Please refer to the Certification Handbook for more details, policies and procedures.
Board Exams FAQ
Q. How much do the exams cost?
A. The AHC Board-Certification Exam is $385 and the AP Board-Certification Exam is $460. When you apply, you will pay a non-refundable application fee for a accredited and $200 for a non-accredited, which will be deducted from the exam fee.
Q. Do I need to graduate from a program based in the U.S. to qualify for the exam?
A. Yes. To qualify you need to graduate from a qualifying U.S.-based Ayurvedic program (note: there is an exemption for BAMS diploma holders). There are AAC Accredited Programs
Q. What options are there for taking the exam?
A. The testing requirements are simple – we’ve amended our policies in lieu of COVID-19 so that the only camera you need to take the exam from home is your built-in computer camera and built-in microphone. Now that more testing centers are open globally, you may also opt to take the exam from an Onsite Testing Center. For more information, please visit Kryterion Online Test Support, or email us at namacb@ayurvedanama.org.
Q. How long do I have to take the exam?
A. You will have 150 minutes to complete either the AHC or AP exam.
Q. What is the format of the exam?
A. It is a multiple-choice exam.
Q. Is there a deadline to take the exam?
A. Yes, you must take the exam within one year of applying or your deposit and registration fee is forfeited.
Q. Can I apply for the exam before I graduate?
A. Yes, you can apply before you graduate as long as you are confident that you can finish your program, have your school send in your transcript, schedule, and take the exam within one year of applying. However, there is a 20% discount on registration fees for those applying within 30 days post-graduation and registering within 60 days.
Q. What happens if I have decided not to take the exam after I register?
A. If you register for the exam and later decide not to take it, then we offer a refund minus $75 non-refundable application fee (note: this is if you are within the one-year mark of applying).
Q. When do I get my results?
A. You will see your pass/fail result immediately after you submit your exam. Approximately four weeks after your exam, the NAMACB will send you your official results with your pass/fail verification, the points you scored on the exam, and the points that were needed to pass. In addition, we will include your individual topic percentage scores for your reference, and to help examinees who fail the exam to focus on the topic(s) they need to improve upon. You will also be mailed a certificate.
Q. What happens if I fail the exam?
A. If a candidate fails the certification exam, they must wait at least three months before retaking the exam. The candidate may attempt to take the exam as many times as they’d like within three years of their first attempt. If a candidate fails to achieve certification within the three-year time period, then their eligibility lapses.
Q. What is the cost to retake the exam if I fail?
A. If a candidate fails the test, then they may re-take it at a 40% discount off the original
exam price. For AHC, the price of the retake is $231. For AP, the price of the retake is $276.
Q. What if there is no testing location near me?
A. If you experience difficulty selecting a location and/or time to take the On-Site Proctored exam, then you may take the On-Line Proctored (OLP) exam instead, provided you have good internet and the ability to download the testing software.
Q. Are there special accommodations for the exam?
A. Yes. If you would like special accommodations for your test, then please review, complete, and submit the Special Accommodations Request to namacb@ayurvedanama.org at least 30 days before your test. Please be aware that there may be additional fees to fulfill Special Accommodations Requests. The fees may vary according to the accommodations requested and the exam center.
Exams Steps
Step 1: Ensure You Qualify to Take the Exam
To ensure you meet the qualifying standards, please review the competency guidelines on the exam information page.
Step 2: Apply
Fill out the appropriate application and make the $75 non-refundable payment. Note, there will be an additional $200 administration fee to evaluate a Non-Recognized program application. (See AAC Accredited Programs Here)
Step 3: NAMACB Review
NAMACB will conduct a high-level review of your application and, if you qualify, e-mail you instructions to register. If you do not qualify, then, in some cases, we may allow you to take the exam if we perceive that you will soon qualify. An example of this is, if you are near graduation of a qualifying program and/or you have not completed the client/patient encounter requirements, but will soon do so.
Step 4: Register & Schedule Your Exam
You have 1 year from your application date to complete your exam or the registration fee will be forfeited.
Step 5: Take Exam!
Step 6: Exam Results
NAMACB will e-mail your detailed test results within 4 weeks of your exam date and invite you into professional membership with a $100 discount off of your first year of dues if paid within 45 days of your certification date. You will also be mailed a certificate.
(note: you will see your pass/fail results immediately after you submit your exam).
The $100 discount will only apply to those who are new to professional membership. If you are upgrading to a higher tier, then your dues will be prorated.