Acupuncture is a widely practiced part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves sticking multiple needles into strategic parts of the body. Some believe that acupuncture is effective at relieving pain. Others believe that acupuncture's benefits are largely illusory, attributable to the placebo effect. Regardless, everyone should be free to get and practice acupuncture. In California, however, restrictive occupational licensing constrains many aspiring acupuncturists' ability to make a living. Forty-six states and DC require acupuncturists to be certified with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). To obtain certification, aspiring acupuncturists must hold a degree from one of the 49 accredited schools of acupuncture. Aspiring acupuncturists also need to pass at least two of four exams administered by the NCCAOM. The number of exams required differs by state. Delaware, for example, mandates that its acupuncturists take all four NCCAOM exams. On the other hand, Pennsylvania mandates only two exams.
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