OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

CARB-TCMPA Pan-Canadian TCM Practitioners Examination — Information & Free Practice

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Start free practice →

Exam Review

About CARB-TCMPA Pan-Canadian TCM Practitioners Examination

CARB-TCMPA Pan-Canadian TCM Practitioners Examination · CA

Key exam facts

Provider
CARB-TCMPA administers and develops the national examinations through subject-matter experts and psychometric support. For Good Measure is the exam administration partner.
Format
In-person, computer-based, closed-book examination at Canadian test centres. MC component: independent four-option, single-answer multiple-choice questions. CC component: case-based and independent multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Both components form one examination and each contributes 50% of total marks.
Exam questions
Total questions: 230; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit
3.5 hours per component (MC and CC), 7 hours of examination time in total across the two components. These are component testing limits, not check-in/tutorial times; approved testing accommodations may apply.
Passing score
A total scaled score of at least 400. MC and CC each contribute 50%; 400 is a scaled score, not 40% or a raw percentage.
Exam fee
$1,295 for the TCM Practitioners (PRA) examination under CARB-TCMPA's current Canadian fee schedule, introduced for April 2025. The national table displays $ without an explicit currency code; provincial application or other regulatory fees are separate and not included.

Topics covered

  • Multiple-choice component (50%)

    • Interpersonal Skills / Professionalism / Practice Management
    • Interpersonal Skills
    • Utilize professional communication.
    • Speak effectively, using appropriate terminology.
    • Write effectively, using appropriate terminology.
    • Comprehend written information.
    • Comprehend information presented orally.
    • Ensure effectiveness of communication.
    • Communicate with professional integrity.
    • Respond to non-verbal communication.
    • Respond to sources of interpersonal conflict.
    • Adapt communication style in response to needs of recipient.
    • Develop and maintain effective inter-professional relationships.
    • Work cooperatively in an interdisciplinary health care setting.
    • Develop productive working relationships.
    • Recognize the variety of health and social services commonly available and direct patients appropriately.
    • Develop and maintain effective relationships with patients.
    • Show respect toward patients as individuals.
    • Exhibit compassion toward patients.
    • Maintain practitioner / patient boundaries.
    • Facilitate honest, reciprocal communication.
    • Encourage patient to take responsibility for his / her health.
    • Professionalism
    • Comply with legal requirements.
    • Apply to practice current, relevant federal and provincial / territorial legislation.
    • Apply to practice current requirements of regulatory body.
    • Apply to practice current, relevant requirements of municipal and other local authorities.
    • Practice in a manner that accords patient dignity and reflects patient rights.
    • Ensure that patient is aware of treatment plan, its benefits and risks.
    • Ensure ongoing, informed consent.
    • Respect patient rights to privacy and confidentiality.
    • Terminate course of treatment when appropriate.
    • Maintain practitioner self-care.
    • Maintain personal health and wellness in the context of professional practice.
    • Exhibit professional deportment.
    • Practice with professional integrity.
    • Practice within limits of expertise.
    • Modify practice to enhance effectiveness.
    • Exhibit professional behaviour.
    • Engage with colleagues in professional activities related to the practice of TCM.
    • Critically assess personal performance and set goals for improvement.
    • Undertake professional development activities aimed at enhancing practice.
    • Remain current with developments in acupuncture practice.
    • Remain current with developments in TCM herbology practice.
    • Practice Management
    • Maintain patient records.
    • Ensure complete and accurate records.
    • Ensure security and integrity of records.
    • Utilize effective business strategies.
    • Ensure sound financial management.
    • Employ ethical business practices.
    • Establish office procedures and supervise staff accordingly.
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundations
