Maintaining active certification with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is essential for practitioners aiming to uphold professional standards and ensure public safety. As we progress through 2025, it's crucial for NCCAOM Diplomates to be well-informed about the current recertification requirements to facilitate a seamless renewal process.
Recertification Cycle and PDA Points
NCCAOM certification operates on a four-year recertification cycle. During this period, Diplomates are required to accumulate a total of 60 Professional Development Activity (PDA) points. These points are integral to demonstrating continued competence and commitment to the field. The PDA points must include:
- Core Competency Coursework: A minimum of 30 PDA points must be earned in core competency areas, which encompass topics directly related to Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Biomedicine, Safety, and Ethics. Specifically, within these 30 points:
- At least 2 PDA points in Safety (SA)
- At least 2 PDA points in Ethics (ET)
- CPR Certification: Completion of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course is mandatory, accounting for 4 PDA points. Both online and in-person CPR courses are acceptable, provided they are at least 4 hours in duration. This has not changed for 2025. The CPR course must be completed within the four-year recertification cycle.
The remaining PDA points can be obtained through additional core competency courses or professional enhancement activities, such as adjunctive therapies or participation in professional endeavors. It's important to note that each PDA point corresponds to one hour of active, instructor-led learning. Diplomates should ensure that no more than 24 PDA points are earned within a single 24-hour period.
Diplomates can submit their recertification application up to one year before their current certification expires. Early submission is encouraged to allow ample time for processing and to avoid any lapse in certification status. The recertification application is accessible through the NCCAOM Certification Portal. Upon logging in, Diplomates should select the 'Apply for Recertification' option and follow the prompts to complete the application.
The standard recertification fee is $290. However, fees may vary if the certification has lapsed:
- Active Status: $290
- Lapsed 1–12 months: $340
- Lapsed 13–24 months: $390
- Lapsed 25–36 months: $440
Diplomates whose certification has lapsed are required to earn an additional 15 PDA points for each year the certification has lapsed. These additional PDA points must be completed in the Core Competency categories.
To assist Diplomates in fulfilling their PDA point requirements, NCCAOM offers a variety of continuing education opportunities. These include webinars, courses, workshops, and professional development activities. Engaging in these educational experiences not only aids in meeting recertification requirements but also enhances professional expertise and patient care.
Staying abreast of NCCAOM's recertification requirements is vital for maintaining active certification and demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and public safety. By proactively engaging in the recertification process and fulfilling the necessary PDA points within the stipulated timeframe, Diplomates can ensure uninterrupted certification status and continue to provide high-quality care in the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
