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. Note: non-accredited applications & transcripts will no longer be accepted after July 2, 2025.
A. When you apply, you will pay a non-refundable $75 application fee, that goes towards the entire exam cost.
Note: You can be eligible to receive a 20% discount on your exam registration fees if: You apply within 30 days post graduation date, and register within 60 days.
Q. What are pre-requisites for the exams?
A. The only pre-requisite required is passing the AP exam to qualify for AAP certification.
Q. How much is the AAP exam for graduates of AAP accredited programs in US?
The AAP exam is a 2 part exam. They must be registered accordingly:
AAP Part 1 – 150 min - $460 (AP)
AAP Part 2 – 120 min - $345 (AAP)
Total = $600 (if taking both)
If a candidate has already taken and passed the AP exam, only Pt 2 is required.
Q. What if I have already taken the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) exam and want to take the next level Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) exam after completing an AAP accredited program?
A. Applicants that have successfully completed the AP exam, and have graduated from an accredited AAP program, will only be required to take Part 2 of the AAP exam at a cost of $345
Q. What are the requirements for BAMS graduates to sit for the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner exam?
A. For those who have a BAMS degree, you will need to upload proof of your BAMS degree into your application, you qualify for the AAP exam, at a cost of $345.
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 degree holders). See AAC Accredited Programs
Q. Do I need to take the AHC exam if I plan to go on to AP?
A. No. If you plan to directly go on to AP or AAP then wait until you are complete with your Ayurvedic program and take the exam at that time.
Q. How long do I have to take the exam?
A. You will have 150 minutes to complete either the AHC or AP exam.
AP exam 150 minutes and 120 minutes for Pt 2 of AAP.
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 (6) months 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 (6) months of applying. However, there is a 20% discount on registration fees for those applying within 30 days post-graduation and registering/scheduling 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 and an administrative and processing fee of $50 (note: this is if you are within the 6 month mark of applying). Please review the Exam Refund Policy.
Exam Refund Policy
Q. Once I register and schedule my exam, am I allowed to reschedule?
A. Once your exam is scheduled you have six (6) months to complete it. You are allowed one (1) courtesy reschedule, however it must be a date within your six (6) month window. Please refer to the Exam Refund Policy for more details.
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 issued 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.
Q. What is the difference of On-Line Proctored and On-Site Proctored?
A. On-Line Proctored (OLP) exams have software that needs to be downloaded. OLP is heightened security so there will be a Pre-Check beforehand to check your ID and your testing area.
No notepaper or pen/pencil is allowed.
There is no talking out load (to ensure no one is in the room with you).
There is no going back to check your answers.
You are allowed one five minute break, however this does not stop your time.
Kryterion implemented “AI Proctor Assist” in October 2024. This supports the online proctoring security as follows:
• Object Detection: Identifies potential unauthorized items like electronic devices in the exam environment.
• Face Detection: Monitors candidates to ensure they remain within the camera’s view and flags additional people if detected.
• Real-Time Alerts: Provides live proctors with AI-generated alerts, helping to maintain exam integrity.
A. On-Site Proctored (OSP) exams are taken at an approved exam location. They do allow a notepaper and pen/pencil for note taking and you will turn this into the proctor at the end for shredding. You are allowed breaks, but this will not stop your time. You are also allowed to go back and check your answers. See Locations Here
Q. What if there is no testing location near me (OSP) ?
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.
Step 3: NAMACB Review
NAMACB will conduct a high-level review of your application and, if you qualify, e-mail you instructions to register.
Step 4: Register for Your Exam
As soon as your application is approved you will be invited to register via email. Please register as soon as possible. You have six (6) months 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 2 weeks of your exam date and invite you into professional membership with membership organization with NAMA with a $100 discount off of your first year of dues if paid within 30 days of your invitation. You will also be issued 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.