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Q1. How can I practise as an acupuncturist or a TCM practitioner in Singapore?
A1. To practise as a TCM practitioner in Singapore, you must fulfil the following 3 components of the
registration requirements:
a) Academic qualification
b) Practice experience
c) Registration examination
Please visit TCMPB’s website for the details of the
registration requirements.
Please note that satisfaction of the general criteria for registration
does not guarantee approval. Every application for registration will be considered by TCMPB, based on its own merits and subject to TCMPB’s prevailing requirements that
may change from time to time.
Do note that to practise as an acupuncturist in Singapore, you must be a registered medical practitioner with the Singapore Medical Council or a registered dentist with the Singapore Dental Council, you must complete acupuncture training courses which are recognised by TCMPB
and pass the Singapore Acupuncturist Registration Examination (SARE) before you can be registered as an acupuncturist.
Q2. Can I apply to sit for the Singapore TCM-physicians Registration Examination (STRE)?
A2. You must meet the academic qualification requirements before you are allowed to take the STRE.
Q3. How frequent does TCMPB conduct STRE?
A3. TCMPB conducts STRE once a year. Eligible candidates would be informed on the dates in advance.
Q4. I am a Singaporean with a foreign TCM qualification recognised by TCMPB. What type of registration am I eligible for? And how do I apply for registration with TCMPB?
A4. You are eligible to apply for full registration, but you need to complete at least 1 year of clinical attachment at an approved local TCM educational institution before taking the Singapore TCM-physicians Registration Exam.
Please click
here for details on the application process and supporting documents required for registration for new applicants. Do email us (
TCMPB@spb.gov.sg) to enquire on the registration requirements and process before submitting the application for registration.
Q5. I am a Singapore Permanent Resident/foreigner with a foreign TCM qualification and I meet all the prevailing registration requirements. What type of registration am I eligible for? And how do I apply for registration with TCMPB?
A5. You are eligible to apply for conditional registration.
Please click
here for details on the application process and supporting documents required for registration for new applicants. Do email us (
TCMPB@spb.gov.sg) to enquire on the registration requirements and process before submitting the application for registration.
Please click
here for details on the application process and supporting documents required for registration for new applicants.
Q6. How long will it take to process my application? How will I be notified of the outcome of my application?
A6. The average processing time for an application is four to eight weeks, provided that the documentation is complete and in order. Longer processing time is expected if TCMPB requires more time to review a complex case, or when TCMPB is experiencing peak periods.
You will be notified via email. If your application is successful, we will also advise you on how to complete the registration process.
Please note that you are not allowed to commence your practice in Singapore until you have been issued a valid registration certificate and practising certificate.
Q7. What are the conditions imposed on conditional registration?
A7. Conditional registration is valid for a fixed period of time and subject to the following conditions:
a) You have a valid employment with your local employer
b) You are only allowed to practise TCM at the approved place of practice(s), under the supervision of TCMPB-approved supervising TCM practitioner(s)
Q8. As a conditionally registered TCM practitioner, am I allowed to change employer and/or place of practice?
A8. TCMPB’s approval must be sought before you are allowed to change employer and/or place of practice.
Your prospective employer (if there is a change in employer) or your current employer (if there is a change in place of practice) must submit a fresh application via the PRS on your behalf, together with a copy of the offer of employment issued by the prospective employer or current employer (whichever is applicable). Please note that there is an online payment required for the prescribed fees for the application, registration and practising certificate.
As part of the application review, TCMPB must also receive the latest assessment report on your performance, completed by your approved supervising TCM practitioner. As such, it is your responsibility to inform your current employer to submit the latest assessment report to TCMPB directly via email, under ‘Confidential Cover’.
The average processing time is 4 weeks, provided that the documentation is complete and in order. Longer processing time is expected if TCMPB requires more time to review a complex case, or when TCMPB is experiencing peak periods.
You will receive an email notification from TCMPB about the outcome of your application. If your application is successful, we will also advise you on how to complete the change of employer and/or change of place of practice process.
Q9. Can I renew my conditional registration? If so, how do I renew it?
A9. Renewal of conditional registration will only be considered through an online application and is subject to the approval of TCMPB. A fresh application for registration must be submitted via the PRS. There is an application fee of S$300 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card.
Please submit the online application at least two (2) months before the expiry date of your conditional registration, together with an application fee of S$300 (non-refundable) and copies of the supporting documents as proof of fulfilment of conditions as required by TCMPB.
As part of the application review, TCMPB must also receive the latest assessment report on your performance, completed by your approved supervising TCM practitioner. As such, it is your responsibility to inform your current employer to submit the latest assessment report to TCMPB directly via email, under ‘Confidential Cover’.
You will receive an email notification from TCMPB about the outcome of your application. If your application is successful, we will also advise you on how to complete the renewal of conditional registration process. If you do not receive an email notification from TCMPB that the application has been approved one week before the expiry of your current conditional registration, please email to TCMPB at
TCMPB@spb.gov.sg to check on the application status.
Q10. As a conditionally registered TCM practitioner, when can I apply for full registration? And how do I apply for it?
A10. As a conditionally registered TCM practitioner, you must have completed at least three (3) years of supervised practice under conditional registration before applying for full registration.
You may log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS)
here and submit an online application for registration, together with a copy of certification from your current employer to support the application. The application fee is S$300 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card.
As part of the application review, TCMPB must also receive the latest assessment report on your performance, completed by your approved supervising TCM practitioner. As such, it is your responsibility to inform your current employer to submit the latest assessment report to TCMPB directly via email, under ‘Confidential Cover’.
For conditionally registered practitioner, only one attempt to take the first available STRE is allowed after completing 3 years of full-time practice under supervision in Singapore, with satisfactory assessment reports.