Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure has moved. Effective April 15, 2026 our new location is 805 S. Wheatley Street, Suite 600, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Every patient. For every provider. For every Mississippian.

Home Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure For Every Patient. For Every Provider. For Every Mississippian.
Toggle Navigation Icon

Acupuncturist License Application

Acupuncturist License Application

For applicants seeking an Acupuncturist license in Mississippi.

At a glance: An Acupuncturist license authorizes the holder to practice acupuncture in Mississippi. Applications are submitted online through MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System).

Fee: $400, payable after submission of the online application. View full fee schedule.

Renewal: Biennial (every two years). 30 hours of continuing education required within each biennial renewal period.

Eligibility requirements

  • At least 21 years of age and of good moral character.
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America.
  • Graduate of an educational program accredited by ACAOM, NCCAOM, or a predecessor or successor agency — at least three (3) years in duration and including a supervised clinical internship. Applicants with international education are recognized through the NCCAOM review process for foreign applicants.
  • Current NCCAOM Diplomate status in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine.
  • Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
  • Malpractice insurance with a minimum of $1 million in coverage.
  • Two (2) favorable references from acupuncturists licensed in the United States with whom you have worked or trained.

NCCAOM Examination Requirements

Pass the certification examinations administered by the NCCAOM and have current NCCAOM Diplomate status:

  • If taken before June 1, 2004: Comprehensive Written Exam (CWE), Clean Needle Technique portion (CNTP), and Practical Examination of Point Location Skills (PEPLS).
  • If taken June 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006: NCCAOM Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, Point Location, and Biomedicine modules.
  • If taken on or after January 1, 2007: NCCAOM Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture (with Point Location), and Biomedicine modules.

English Language Proficiency (Foreign-Trained Applicants)

If you are a graduate of an international educational program, demonstrate English proficiency by one of:

  • Passage of the NCCAOM examination taken in English.
  • TOEFL: 560 or higher (paper-based) or 220 or higher (computer-based).
  • TSE (Test of Spoken English): 50 or higher.
  • TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): 500 or higher.

Items Submitted by the Applicant

Download the application instructions PDF below to use as a printable checklist.

Acupuncturist Licensure Instructions Reference · Print and use as a checklist as you complete the application
1. Affidavit and Perpetual Release FormSigned and notarized. The ORIGINAL must be mailed to the Board.
2Birth Certificate or PassportCertified or notarized copy. If your name differs from your birth certificate, submit supporting documents (legal name change, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.). See Notary Guidelines and Form.
3Acupuncture School DiplomaCopy of the original. Uploaded online during the application.
4Driver’s LicenseCopy of current license. Uploaded online during the application.
5Translated Foreign Language DocumentsCertified English translation by a recognized translator. See Notary Guidelines and Form for accepted notarized copy formats. U.S. acupuncture schools may submit original and translated acupuncture school diplomas on behalf of an applicant.
6CPR CertificateCopy of current CPR certificate from American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
7Photograph (physical and electronic)Passport-type photo taken within the last 60 days, in two forms: (1) physical wallet-sized print attached to the Affidavit, and (2) electronic copy uploaded via MELS. See Photograph Guidelines.
8English Proficiency Exam scoresIf graduate of a foreign educational program. Notarized copy. See Notary Guidelines and Form.
9Proof of Citizenship or Permanent ResidencyNotarized copy of one: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or U.S. Permanent Resident Card. See Notary Guidelines and Form.

Verifications Provided by Third Parties (Primary Source)

The following must be sent directly from the issuing institution to MSBML.

State Medical Licensure Certification (Appendix D)Primary source · From each state where applicant holds or held a license.
Malpractice Insurance CertificationPrimary source · From each insurance company where applicant has had coverage.
Activity Certification (Appendix C)Primary source · From each applicable institution for activities completed within the past 5 years.
NCCAOM Examination ReportPrimary source · Scores sent directly from NCCAOM.
Clean Needle Technique (CNT) CertificatePrimary source · Verification from CCAOM.
Official Transcript from Acupuncture SchoolPrimary source · Sent directly from the school to the Board.

Fingerprints (only if license has lapsed five or more years)

If your license has lapsed for five (5) years or more, fingerprints are required. The Board may, at its discretion, require fingerprints for applicants whose license has lapsed less than five (5) years. Two methods are available: (1) FD-258 fingerprint cards mailed by the Board or obtained locally, or (2) LiveScan at MSBML. See Fingerprinting Options.

How to Apply

  1. Verify eligibility

    Confirm you meet age, education, NCCAOM, CPR, malpractice, and reference requirements.

  2. Register in MELS

    Create a username and password in MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System).

  3. Complete and submit the online application

    Upload all applicant-side documents and pay the application fee.

  4. Request primary source verifications

    Request NCCAOM exam report, CNT certificate, official transcript, Appendix C, Appendix D, and malpractice certifications to be sent directly to MSBML.

Fee

$400, payable after submission of the online application. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

For the full breakdown of all MSBML licensing fees, see the Fee Schedule.

Questions?

Email the licensing professional at mboard@msbml.ms.gov. To ensure a smoother process, format the subject line as: License Type + Applicant’s Full Name.

By phone: 601.987.3079.

Ready to apply?

Have your forms ready, then start your application in MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System).

Start Application in MELS Contact Licensing

Mississippi Administrative Code: For complete rules governing this license type, see Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 2625 (Acupuncturist rules) on our Laws, Code & Policies page.