    • Apply fundamental knowledge of the following Traditional Chinese Medicine principles in diagnosis and treatment:
    • yin yang
    • wu xing (five elements)
    • zang xiang (organ theories)
    • jing luo & shu xue (channels, collaterals, and acupuncture points)
    • qi, xue, jin ye, jing, & shen (qi, blood, body fluid, essence, spirit)
    • ti zhi (constitution)
    • bing yin (etiology)
    • bing ji (pathogenesis)
    • yu fang (prevention)
    • zhi ze (principles of treatment)
    • yang sheng (health preservation)
    • Display knowledge of the origin and value of the TCM Classics.
    • Apply fundamentals of acupuncture in diagnosis and treatment.
    • Characterize the following points.
    • jing xue (points of the 14 channels)
    • jing wai qi xue (extra points)
    • Apply knowledge of the following special groupings of points, in treatment planning:
    • wu shu xue (five transporting points)
    • yuan xue (source points)
    • luo xue (connecting points)
    • xi xue (cleft points)
    • bei shu xue (back shu transport points)
    • mu xue (front / mu points)
    • xia he xue (lower he-sea points)
    • ba mai jiao hui xue (eight confluent points)
    • ba hui xue (eight (influential) points)
    • zi mu xue (mother / child points)
    • jiao hui xue (channel crossing points)
    • a shi xue (ah shi points)
    • ear and scalp acupuncture
    • Select points for assessment.
    • Select points or areas for therapy.
    • Select stimulation techniques.
    • Apply knowledge of precautions and contraindications for application of stimulation techniques.
    • Apply knowledge of adjunct techniques:
    • tui na / an mo (acupressure)
    • qi gong / tai ji
    • gua sha
    • Apply knowledge of the following properties and functions of TCM herbs in treatment planning:
    • si qi (four properties)
    • wu wei (five flavours)
    • sheng jiang fu chen (ascending, descending, floating, sinking)
    • gui jing (channel tropism)
    • actions
    • indications
    • toxicity
    • pao zhi (processing)
    • Apply knowledge of herbal formulating strategies, with reference to:
    • composition of formula
    • modification of formula
    • functions & classifications
    • combinations & compatibility
    • dosage form & methods of administration
    • dosage
    • potential adverse effects
    • contraindications & precautions
    • Apply knowledge of the following herb interactions in treatment planning:
    • herb – drug interactions
    • herb – herb interactions
    • herb – food interactions
    • herb – natural health product interactions
    • Fundamentals of Biomedicine
    • Apply basic biomedical concepts to TCM practice.
    • human anatomical structures
    • biochemical processes
    • control mechanisms
    • infectious diseases and infection control
    • dysfunctions and common diseases
    • Relate biomedical diagnostic and treatment approaches to TCM practice.
    • diagnosis and treatment methods
    • pharmacology
    • Integrate TCM and biomedical concepts.
    • Relate biomedical information concerning patient’s condition and treatment to TCM state of health.
    • Communicate TCM diagnostic and treatment information for use by other health care workers, and to third parties.
    • Diagnostics and Treatment
    • Establish priorities for assessment and treatment planning.
    • Identify chief complaint.
    • Initiate assessment based upon chief complaint.
    • Recognize conditions that require urgent medical treatment, and direct patient appropriately.
    • Modify assessment strategy based upon emerging information.
    • Initiate collaboration, consultation or referral as appropriate.
    • Recognize support needs beyond the scope of TCM, and advise patient accordingly.
    • Assess patient.
    • Collect information using wang zhen (TCM diagnostic inspection method).
    • Collect information using wen zhen (TCM diagnostic inquiry method).
    • Collect information using wen zhen (TCM diagnostic auscultation and olfaction methods).
    • Collect information using qie zhen (TCM diagnostic palpation method).
    • Measure vital signs.
    • Conduct relevant non-invasive physical examination.
    • Analyze assessment information.
    • Organize and interpret the collected information using the following TCM syndrome differentiation methods:
    • ba gang bian zheng (eight principles differentiation)
    • zang fu bian zheng (organ theory differentiation)
    • wu xing bian zheng (five elements differentiation)
    • san jiao bian zheng (triple warmer differentiation)
    • wei qi ying xue bian zheng (four levels differentiation)
