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Feedback / Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome your feedback. If you have questions or feedback on matters related to the registration and regulation of conduct of registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners including acupuncturists and TCM physicians in Singapore, you may wish to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below to see if your queries have already been addressed.

Otherwise, please email your enquiry to: TCMPB@spb.gov.sg.

Update Particulars

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Q1. How do I update my particulars?

A1. To update personal or employment details, please login to the Professional Registration System (PRS):

(i) Click ‘Login for Registered TCM Practitioner/ Registered Users’ at www.tcmpb.gov.sg.
(ii) Select ‘Registered TCM Practitioner’.
(iii) Click ‘Login here with SingPass’ tab.
(iv) Enter SingPass ID and password.

After login, you may access Administration -> Update Particulars function. Select the particulars you wish to update and attach relevant supporting documents in PDF.

Supporting documents for the relevant changes are as follows:

Change in employment pass details	Certified true copy^# of front and back of employment pass
Change in residency status to permanent resident or Singapore citizen	Certified true copy^# of front and back of NRIC
Change of name appearing on NRIC (including Chinese name if applicable)	Certified true copy^# of deed poll, and Certified true copy^# of front and back of NRIC
Change in place(s) of practice	Letter of confirmation of new practice place from employer if you are practising under employment; or Business profile obtained from ACRA if you are the owner of the TCM clinic.

# A true copy must be certified by either the Human Resource Personnel of your current local employer or a Notary Public, with an official stamp of the institution/hospital, the full name of the signatory and a professional designation.

Q2. I have just obtained a new NRIC number (Singapore Permanent Resident status) and am unable to login to PRS via SingPass. What should I do?

A2. You will need to update your NRIC details with TCMPB in order to login to the PRS with your SingPass.

Please email a certified true copy of your blue NRIC (front and back) to TCMPB@spb.gov.sg for verification. A true copy must be certified by either the Human Resource Personnel of your current local employer or a Notary Public, with an official stamp of the institution/hospital, the full name of the signatory and a professional designation.

Once TCMPB has received and verified that the certified document is in order, we will proceed to update in the system. After your record is updated, we will notify you and you can proceed to log in.

Continuing Professional Education – For TCM Practitioners

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Q1. How do I monitor my CPE points and view my CPE report?

A1. Login to the PRS using your SingPass ID and password. After login,

(i) Select ‘CPE’.
(ii) Select ‘Monitoring of CPE’ to check the number of CPE points accumulated.
(iii) Select ‘Detailed Report for Current QP’, and the CPE report for the current qualifying period will be shown.

Q2. Does TCMPB have a list of accredited CPE events?

A2. You may search for accredited CPE events at Search Continuing Professional TCM Education (CPE) Events. For event details, please enquire directly with the CPE event provider.

Q3. What are the CPE Points Requirements to renew my Practising Certificate (PC)?

A3. To renew a 2-year PC, you must accumulate 50 CPE points within the qualifying period. Out of the 50 CPE points, you must accumulate at least 30 core CPE points (60%).

CPE points obtained from attending trainings and courses on TCM practice accredited by TCMPB, will be taken as core points. Whereas, CPE points obtained from participation in professional education activities organised by other accredited medical healthcare establishments, can be taken as non-core points.

Please click here for the ‘Guide on Compulsory Continuing Professional Education Programme’ for more details on the following topics:
• CPE points requirements
• Qualifying period
• CPE event categories
• Submission of CPE claims

Continuing Professional Education – For CPE Event Providers

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Q1. How can my organisation apply to be an accredited CPE event provider?

A1. Your TCM organisation is required to fulfil the following requirements:

a) Must have certain experience in conducting TCM or medical-related education and training;
b) Must not participate in the promotion of commercial activities or products at CPE events; and
c) Must assume financial and administrative responsibilities for the events organised.

Upon approval, your TCM organisation may be granted status as an accredited CPE event provider for a period of 2 years and your TCM organisation is expected to organise and conduct certain minimum hours of CPE events per year during the 2-year accreditation period.

