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Acupuncturist Licensing in Arkansas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for acupuncturist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Acupuncturist in Arkansas

Estimated timeline: 1-5 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have 60 semester credit hours of college education, to include a minimum of 30 hours in the field of science. 2) Must have a diploma from an approved four-year academic educational program in acupuncture and oriental medicine, including not less than 800 hours of supervised clinical practice. 3) Must obtain a passing score on National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture and Herbal examinations.

    • Written and Practical Examinations required, fee not to exceed $350.00, Application
  2. 2

    Must have 60 semester credit hours of college education, to include a minimum of 30 hours in the field of science. 2) Must have a diploma from an approved four-year academic educational program in acupuncture and oriental medicine, including not less than 800 hours of supervised clinical practice. 3) Must obtain a passing score on National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture and Herbal examinations.

    • Written and Practical Examinations required, fee not to exceed $350.00, Application fee: $250.00, Biennial Renewal: $400.00, Late Renewal fee: $100.00, Continuing Education Provider One-time Registration fee: $200.00, Administrative Support fee (annual): $100.00
  3. 3

    Education: Degree required.

  4. 4

    Experience: No experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  6. 6

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  7. 7

    Certification: Certification required.

  8. 8

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  9. 9

    Requirements: 1) Must have 60 semester credit hours of college education, to include a minimum of 30 hours in the field of science.

  10. 10

    2) Must have a diploma from an approved four-year academic educational program in acupuncture and oriental medicine, including not less than 800 hours of supervised clinical practice.

  11. 11

    Written and Practical Examinations required, fee not to exceed $350.00, Application fee: $250.00, Biennial Renewal: $400.00, Late Renewal fee: $100.00, Continuing Education Provider One-time Registration fee: $200.00, Administrative Support fee (annual): $100.00.

Exam and processing details

  • National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture and Herbal examinations

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture and Herbal examinations
Fee TypeAmount
Administrative Support fee (annual)$100.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $78,140 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Acupuncturist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture and Herbal examinations.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Must have 60 semester credit hours of college education, to include a minimum of 30 hours in the field of science. 2) Must have a diploma...; Must have 60 semester credit hours of college education, to include a minimum of 30 hours in the field of science. 2) Must have a diploma...).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Administrative Support fee (annual): $100.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Arkansas

With a median salary of $78,140, Acupuncturists in Arkansas earn 0% above the national median of $78,140. Arkansas ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-5 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,118

Median annual salary

$78,140

Hourly estimate

$37.57
0% above national median

Difference: +$0

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentileN/A
  • P2525th percentileN/A
  • P50Median$78,140
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $78,140
National: $78,140

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Acupuncturist Salary Ranking

#15 of 50 statesfor Acupuncturist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Florida$183,530
#2Michigan$153,350
#3Massachusetts$135,250
#4Minnesota$124,640
#5New York$93,610

Nearby States Comparison

Acupuncturist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arkansas$78,140Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-5 months
Missouri$80,360Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$78,140Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$78,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$78,140Specific course requiredState-approved exam6 months
Texas$82,170Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$78,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques

4815 W. Markham St., Slot 69, Little Rock, AR, 72205

Phone: 5016711569

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Acupuncturist in Arkansas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-5 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Acupuncturists in Arkansas?

Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Acupuncturists.

What education do you need to become a Acupuncturist in Arkansas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Acupuncturist licensure in Arkansas.

What is the typical Acupuncturist salary in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for Acupuncturists in Arkansas is $78,140.

How does the Acupuncturist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?

Acupuncturists in Arkansas earn 0% above the national median of $78,140, with a state median of $78,140.

Can I transfer my Acupuncturist license to Arkansas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Acupuncturists in Arkansas?

The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques. Review agency details at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/board-of-acupuncture-related-techniques.

How often do you renew a Acupuncturist license in Arkansas?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.