    • liu jing bian zheng (six stages differentiation)
    • qi xue jin ye bian zheng (qi, blood, body fluid differentiation)
    • bing yin bian zheng (pathogenic factors differentiation)
    • jing luo bian zheng (meridian differentiation)
    • Incorporate information obtained from biomedical diagnostic data, medical and health history.
    • Make TCM diagnosis.
    • Establish treatment plan based on diagnosis.
    • Determine TCM treatment goals and strategies.
    • Take into account precautions and contraindications.
    • Adapt treatment according to patient characteristics and needs.
    • Select appropriate points, point combinations and / or treatment areas.
    • Select appropriate course of acupuncture treatment and therapeutic modalities.
    • Devise applicable TCM herbal formula.
    • Devise appropriate course of herbal treatment.
    • Provide acupuncture treatment.
    • Adapt clinical setting to enhance comfort and safety.
    • Position patient for treatment.
    • Locate selected points on patient.
    • Apply treatment techniques.
    • Monitor and respond to patient condition during treatment.
    • Implement herbal treatment plan.
    • Instruct patient on accessing TCM herbal formula.
    • Instruct patient on administration of TCM herbal formula.
    • Monitor effectiveness of treatment plan and modify where necessary.
    • Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plan on an ongoing basis.
    • Modify treatment plan to enhance effectiveness.
    • Educate and counsel patient.
    • Explain etiology and pathogenesis of condition.
    • Explain TCM concepts as they apply to patient condition.
    • Inform patient of possible side effects and reaction to treatment.
    • Advise patient on yu fang and yang sheng (prevention and health preservation).
    • Counsel patient on compliance with treatment recommendations.
    • Acupuncture Techniques
    • Perform needling.
    • Perform filiform needling.
    • Perform dermal (plum blossom, seven star) needling.
    • Perform intra-dermal tack needling.
    • Perform three edged needling.
    • Perform moxibustion.
    • Perform direct moxibustion.
    • Perform indirect moxibustion.
    • Perform needle warming moxibustion.
    • Perform treatment utilizing supplementary devices.
    • Perform stimulation using heat lamps.
    • Perform stimulation using electro-acupuncture devices.
    • Perform cupping.
    • Perform tui na.
    • Herbal Dispensary Management
    • Maintain herbal inventory.
    • Identify appropriate supply for herbs.
    • Assess quality of herbs with reference to:
    • packaging
    • labeling
    • physical properties
    • available quality assurance information
    • Store herbs in appropriate conditions, including:
    • environment
    • security
    • monitoring
    • Maintain records with respect to inventory.
    • Prepare and dispense herbal formulas.
    • Verify formula information is clear, complete and accurate.
    • Verify availability of components and confirm substitution if required.
    • Confirm identity of components.
    • Compound formula.
    • Apply packaging.
    • Apply labeling.
    • Provide instructions for storage and use.
    • Maintain dispensing records.
    • Safety
    • Evaluate patient risk profile.
    • Determine risk profile relative to acupuncture treatment.
    • Determine level of risk relative to TCM herbal treatment.
    • Provide a safe working environment.
    • Maintain current knowledge of communicable diseases and infection control techniques.
    • Apply universal precautions for infection control.
    • Ensure effective supervision of staff and / or students.
    • Inspect facilities for electrical hazards, fire risk and physical hazards that may cause accidents, and take action to minimize.
    • Establish procedures and route for emergency evacuation of facilities.
    • Establish procedures to maximize protection of self, staff and patients in the event of abusive or violent behaviour.
    • Manage risks to patients.
    • Include safety precautions in herbal treatment plan.
    • Manage adverse reactions and accidents resulting from treatment.
    • Respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
    • Manage blood-to-blood contact and provide direction for post exposure follow up.
    • Clean spills of blood and other body fluids.
    • Control and extinguish small fires.
    • Ensure that equipment is safe and functional.
    • Select equipment that enhances patient safety.
    • Maintain equipment in good working order.
    • Clean equipment regularly, and disinfect as appropriate.