Please complete and submit application for accreditation as CPE event provider to TCMPB via email at TCMPB@spb.gov.sg.

Q2. Must my organisation be accredited as a CPE event provider before it can conduct CPE events?

A2. Your TCM organisation can conduct CPE events on ad-hoc basis as a non-accredited CPE event provider. However, the CPE event must be approved by TCMPB before your TCM organisation can conduct it.

For details on the requirements and application process, please click here or the ‘Guide on Compulsory Continuing Professional Education Programme’, and refer to ‘Application of CPE Event Accreditation’.

Practising Certificate

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Q1. Do I need a Practising Certificate (PC) to practise in Singapore? How do I obtain a PC?

A1. All TCM practitioners who are registered with TCMPB and are in active practice in Singapore, must hold a valid PC.

As such, upon registration, you must apply for a PC (with a prescribed fee) before you can commence your practice in Singapore.

It is an offence to practise TCM without a valid PC. Therefore, the onus is on you to ensure that you have a valid PC at all times.

Q2. My PC is expiring soon. Will it be renewed automatically?

A2. The renewal process is not automatic. You must fulfil the compulsory CPE requirements before you are allowed to renew your PC via PRS.

You have to login to the PRS and apply for PC renewal online between 1 April and 31 May before the expiry of your PC in June.

Failure to apply for PC renewal before or on 31 May, will result in a late application fee of $75. If you apply for PC renewal after the expiry of your PC in June, a late application fee of $200 will be imposed.

It is an offence to practise TCM without a valid PC. Therefore, the onus is on you to ensure that you renew your PC on time.

Q3. How do I make payment for my PC renewal application?

A3. Payment is to be made online via credit card during the application process.

The payment process is not instantaneous. Please allow at least three working days for the processing of payment.

Q4. I have applied for PC renewal. Do I need to come to TCMPB to collect my PC?

A4. You do not have to collect your PC at TCMPB. We will arrange to send your PC to your preferred mailing address in our record via normal mail.

Q5. I have made payment for my PC renewal. How can I obtain a receipt?

A5. To print your receipt, please login to the PRS using your SingPass ID and password:

(i) Select ‘Application’.
(ii) Select ‘Enquire Applications’.
(iii) Search for your PC application number.
(iv) Print receipt under the “Remarks” column.

Q6. I lost my PC. How do I replace it?

A6. To apply for a replacement of your PC, please login to the PRS using your SingPass ID and password:

(i) Select ‘Application’.
(ii) Select ‘Reprint PC/RC’.
(iii) Select ‘Replacement of Original Practising Certificate’.

Please note that

a) in the case of a lost or destroyed PC, the application must be supported by a statutory declaration;

b) in the case of a defaced or obliterated PC, the defaced or obliterated PC must be surrendered to TCMPB in exchange for a new PC.

The application fee is S$50 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card.

You do not have to collect your PC at TCMPB. We will arrange to send your PC to your preferred mailing address in our record via normal mail.

Note: The instructions above are applicable to replacement of registration certificate as well.

Q7. My PC has expired. How do I apply for a new PC?

A7. You may apply for a new PC after you have met the CPE points requirements.

Certificate of Good Standing

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Q1. How do I request for a copy of the Certificate of Good Standing?

A1. You have to apply for Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) online. Please login to the PRS using your SingPass ID and password.

The application fee is S$60 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card. You shall be responsible for cost of delivery of the CGS, regardless the destination is local or overseas.

The average processing time of a straightforward application is 14 working days. Longer processing time is expected if TCMPB requires more time to review a complex case, or when TCMPB is experiencing peak periods.

Registration of Additional Qualification

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Q1. Can I apply for my qualification to be registered and added to the Register as an additional qualification (AQ)?

A1. Only basic TCM qualifications (e.g. local diplomas in TCM) are recognised by TCMPB. If you have obtained a recognised basic TCM qualification after you were registered with TCMPB, you may apply it to be registered and added to the Register as an AQ.

