Depending on the type of application and the information you document on the application, you may be required to submit additional paperwork to the Board for your application to be considered complete.
1. APPLICATION
A completed application form is required of all applicants. This is an online only process.
Click here to access the online application.
Paper applications are not accepted unless approved by the Licensing Administrator. If a reasonable accommodation is required please
click here to learn more.
2. PAYMENT
You will be prompted to pay before you can submit the application. Visa or MasterCard are acceptable forms of payment. Do not submit a check or a money order. The application fee is
$525.00. This fee is not refundable.
3. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All required documentation, with the exception of the official transcript, can be submitted by Google Form, email, or fax as follows:
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All initial applications must be accompanied by an official transcript from:
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An institution of higher learning approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission or the ACAHM, conferring your Master’s degree in acupuncture and/or East Asian medicine; OR
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The NCCAOM conferring your Diplomate in Acupuncture, including the status of the diplomate tests.
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All initial applications must be accompanied by a current passport-like photo.
- In order to be considered official, the transcript must be received by the Board:
- In a sealed envelope by mail, or
- in a secure email, typically from a vendor chosen by the school
NOTE: If required documents are not received within 90 days of your application submission, your application will be closed.
4. ADDITIONAL APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS
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Applicants that are educated in programs that were taught in languages other than English must also demonstrate proof of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated by:
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TOEFL Exam Scores; OR
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A transcript from an institution of higher learning where 60 credits were earned and courses taught in English.
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Applicants that respond “Yes” to any character and fitness questions must provide documentation to support their explanation. Please do not be discouraged. Responding “Yes” is not an automatic application denial. For the protection of the public, it is the Board’s responsibility to thoroughly vet all candidates for licensure. It is better to have all situations reviewed.
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If you are licensed in another profession and/or another State or Country, please provide official documentation that you are in good standing.
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If you are a member of the military, please be sure to mark the application accordingly.
- *§1A-302(b)(3)(ii).Effective June 1, 2026 applicants must submit proof of successfully achieving Board Certification by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (or an exam determined by the Board to be equivalent to the NCBAHM certification process) to be licensed.
