General Examination Information

A total of three examinations are offered by CARB-TCMPA. Each exam consists of a Multiple-choice question (MCQ) component and a Clinical case question (CCQ) component.

  • TCM Practitioners Examination (PRA) - 3.5 hours in duration.
  • TCM Herbalists Examination (HER) - 2.5 hours in duration.
  • Acupuncturists Examination (ACU) - 2.5 hours in duration.

For additional exam information, please visit the Candidate Handbook

All candidates are responsible to confirm that the information in their account is accurate and that they have been granted the correct examinations according to their specialty.

Exam data is stored in Canada. Please see CARB-TCMPA’s Privacy Policy for more details.

Testing Location

Please note that testing centre location changes cannot be accommodated. While CARB-TCMPA makes every effort to book candidates at their preferred location, they cannot guarantee the location because of test centre availability. If you were not booked into your preferred location, it is because that location was not available and CARB-TCMPA has selected the closest location with availability on your examination day.

Sample Tests

Sample tests are available to candidates for the TCM Practitioners, TCM Herbalists, and Acupuncturists examinations. These sample tests are intended to ensure that candidates have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the computer-based testing platform and format of the exams. While the questions included on the sample tests align with the blueprint for each examination, the sample tests are not intended to reflect the difficulty of each examination or predict candidate performance on examination day. As a result, you will not receive an overall score or confirmation of whether your answers are correct. Candidates are encouraged to review the Candidate Handbook for more detailed information on the examinations.

Important: The content of the sample tests is confidential. Candidates must not remove copies of exam questions and/or answers from the sample test and may not share, discuss, post, or otherwise disseminate the content of the sample tests (i.e., questions, answers, or general content) with anyone.

On Exam Day

Please ensure you arrive at the test centre no later than 30-minutes before the scheduled start time to sign in. You must bring with you into the test centre:

  • Valid piece of government-issued Photo ID with valid expiration date and visible signature. Candidates who falsify any documentation will not be allowed to write the exam. If falsification is discovered after the exam is taken, the exam results will be null and void.
  • A copy of this booking confirmation email. This will be given to the proctor on examination day.
Washroom Breaks & Permissible Items

Washroom Breaks

  • You are permitted to take one, 5-minute washroom break per exam component. The exam timer does not stop, and you will be required to resecure your testing environment upon your return.

Permissible Items

  • Water/juice/coffee/drink in a clear spill-proof container with no label (if permitted by testing centre).
  • Disposable ear plugs (not provided by the testing centre).
  • Be prepared to secure your personal belongings. You will NOT be granted access to them throughout the exam duration.
  • One piece of scrap paper and one writing utensil will be provided by the test centre. You must return the paper and writing utensil upon submission of your exam.

Examples of Non-Permissible Items

  • You may not bring your own scrap paper and/or writing tools.
  • You are not permitted to wear a watch.

  • Please Note: The full list of permissible and non-permissible items are found in the Candidate Handbook.

Accommodations

Acceptable Forms of Identification

You must present a form of original, valid (unexpired) government issued photo identification to the proctor. The first and last name that you used to register must match the first and last name on the ID you present at the time of your exam. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Driver's licence
  • Passport
  • Military ID Card
  • Provincial/Territorial ID Card
Platform Tutorial
 
  • The platform tutorial is available to all candidates to gain familiarity with the examination platform prior to their exam appointment. It can be accessed by logging into your account here.
  • The tutorial exam will not affect your examination results, responses or timing, and you can take this as many times as you choose.
  • NOTE: There are no TCM/A content specific questions in this Tutorial.
Contact Information for CARB-TCMPA

Email support (for non-urgent matters): admin@carb-tcmpa.org

Phone: 1.236.800.9809.