Currently, TCMPB does not accept Masters and doctorate TCM qualifications to be added to the Register as AQs.

Q2. I have just obtained a local diploma in TCM. How do I apply for it to be registered as an additional qualification?

A2. You have to apply it online by logging to the PRS using your SingPass ID and password. The following supporting document(s) must also be individually scanned and uploaded to the online application, in PDF format:

a) Certified true copy# of the qualification scroll.
b) Certified true copy# of the graduation certificate.
c) Letter of Verification issued from the conferring authority or institution of the TCM qualification (LV).
d) Certified true copy# of the English translation of the TCM qualification scroll, graduation certificate and/or LV if the original is not in English.

# A true copy must be certified by either the Human Resource Personnel of your current local employer or a Notary Public, with an official stamp of the institution/hospital, the full name of the signatory and a professional designation.

If you wish to apply for more than one (1) AQ, please submit an application for each qualification. Each application fee is S$50 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card.

TCMPB may verify your TCM qualification with the conferring authority or institution if required. Please note that any cost incurred from the verification process will be borne by the applicant.

The average processing time of an application is four (4) weeks. Longer processing time is expected when TCMPB is experiencing peak periods.

Restoration

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Q1. My name was removed from the Register. How do I apply to have my name restored to the Register?

A1. You have to apply for restoration online. Please login to the PRS using your SingPass ID and password.

Please upload the following documents to the application:
a) A copy of a letter stating the grounds on which the application is made;
b) At least two (2) certificates as to your good reputation and character, signed by a registered TCM practitioner, magistrate or Justice of the Peace; and
c) Such other document or information as TCMPB may require.

The application fees for the following categories are non-refundable and are payable online via credit card:

Where name was removed under Section 19(1)(d) of the Act (i.e. where the TCM practitioner has ceased to carry on the prescribed practice of TCM for which he/she is registered)

S$200

Where the name was removed for any other reason

S$400

The average processing time of a straightforward application is 14 working days. Longer processing time is expected if TCMPB requires more time to review a complex case, or when TCMPB is experiencing peak periods.

Registration

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Q1. How can I practise as an acupuncturist or a TCM practitioner in Singapore?

A1. To practise as an acupuncturist in Singapore, you must be a registered TCM practitioner with TCMPB. If you are 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.

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 our 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.

Q2. How can I apply to sit for the Singapore TCM Physician Registration Examination (STRE)?

A2. You must meet the academic qualification and practice experience 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 will be informed on the dates in advance.

Q4. I have satisfied all the prevailing registration requirements. What type of registration am I eligible for? And how do I apply for registration with TCMPB?

A4. You will be eligible to apply for conditional registration.

You may login to the Professional Registration System (PRS) here and submit an online application for registration if

a) you have completed and obtained a recognised TCM qualification in Singapore (including an NTU double degree course); or
b) you are a Singaporean who have completed and obtained a recognised overseas basic TCM qualification.

If you are a Singapore Permanent Resident or foreigner who have completed and obtained a recognised overseas basic TCM qualification, your local prospective employer has to submit an online application for registration on your behalf.

The application fee is S$300 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card.

If you have been previously registered with TCMPB, please login using your old TCMPB registration number for re-registration.

If you have never been registered with TCMPB, please click on “Pre-Application NEW APPLICANT LOGIN” and answer the requisite questions to allow the system to generate a temporary User ID and password for you to login to PRS.

The current system software works best with Internet Explorer.

Please click here for details on the application process and supporting documents required for registration for new applicants.

Q5. How long will it take to process my application? How will I be notified on the outcome of my application?

A5. The average processing time for an application is four (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 be notified via an email through the PRS. 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.

Q6. What are the conditions imposed on my conditional registration?

A6. Your conditional registration is valid for a period of one (1) year only 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).

Q7. As a conditional registrant, am I allowed to change employer and/or place of practice?

A7. 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.

Q8. Can I renew my conditional registration? If so, how do I renew it?

A8. 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 one (1) month 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.

Q9. When can I apply for full registration? And how do I apply for it?

