With any large exam, it’s normal to ponder if you have the knowledge and understanding required in order to successfully pass it.
Too much over thinking on the NCCAOM exam, or lack of studying, can cause too much doubt about the correct answer, leading to incorrect answers, and possibly failing the exam completely. Then, if you do fail the NCCAOM exam, how can you improve your study habits to pass on the next go? Furthermore, when can you re-take the exam? Passing the NCCAOM becomes even more critical if the state you wish to practice in requires acupuncturists to obtain this credential.
The remedy?
- Understand the NCCAOM Exam pass rate.
- Know what happens when you fail, and if you can retake the exam again.
- Identify how many times the NCCAOM Exam can be repeated.
Once you are equipped with the answers to these questions, you can rest easy knowing you have the information needed if exam day goes great, or not quite as you expected.
How many candidates pass the NCCAOM on their first attempt?
According to the NCCAOM, from 2015-2018
- An average of 78% of test takers passed the Acupuncture with Point Location exam module.
- An average of 74% of test takers passed the Biomedicine exam module.
- An average of 80% of test takers passed the Chinese Herbology exam module.
- An average of 78% of test takers passed the Foundations of Oriental Medicine exam module.
Based on these numbers alone, a conclusion can be drawn that the Biomedicine exam module is likely the more challenging of the four exams, with a lower pass rate average of 74% when compared to the pass rate averages.
With this new information, diplomat hopefuls can dedicate additional time and energy to studying for the NCCAOM Exam’s Biomedicine module. Start by reviewing your biomedicine notes from your acupuncture degree program, take NCCAOM Biomedicine Practice Tests, find out your weak areas, and put more focus into understanding these topics in a big picture way.
If you fail the NCCAOM exam, can you re-take it, and when?
Yes, you can re-take the NCCAOM exam. Applicants who do not pass the NCCAOM exam must wait forty-five (45) calendar days after failing it to retake it. Since you may only retake a test five times, the NCCAOM advises you to allow enough time to study in case you need to retake the exam.
Some individuals may want to allow more than the required 45 days to ensure they have developed a deeper understanding on the subject matter
How many times can diplomats take the NCCAOM exam?
Each exam module may only be taken five (5) times by candidates. The candidate will not be permitted to retake the exam following the fifth unsuccessful attempt (in any format and/or language).
Failed the NCCAOM Exam?
Bounce back and pass the NCCAOM Exam with these quick tips.
- Reflect on the Failure
Take some time to reflect on why you didn’t perform as well as you hoped. Consider factors such as study habits, understanding of the four main components of the exam, or exam-taking strategies. How did you manage your time? Identify the specific areas that need improvement to develop a more effective plan. - Analyze Mistakes
Recall the questions on the exam that really stumped you, and go back to your notes to study those subjects more. Understand the concepts you misunderstood and learn from your errors. This analysis will guide your study plan for the retake. - Seek Help, and Practice, Practice, Practice
If you’re unclear about certain concepts or topics, don’t hesitate to seek help from your fellow peers who did pass the exam. Make sure you’re consistency practicing your exam taking skills, and evaluate your knowledge on the main topics of the NCCAOM exam with practice tests. Understanding the material thoroughly is crucial for success in the retake. - Create a Study Plan
Develop a structured study plan that addresses the weaknesses identified in your reflection. Allocate specific times for studying, and break down the material into manageable chunks. Make it a priority to review the content you struggled with, and devote a little less time to the material you know well. - Manage Stress
It’s normal to feel stressed about retaking the NCCAOM exam after failing it the first time. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or exercise. Adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle contribute to improved cognitive function. - Stay Positive
Maintain a positive mindset. Understand that setbacks happen, and the important thing is to learn and grow from the experience. Believe in yourself and your ability to pass your NCCAOM exam retake! - Plan NCCAOM Exam Day
Ensure that you are well-prepared on the day of the retake. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a balanced meal, and arrive at the exam location with ample time. Stay calm and focused during the exam. - Reframe the Failure
Use this situation as a learning experience. Consider it an opportunity to enhance understanding of various Biomedicine and TCM principles that will ultimately make you an even better acupuncture practitioner.
We all face challenges. Remember that the ability to bounce back and learn from failures is a valuable skill. Use the retake as a chance to showcase your resolve to pass the exam, and as a way to improve your knowledge as a well rounded acupuncture practitioner.