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Free CARB-TCMPA Pan-Canadian TCM Practitioners Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the CARB-TCMPA Pan-Canadian TCM Practitioners Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1While explaining an acupuncture consent form, a practitioner is asked what 'ecchymosis' means. Which plain-language explanation accurately conveys this risk?

    1. A.A localized bruise from blood leaking into skin tissuesCorrect answer: A
    2. B.A localized blister from fluid collecting beneath the skin
    3. C.A localized wheal from swelling within superficial skin
    4. D.A localized abrasion from removal of superficial skin

    Explanation: The NCI defines ecchymosis as "A small bruise caused by blood leaking from broken blood vessels into the tissues of the skin or mucous membranes." Thus the practitioner should describe bruising, rather than a blister, wheal or abrasion.

    Reference: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Ecchymosis — Ecchymosis definition

  2. 2In an Ontario clinic, a patient speaks little English and cannot follow a verbal explanation of the treatment plan. What communication approach should the practitioner arrange?

    1. A.Ask the patient to sign the English summary after reading it.
    2. B.Repeat the same English explanation at a slower pace.
    3. C.Use an interpreter to provide an understandable explanation.Correct answer: C
    4. D.Demonstrate needle insertion before discussing the plan.

    Explanation: The source states: "provide clear and understandable information to the patient, or the patients substitute decision maker, prior to, during and after treatment, using an interpreter if necessary". An interpreter addresses the demonstrated language barrier before treatment. A signature, slower incomprehensible speech or a treatment demonstration cannot substitute for understandable information.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Communication — Performance indicator (a), p. 2

  3. 3An Ontario TCM patient understands the proposed treatment and its consequences but declines it. Her spouse supports treatment, and her adult daughter holds a power of attorney for personal care. Whose decision controls whether the proposed treatment proceeds?

    1. A.The spouse's decision
    2. B.The daughter's decision
    3. C.The patient's decisionCorrect answer: C
    4. D.The practitioner's decision

    Explanation: The CTCMPAO consent standard says patients "know they have the right to decide to receive treatment, refuse treatment, or withdraw consent for treatment." The patient is capable in this scenario, so her own refusal governs; the relatives do not substitute for her decision.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Consent — p. 2, introduction

  4. 4A patient in Ontario expresses concern about modesty before a lower-leg examination. Which clothing instruction respects the patient's dignity while allowing the necessary examination?

    1. A.Remove clothing over every area used in the clinic's routine full-body sequence.
    2. B.Remove only clothing that interferes with the planned lower-leg examination.Correct answer: B
    3. C.Remove all clothing below the waist to make later treatment changes easier.
    4. D.Remove the same clothing requested during the patient's previous unrelated visit.

    Explanation: The source states: "instruct the patient to remove only the clothing and items that would interfere with the examination or treatment procedures". Exposure is determined by the actual necessary procedure. Routine sequences, possible later convenience and a previous unrelated visit do not justify additional exposure.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Diagnosis and Treatment — Performance indicator (e), p. 3

  5. 5Before seeking consent in Ontario, a practitioner has explained the treatment's nature, likely benefits, risks, side effects, alternatives and cost. Which further subject must be explained to complete the standard's treatment-information list?

    1. A.The expected benefits of receiving the proposed treatment
    2. B.The expected consequences of declining the proposed treatmentCorrect answer: B
    3. C.The likely side effects of receiving the proposed treatment
    4. D.The nature and purpose of receiving the proposed treatment

    Explanation: The consent standard includes "What will likely happen if they do not have the treatment". The patient needs the consequences of declining the proposed care, in addition to the subjects already discussed.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Consent — p. 5, Principle 2, treatment information

  6. 6An Ontario patient consented to treatment by the registered practitioner. At a later visit, a supervised student will assist with that treatment for the first time. What consent action is required?

    1. A.Ask for consent again before the student assists.Correct answer: A
    2. B.Rely on the original consent to the treatment modality.
    3. C.Treat the supervisor's approval as consent to student involvement.
    4. D.Treat the student's training agreement as consent to participation.

    Explanation: The source states: "Any other person, such a student, or anyone under supervision will help with the treatment.". The standard lists a new assisting person as a trigger to ask again. Original modality consent, supervisory approval and a training agreement do not establish the patient's agreement to that person's involvement.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Consent — When to ask for consent, p. 6

  7. 7An Ontario practitioner has current registration and previously completed a course in a technique, but is uncertain whether they can still perform it safely after years without practice. Which issue must be resolved before offering it independently?

    1. A.Whether the patient's written consent covers that technique
    2. B.Whether the current registration authorizes that technique
    3. C.Whether the clinic's insurance policy includes that technique
    4. D.Whether the practitioner remains competent in that techniqueCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The standard requires members to "maintain the knowledge, skills and judgement to perform procedures". Previous training and current registration do not establish maintained personal competence after prolonged disuse. Consent, authorization and insurance are separate considerations.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Legislation, Standards and Ethics — p. 2, Performance Indicator (a)

  8. 8An Ontario TCM practitioner is explaining the diagnostic controlled act authorized to the profession. Which description matches that authority?

    1. A.Communicating a cancer diagnosis established by histopathological examination.
    2. B.Communicating a cardiac diagnosis established by electrocardiogram interpretation.
    3. C.Communicating a fracture diagnosis established by radiographic examination.
    4. D.Communicating a body-system disorder diagnosis using TCM techniques.Correct answer: D

    Explanation: The source states: "Communicating a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis identifying a body system disorder as the cause of a person’s symptoms using traditional Chinese medicine techniques.". The described authority concerns a TCM diagnosis using TCM techniques. The other descriptions concern biomedical diagnoses established through different diagnostic methods; they are not descriptions of this authorized TCM act.

    Reference: CTCMPAO Standard for Diagnosis and Treatment — Authorized controlled acts, p. 2

  9. 9A TCM assessment attributes a patient's internal cold to insufficient warming activity rather than an excess of cold pathogen. Which yin–yang mechanism describes that finding?

    1. A.Excess yin restraining yang
    2. B.Deficient yang producing coldCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Excess yang consuming yin
    4. D.Deficient yin producing heat

    Explanation: WHO defines yang deficiency leading to cold as "A pathological state of yang qi deficiency leading to deficiency cold." The stem specifies deficient warming activity, which identifies deficiency cold rather than an excess-cold mechanism.

    Reference: WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine — WGM2 400, Yang deficiency leading to cold

  10. 10During reassessment, a practitioner determines that a patient's condition has changed from a heat pattern into a cold pattern, rather than merely becoming less intense. Which yin-yang relationship describes a change into the opposite nature?

    1. A.Mutual rooting
    2. B.Mutual opposition
    3. C.Mutual transformationCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Mutual support

    Explanation: The source states: "Under certain circumstances, yin may transform into yang and yang into yin.". Transformation concerns a qualitative change into the opposite nature. Rooting and support describe interdependence, while opposition describes restraint rather than this change.

    Reference: WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine — WGM2 13

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.