Bachelor of Acupuncture PLAR Application

Get formal recognition for the acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine training you’ve already completed.

What is PLAR at ACATCM?

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal process ACATCM uses to evaluate the acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and biomedical science training you’ve already completed — through prior post-secondary study, professional registration, or supervised clinical practice — and grant equivalent credit toward our Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) degree.

PLAR lets qualified practitioners ladder into the B.Ac program without repeating coursework they’ve already mastered. It’s how internationally trained acupuncturists, registered TCM practitioners from other Canadian provinces, and graduates of accredited diploma programs can complete a degree faster and more affordably.

Who is PLAR for?

The B.Ac PLAR pathway is designed for applicants who hold demonstrable training or credentials in acupuncture or TCM, including:

  • Internationally trained acupuncturists and TCM practitioners with diplomas, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees from recognized institutions in China, Korea, Taiwan, or elsewhere.
  • Registered acupuncturists or TCM practitioners from other Canadian provinces — including R.Ac, R.TCM.P, R.TCM.H, and Dr.TCM holders registered with CTCMA-BC, CARB-TCMPAA, or equivalent provincial regulators.
  • Graduates of accredited Canadian diploma programs in acupuncture or TCM seeking to upgrade to a degree.
  • Allied health professionals (e.g., physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, nurses) with documented post-graduate training in acupuncture.
  • Long-standing practitioners with verifiable supervised clinical hours and continuing-education records.

What credit can you earn through PLAR?

Credit is awarded course-by-course based on demonstrated competency against ACATCM’s published B.Ac learning outcomes. PLAR can apply to coursework in:

  • TCM theory, diagnosis, and pattern differentiation
  • Acupuncture point location, channels, and needling technique
  • Chinese herbal medicine (foundational and clinical)
  • Tuina, cupping, moxibustion, and adjunctive techniques
  • Biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology)
  • Clinical practicum hours (with verified supervisor sign-off)

Applicants may receive up to 74 credits toward the B.Ac through PLAR. The remaining residency requirement must be completed at ACATCM to ensure graduates meet CAQC and provincial regulatory standards.

Evidence you’ll be asked to submit

To assess your prior learning fairly and consistently, the PLAR Committee will request:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (sealed, sent directly to ACATCM, with notarized English translations where applicable).
  • Detailed course syllabi or program outlines showing learning outcomes, contact hours, and assessment methods.
  • Proof of professional registration from any current or past regulatory college (e.g., CTCMA, CARB-TCMPAA).
  • Documented clinical hours with supervisor names, credentials, and verifiable contact information.
  • Continuing-education certificates relevant to TCM or acupuncture.
  • Curriculum vitae outlining clinical and teaching experience.
  • Challenge examinations or practical demonstrations may be required for specific competencies.

The PLAR application process

  1. Submit the PLAR application below, including the non-refundable PLAR assessment fee as applicable: 1) Challenge exams or course challenge assessments: CAD $200 per course; 2) Portfolio-based PLAR assessments: CAD $350 per course; and 3) Full competency or experiential learning assessments: CAD $800.
  2. Upload supporting documentation (transcripts, syllabi, registration proofs, CV, clinical-hour records).
  3. Initial review by the Office of the Registrar to confirm the file is complete.
  4. Assessment by the PLAR Committee, which may include faculty interviews, written challenge exams, or a clinical skills demonstration.
  5. Decision and credit award letter issued within 2-3 weeks of a complete submission, listing courses for which credit is granted.
  6. Enrolment planning with the Registrar to map your remaining B.Ac coursework and clinical residency.

Frequently asked questions

Is the PLAR fee refundable if no credit is awarded?

No. The PLAR assessment fee covers the time of the Registrar’s office and the PLAR Committee regardless of outcome. You will, however, receive a written decision detailing what was reviewed.

Can I appeal a PLAR decision?

Yes. Applicants may request reconsideration within 30 days of the decision letter, supported by additional evidence. ACATCM’s full appeals procedure is published in the Student Handbook.

Do CTCMA-BC or CARB-TCMPAA registrants automatically receive credit?

Provincial registration is strong evidence of competency, but credit is still awarded course-by-course against B.Ac learning outcomes. Most registered practitioners receive substantial PLAR credit, but the exact amount depends on your training pathway.

How does PLAR affect my eligibility to write provincial registration exams?

Graduates of the ACATCM B.Ac — including those who completed part of the program through PLAR — meet the educational requirements for the Pan-Canadian PCERPA examination administered by CARB-TCMPAA, and for registration with CTCMA-BC.

Start your PLAR application

Complete the secure online application below. A member of the Registrar’s team will confirm receipt within two business days and outline your next steps.

Our secure and easy-to-use Online Application is designed to streamline your admission process.

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