.

  • Unauthorized practice penalty: $100 (per day worked without a valid practicing license)
    Source
    “Individuals who practice without a valid practicing license will be subject to a penalty of $100/per day worked”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist
  • Evaluation revision fee: $51 (when requesting a revision of a previous ICES assessment)
    Source
    “Yes, you may request a revision of your previous assessment. The fee is $51 and you will need to submit your new documents for review.”
    bcit.ca/ices/frequently-asked-questions
  • Additional credential evaluation fee: $230
    Source
    “The applicant will also need to provide the original transcript and pay an additional $230 per credential.”
    bcit.ca/ices/frequently-asked-questions
  • Cancellation administration fee: $75
    Source
    “Applicants that have just started the process and decide to cancel may be eligible for a refund less the administration fee ($75).”
    bcit.ca/ices/frequently-asked-questions

Requirements

Education

  • You must have official transcripts or proof of education program completion sent directly from your educational institution to the NLCHP.

    Source
    “You must have official transcripts/proof of education program completion sent directly from your educational institution to the NLCHP.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists

Experience

  • You must confirm, for example with a letter from your employer, that you have practiced 750 hours in the previous four years.

    Source
    “Proof of practice hours can come in the form of a letter from your employer confirming that you have practiced 750 hours in the previous four years.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2

Police check

  • You must submit a Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check dated within six months of your application date, with the original sent to the NLCHP office.

    Source
    “The Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check must be dated within 6 months of your application date. The NLCHP requires the original document(s) be forwarded to the NLCHP office via mail or drop off following submission of your application.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists

Other

  • Your CPR certification must be current and from an approved course.

    Source
    “Your CPR certification must not be expired, and from an approved course.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  • You must provide proof that you have successfully completed the Clean Needle Technique Course.

    Source
    “You must provide proof you have successfully completed the Clean Needle Technique Course.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  • You must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

    Source
    “You must provide evidence of English language proficiency.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2
  • You must submit government-issued photo ID that is not expired and clearly legible.

    Source
    “The ID must not be expired, and the photo/scan that is submitted must be clearly legible.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists

Already licensed in another province?

Extra steps

Applicants already registered in another Canadian jurisdiction must provide a letter of good standing from their regulatory body and still meet the same registration requirements, including proof of passing the Pan-Canadian Examination.

Source
“Individuals currently or previously registered to practice in another jurisdiction must provide a Verification of Registration/Letter of Good Standing”
nlchp.ca/acupuncturist

  1. Provide letter of good standing

    Source
    “Individuals currently or previously registered to practice in another jurisdiction must provide a Verification of Registration/Letter of Good Standing”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturist

Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals

Check a move between two provinces

Credential assessment

  • BASIC credential evaluation report

    To determine registration eligibility for graduates of TCM/A programs outside Canada

    Source
    “To determine registration eligibility, graduates of TCM/A programs outside Canada are required to submit a BASIC credential evaluation report from the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES).”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2

Exams

  • Pan-Canadian Examination (PCE)

    Source
    “The Pan-Canadian Examination (PCE) for acupuncture is offered by the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CARB-TCMPA).”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists
  • Clinical Competency Exam

    Source
    “The Clinical Competency Exam provided through the College of TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists of NL (CTCMPANL) is an in-person practical modalities exam that is normally offered twice per year.”
    nlchp.ca/acupuncturists

Language tests

Not stated by the regulator Check with Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals

Compare scores across provinces and professions

Canadian experience

Not stated by the regulator Check with Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals

Supervised practice

Not stated by the regulator Check with Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals

Demand and pay

Job Bank wages and outlook in Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada
WhereLowMedianHighOutlook
Newfoundland and Labrador — — — Undetermined
Canada $32,867 $32,867 $79,500 —

Wages in every province and territory

Acupuncturists in other provinces and territories

  • British Columbia Licence required
  • Alberta Licence required
  • Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
  • Manitoba Not confirmed yet
  • Ontario Licence required
  • Quebec Licence required
  • New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
  • Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
  • Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
  • Yukon Not confirmed yet
  • Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
  • Nunavut Not confirmed yet

Compare acupuncturist licensing across Canada

Sources checked

  1. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Newfoundland and Labrador (CTCMPANL) – NLCHPShapeGroup 11 nlchp.ca/colleges/ctcmpanl · fetched October 9, 2026
  2. Acupuncturists – NLCHPShapeGroup 11 nlchp.ca/acupuncturists · fetched October 9, 2026
  3. Acupuncturists – NLCHPShapeGroup 11 nlchp.ca/acupuncturist · fetched October 9, 2026
  4. Acupuncturists – NLCHPShapeGroup 11 nlchp.ca/acupuncture-2 · fetched October 9, 2026
  5. Frequently Asked Questions – BCIT bcit.ca/ices/frequently-asked-questions · fetched October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

2

Do you need a licence to work as an acupuncturist in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. Registration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals is required to practise in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Which exams are required?

Pan-Canadian Examination (PCE), Clinical Competency Exam.

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