  • Clinical case component (50%)

    • Interpersonal Skills / Professionalism
    • Interpersonal Skills
    • Utilize professional communication.
    • Speak effectively, using appropriate terminology.
    • Write effectively, using appropriate terminology.
    • Comprehend written information.
    • Comprehend information presented orally.
    • Ensure effectiveness of communication.
    • Communicate with professional integrity.
    • Respond to non-verbal communication.
    • Respond to sources of interpersonal conflict.
    • Adapt communication style in response to needs of recipient.
    • Develop and maintain effective inter-professional relationships.
    • Work cooperatively in an interdisciplinary health care setting.
    • Develop productive working relationships.
    • Recognize the variety of health and social services commonly available and direct patients appropriately.
    • Develop and maintain effective relationships with patients.
    • Show respect toward patients as individuals.
    • Exhibit compassion toward patients.
    • Maintain practitioner / patient boundaries.
    • Facilitate honest, reciprocal communication.
    • Encourage patient to take responsibility for his / her health.
    • Professionalism
    • Comply with legal requirements.
    • Apply to practice current, relevant federal and provincial / territorial legislation.
    • Apply to practice current requirements of regulatory body.
    • Apply to practice current, relevant requirements of municipal and other local authorities.
    • Practice in a manner that accords patient dignity and reflects patient rights.
    • Ensure that patient is aware of treatment plan, its benefits and risks.
    • Ensure ongoing, informed consent.
    • Respect patient rights to privacy and confidentiality.
    • Terminate course of treatment when appropriate.
    • Maintain practitioner self-care.
    • Maintain personal health and wellness in the context of professional practice.
    • Exhibit professional deportment.
    • Practice with professional integrity.
    • Practice within limits of expertise.
    • Modify practice to enhance effectiveness.
    • Exhibit professional behaviour.
    • Engage with colleagues in professional activities related to the practice of TCM.
    • Critically assess personal performance and set goals for improvement.
    • Undertake professional development activities aimed at enhancing practice.
    • Remain current with developments in acupuncture practice.
    • Remain current with developments in TCM herbology practice.
    • Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundations
    • Apply fundamental knowledge of the following Traditional Chinese Medicine principles in diagnosis and treatment:
    • yin yang
    • wu xing (five elements)
    • zang xiang (organ theories)
    • jing luo & shu xue (channels, collaterals, and acupuncture points)
    • qi, xue, jin ye, jing, & shen (qi, blood, body fluid, essence, spirit)
    • ti zhi (constitution)
    • bing yin (etiology)
    • bing ji (pathogenesis)
    • yu fang (prevention)
    • zhi ze (principles of treatment)
    • yang sheng (health preservation)
    • Display knowledge of the origin and value of the TCM Classics.
    • Apply fundamentals of acupuncture in diagnosis and treatment.
    • Characterize the following points.
    • jing xue (points of the 14 channels)
    • jing wai qi xue (extra points)
    • Apply knowledge of the following special groupings of points, in treatment planning:
    • wu shu xue (five transporting points)
    • yuan xue (source points)
    • luo xue (connecting points)
    • xi xue (cleft points)
    • bei shu xue (back shu transport points)
    • mu xue (front / mu points)
    • xia he xue (lower he-sea points)
    • ba mai jiao hui xue (eight confluent points)
    • ba hui xue (eight (influential) points)
    • zi mu xue (mother / child points)
    • jiao hui xue (channel crossing points)
    • a shi xue (ah shi points)
    • ear and scalp acupuncture
    • Select points for assessment.
    • Select points or areas for therapy.
    • Select stimulation techniques.
    • Apply knowledge of precautions and contraindications for application of stimulation techniques.
    • Apply knowledge of adjunct techniques:
    • tui na / an mo (acupressure)
    • qi gong / tai ji
    • gua sha
    • Apply knowledge of the following properties and functions of TCM herbs in treatment planning:
    • si qi (four properties)
    • wu wei (five flavours)
    • sheng jiang fu chen (ascending, descending, floating, sinking)
    • gui jing (channel tropism)
    • actions
    • indications
    • toxicity
    • pao zhi (processing)
    • Apply knowledge of herbal formulating strategies, with reference to:
    • composition of formula
    • modification of formula
    • functions & classifications
    • combinations & compatibility
    • dosage form & methods of administration
    • dosage
    • potential adverse effects
    • contraindications & precautions
    • Apply knowledge of the following herb interactions in treatment planning:
    • herb – drug interactions
    • herb – herb interactions
    • herb – food interactions
    • herb – natural health product interactions
    • Fundamentals of Biomedicine
    • Apply basic biomedical concepts to TCM practice.
    • human anatomical structures
    • biochemical processes
    • control mechanisms
    • infectious diseases and infection control
    • dysfunctions and common diseases
    • Relate biomedical diagnostic and treatment approaches to TCM practice.
    • diagnosis and treatment methods
    • pharmacology
    • Integrate TCM and biomedical concepts.
    • Relate biomedical information concerning patient’s condition and treatment to TCM state of health.
    • Communicate TCM diagnostic and treatment information for use by other health care workers, and to third parties.
    • Diagnostics and Treatment
    • Establish priorities for assessment and treatment planning.
    • Identify chief complaint.
    • Initiate assessment based upon chief complaint.
    • Recognize conditions that require urgent medical treatment, and direct patient appropriately.
    • Modify assessment strategy based upon emerging information.
