Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Healthcare
Acupuncturist Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for acupuncturist in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Acupuncturist in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 1-4 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Education and Training requirements: Complete a formal program of acupuncture and receive a certificate or diploma from an institute, school, or college that was accredited or recognized as a candidate for accreditation by Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), recognized by the U.S.
- 6
Of Education, at the time of the applicant's graduation.
- 7
Program shall have consisted of at least 2,175 hours as follows: academic program in the science of acupuncture of at least 1,515 hours
- and a clinical training program of at least 660 hours.
- 8
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture Comprehensive Written Exam (CWE) or the equivalent modules: Foundations of Oriental Medicine Module (FOMM)
- Acupuncture with Point Location Module (AM).
- 9
Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $230 (application $50, license $130, Compliance resolution fund $50).
Exam and processing details
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture Comprehensive Written Exam (CWE) or the equivalent modules: Foundations of Oriental Medicine Module (FOMM)
- Acupuncture with Point Location Module (AM)
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate or diploma from an institute, school, or college that was accredited or recognized as a candidate for accreditation by Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Orient
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Acupuncture
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$78,140 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Acupuncturist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Acupuncture Comprehensive Written Exam (CWE) or the equivalent modules: Foundations of Oriental....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Education and Training requirements: Complete a formal program of acupuncture and receive a certificate or diploma from an institute, sch...).
- 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Acupuncture and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $78,140, Acupuncturists in Hawaii earn 0% above the national median of $78,140. Hawaii ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-4 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$78,140Hourly estimate
$37.570% above national median
Difference: +$0
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationAcupuncturist Salary Ranking
#19 of 50 statesfor Acupuncturist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Florida | $183,530 |
| #2 | Michigan | $153,350 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $135,250 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $124,640 |
| #5 | New York | $93,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Acupuncturist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $78,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-4 months |
| California | $77,640 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-2 years |
| Oregon | $63,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $73,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $82,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Acupuncture
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $70,930 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Audiologist | $92,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Cardiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Acupuncturist in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-4 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Acupuncturists in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Acupuncturists.
What education do you need to become a Acupuncturist in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Acupuncturist licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Acupuncturist salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Acupuncturists in Hawaii is $78,140.
How does the Acupuncturist salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Acupuncturists in Hawaii earn 0% above the national median of $78,140, with a state median of $78,140.
Can I transfer my Acupuncturist license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Acupuncturists in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Acupuncture. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/acupuncture/.
How often do you renew a Acupuncturist license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.