The Council for the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta approved removing the practical components of the Alberta Acupuncture Registration Examinations (AARE). The practical components include the acupuncture points exam and modalities exam previously administered by the College. April 2026 was the last general administration of the practical exams.
Impact for current students who have not written the AARE
Students who have never written the AARE are subject to the new policy and registration requirements. To register with the College, you will have to meet the registration requirements in place at the time you apply. As of June 2026, those requirements include passing the Pan-Canadian Examination and completing the College’s online safety module. Refer to the Exams page and the Applications page for the most up-to-date information about exams and registration.
Impact for Alberta graduates who passed the AARE
Candidates who passed all components of the AARE may proceed with registration.
Impact for Alberta graduates who failed a practical component of the AARE
Candidates who failed the acupuncture points or modalities exam, or both, remain subject to the registration requirements and policy that were in effect at the time they wrote the AARE.
Any candidates who wrote the AARE in April 2026 or prior and failed any component must still pass all components of the AARE. The College is providing a one-year transition period to support candidates in meeting their exam requirements.
Why the College made this change
Practical and clinical skills remain essential to safe, competent acupuncture practice. Eliminating the College-administered practical exams shifts practical-skills assessment into the education environment, where students’ practical and clinical skills can be assessed formally, consistently, and over time in supervised learning and clinical settings. This change reflects a more proportionate and modernized approach to assessing entry-to-practice readiness, while reducing registration barriers for applicants.
Going forward, approved acupuncture education programs will include more formal, structured assessment of students’ practical and clinical skills as part of their education and clinical training. The College will continue to monitor and provide oversight of education programs to ensure that student’s skills are rigorously assessed and that all programs are complying with the established program review standard and undergoing regular reviews.
Questions?
Please contact the College with any questions at info@acupuncturealberta.ca.