    • Initiate collaboration, consultation or referral as appropriate.
    • Recognize support needs beyond the scope of TCM, and advise patient accordingly.
    • Assess patient.
    • Collect information using wang zhen (TCM diagnostic inspection method).
    • Collect information using wen zhen (TCM diagnostic inquiry method).
    • Collect information using wen zhen (TCM diagnostic auscultation and olfaction methods).
    • Collect information using qie zhen (TCM diagnostic palpation method).
    • Measure vital signs.
    • Conduct relevant non-invasive physical examination.
    • Analyze assessment information.
    • Organize and interpret the collected information using the following TCM syndrome differentiation methods:
    • ba gang bian zheng (eight principles differentiation)
    • zang fu bian zheng (organ theory differentiation)
    • wu xing bian zheng (five elements differentiation)
    • san jiao bian zheng (triple warmer differentiation)
    • wei qi ying xue bian zheng (four levels differentiation)
    • liu jing bian zheng (six stages differentiation)
    • qi xue jin ye bian zheng (qi, blood, body fluid differentiation)
    • bing yin bian zheng (pathogenic factors differentiation)
    • jing luo bian zheng (meridian differentiation)
    • Incorporate information obtained from biomedical diagnostic data, medical and health history.
    • Make TCM diagnosis.
    • Establish treatment plan based on diagnosis.
    • Determine TCM treatment goals and strategies.
    • Take into account precautions and contraindications.
    • Adapt treatment according to patient characteristics and needs.
    • Select appropriate points, point combinations and / or treatment areas.
    • Select appropriate course of acupuncture treatment and therapeutic modalities.
    • Devise applicable TCM herbal formula.
    • Devise appropriate course of herbal treatment.
    • Provide acupuncture treatment.
    • Adapt clinical setting to enhance comfort and safety.
    • Position patient for treatment.
    • Locate selected points on patient.
    • Apply treatment techniques.
    • Monitor and respond to patient condition during treatment.
    • Implement herbal treatment plan.
    • Instruct patient on accessing TCM herbal formula.
    • Instruct patient on administration of TCM herbal formula.
    • Monitor effectiveness of treatment plan and modify where necessary.
    • Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plan on an ongoing basis.
    • Modify treatment plan to enhance effectiveness.
    • Educate and counsel patient.
    • Explain etiology and pathogenesis of condition.
    • Explain TCM concepts as they apply to patient condition.
    • Inform patient of possible side effects and reaction to treatment.
    • Advise patient on yu fang and yang sheng (prevention and health preservation).
    • Counsel patient on compliance with treatment recommendations.
    • Herbal Dispensary Management
    • Maintain herbal inventory.
    • Identify appropriate supply for herbs.
    • Assess quality of herbs with reference to:
    • packaging
    • labeling
    • physical properties
    • available quality assurance information
    • Store herbs in appropriate conditions, including:
    • environment
    • security
    • monitoring
    • Maintain records with respect to inventory.
    • Prepare and dispense herbal formulas.
    • Verify formula information is clear, complete and accurate.
    • Verify availability of components and confirm substitution if required.
    • Confirm identity of components.
    • Compound formula.
    • Apply packaging.
    • Apply labeling.
    • Provide instructions for storage and use.
    • Maintain dispensing records.
    • Safety
    • Evaluate patient risk profile.
    • Determine risk profile relative to acupuncture treatment.
    • Determine level of risk relative to TCM herbal treatment.
    • Provide a safe working environment.
    • Maintain current knowledge of communicable diseases and infection control techniques.
    • Apply universal precautions for infection control.
    • Ensure effective supervision of staff and / or students.
    • Inspect facilities for electrical hazards, fire risk and physical hazards that may cause accidents, and take action to minimize.
    • Establish procedures and route for emergency evacuation of facilities.
    • Establish procedures to maximize protection of self, staff and patients in the event of abusive or violent behaviour.
    • Manage risks to patients.
    • Include safety precautions in herbal treatment plan.
    • Manage adverse reactions and accidents resulting from treatment.
    • Respond appropriately to medical emergencies.
    • Manage blood-to-blood contact and provide direction for post exposure follow up.
    • Clean spills of blood and other body fluids.
    • Control and extinguish small fires.
    • Ensure that equipment is safe and functional.
    • Select equipment that enhances patient safety.
    • Maintain equipment in good working order.
    • Clean equipment regularly, and disinfect as appropriate.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

In-person, computer-based, closed-book examination at Canadian test centres. MC component: independent four-option, single-answer multiple-choice questions. CC component: case-based and independent multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Both components form one examination and each contributes 50% of total marks.

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 230; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.

How long is the exam?

3.5 hours per component (MC and CC), 7 hours of examination time in total across the two components. These are component testing limits, not check-in/tutorial times; approved testing accommodations may apply.

What is the passing score?

A total scaled score of at least 400. MC and CC each contribute 50%; 400 is a scaled score, not 40% or a raw percentage.

How much does the exam cost?

$1,295 for the TCM Practitioners (PRA) examination under CARB-TCMPA's current Canadian fee schedule, introduced for April 2025. The national table displays $ without an explicit currency code; provincial application or other regulatory fees are separate and not included.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.