Maintaining an active acupuncture license in California is essential for practitioners committed to delivering high-quality care. The California Acupuncture Board has established specific renewal requirements to ensure that licensed acupuncturists remain current with professional standards and practices. As of 2025, the key components for license renewal include:
Renewal Fee
The biennial license renewal fee is $500. This fee must be submitted before the license expiration date to maintain active status. Failure to renew on time incurs a delinquent fee of $150. Payments can be made online or via mail.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
To renew an active license, practitioners must complete 50 hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) every two years. These hours must include:
- Independent/Home Study: Up to 50% (25 hours) can be completed via independent or home study courses, such as self-paced or pre-recorded instruction.
- Live Instruction: At least 50% (25 hours) must be obtained through live courses, either in-person or live webinars.
- Category 2 Courses: A maximum of 5 hours may be earned from Category 2 courses, which are indirectly related to clinical matters or patient care.
- Law and Ethics: Effective October 1, 2024, a minimum of 4 hours in law and ethics is required within each renewal period.
Practitioners must retain records of all CE courses for at least four years and attest to their completion under penalty of perjury during the renewal process.
Initial License Renewal
For initial licenses issued for less than two years, the required CE hours are prorated as follows:
- 13 to 16 months: 35 CE hours
- 17 to 20 months: 40 CE hours
- 21 to 23 months: 45 CE hours
Subsequent renewals will require the standard 50 CE hours.
Inactive License Status
Practitioners not actively practicing in California may opt for "Inactive Status." While the renewal fee remains $500, CE requirements are waived during inactive status. To reactivate an inactive license, practitioners must complete the required CE hours and submit the appropriate application.
Expired License Renewal
A license that has expired may be renewed within three years of its expiration by submitting a renewal application, paying all accrued fees, and providing proof of completed CE requirements. Beyond three years, the license cannot be renewed, and practitioners must reapply and pass the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE) to obtain a new license.
Fingerprinting Requirement
As a condition of renewal, practitioners may be required to undergo fingerprinting for state and federal background checks. This process ensures the integrity and safety of the acupuncture profession in California.
Adhering to the California Acupuncture Board's renewal requirements is vital for maintaining licensure and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. By fulfilling the stipulated CE hours, paying the necessary fees, and complying with additional mandates such as fingerprinting, practitioners can continue to provide exemplary acupuncture services in California.
