Pan-Canadian Entry-level Examinations for TCM Herbalists — Information & Free Practice

About Pan-Canadian Entry-level Examinations for TCM Herbalists

Pan-Canadian Entry-level Examinations for TCM Herbalists · CA

Key exam facts

Provider

The Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CARB-TCMPA) administers the examination. For Good Measure is its exam administration partner.

Format

In-person, computer-based examination at Canadian testing centres. One examination has two components: independent four-option multiple-choice questions (MC), and a clinical-case (CC) component mixing case-based and independent multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Both components contribute 50% of the total mark. This four-option practice bank does not simulate every official response format.

Exam questions

Total questions: 165.

Time limit

2.5 hours of answering time for MC and 2.5 hours for CC (5 hours in total across the two components). These are component examination time limits, separate from check-in and other administration.

Passing score

A total scaled score of at least 400 is required to pass; 400 is a scaled score, not 400 questions or a percentage. MC and CC each contribute 50% of the total mark.

Exam fee

CAD 942 examination fee for TCM Herbalists (HER), as listed by CARB-TCMPA. Provincial application/administration charges are separate and may vary; this is not a quoted all-inclusive provincial application total.

Topics covered

The authority publishes percentage ranges for each content area. The practice percentages below use the midpoint of each range, normalized to 100%; they are not exact percentages published by the authority. Practice question counts may differ slightly because of rounding.

• Interpersonal Skills, Professionalism and Practice Management — Official range: 5–9% (Practice allocation: 7%)

  • 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.
  • 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 TCM herbology practice.
  • 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 — Official range: 26–36% (Practice allocation: 31%)

  • 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 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 — Official range: 11–17% (Practice allocation: 14%)

  • 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 — Official range: 25–35% (Practice allocation: 30%)

  • 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 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.
  • Devise applicable TCM herbal formula.
  • Devise appropriate course of herbal 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 (Herbal Therapy and Management) — Official range: 8–14% (Practice allocation: 11%)

  • 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 — Official range: 5–9% (Practice allocation: 7%)

  • Evaluate patient risk profile.
  • 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.
  • 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

Official sources and references

• CARB-TCMPA Candidate Handbook

  pp. 8–9, General Description

• Entry-Level Occupational Competency Profile

  p. 3, role legend

• CARB-TCMPA Candidate Handbook

  p. 12, Table 2, TCM Herbalists column

• CARB-TCMPA Candidate Handbook

  p. 13, Table 3, TCM Herbalists column

• CARB-TCMPA Candidate Handbook

  p. 9, General Description

• CARB-TCMPA Candidate Handbook

  p. 11, Table 1, TCM Herbalists Examination

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.