A9. If you are a Singapore Citizen, you must have completed at least one (1) year of supervised practice under conditional registration.

If you are a Singapore Permanent Resident or a foreigner, you must have completed at least three (3) years of supervised practice under conditional registration.

You may login 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’.

The average processing time is four (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 full registration process.

Complaints against TCM Practitioners

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Q1. Can TCMPB help me to assess whether there are grounds for me to lodge a complaint?

A1. TCMPB does not assess on whether there are grounds for individuals to lodge a complaint. Generally, TCMPB will look into any written complaint that falls within the ambit of section 19 of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act (“TCMPA”), that is supported by a Statutory Declaration (“SD”). The complaint should contain information about the TCM practitioner that you would like TCMPB to look at.

Q2. How do I lodge a complaint against a TCM practitioner?

A2. TCMPB operates under the remit of the TCMPA in regulating the conduct of registered TCM practitioners in Singapore.

Under the TCMPA, if you wish to lodge a complaint against a TCM practitioner, you must submit to us a written complaint accompanied by an SD which has been affirmed before the Justice of Peace, a notary public, or a Commissioner for Oaths. You can download the SD Form and instructions on the TCMPB’s website here.

Your complaint should be type-written in English and should include the full name of the TCM practitioner(s), the full facts of the case and your allegations against the TCM practitioner(s). Authenticated English translation of your letter of complaint must also be submitted if it is not in English. Please refer to the Guidance Note on Information and Details to provide in a Complaint Letter.

For more information on how to lodge a complaint with TCMPB, please visit TCMPB’s website here or email us at TCMPB@spb.gov.sg.

Q3. I do not have the name/full name of the TCM practitioner(s). Can TCMPB help me to obtain the name(s)?

A3. TCMPB cannot obtain the name of the TCM practitioner(s) for you and/or assist you to get such information to draft your complaint. Where necessary, you should contact the relevant TCM clinic(s) to find out the name of the TCM practitioner(s). You may search for the full name of the TCM practitioner in the TCMPB online register via the link here.

Q4. Will the TCM practitioner see my complaint?

A4. As part of a fair and impartial investigation, it is usually necessary for the TCM practitioner to be called upon to answer any allegation/s made against him/her. As such, your complaint, including your identity and the details of your allegation(s), must, by law, be furnished to the TCM practitioner.

Q5. Can TCMPB help me to draft my complaint?

A5. As an independent administrator of the disciplinary process, TCMPB is unable to assist you in the drafting of your complaint.

Q6. Is TCMPB the right platform for me to obtain compensation from the TCM practitioner?

A6. No, TCMPB is not the platform to get compensation. Under the TCMPA, even if your complaint is found to be valid, the disciplinary framework only allows for the imposition of disciplinary sanctions against TCM practitioners and cannot make an order of monetary compensation against the TCM practitioners. If you intend to seek monetary compensation from the TCM practitioner, you should seek your own independent legal advice.

Q7. How long will it take to have an outcome of my complaint?

A7. In most cases, investigations may take up to 6 months to complete. For more complex cases, investigations may take longer.

Q8. Will I be updated of the status of my complaint?

A8. TCMPB will acknowledge the receipt of your complaint, in writing. It is the prerogative of the Board to decide whether a complaint should be heard in person and the complainant has no rights to be present during the investigations. All investigations are confidential and TCMPB does not have the powers to divulge any information to you during the course of the investigations.

You will be informed in writing of the outcome as soon as a decision has been reached.

Q9. Can I submit additional information after I have lodged a complaint?

A9. Yes, you can. However, this may prolong the time taken to look into the complaint especially if additional information is submitted after an inquiry has commenced. As such, you are strongly encouraged to ensure that all necessary and relevant information has been included into your complaint before submitting it.

General Enquiries

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Q1. I need to find a registered TCM practitioner or acupuncturist. How can I do so?

A1. You can search and view the Register online via “Search for registered TCM practitioners” at TCMPB’s website (www.tcmpb.gov.sg). The registered TCM practitioners and acupuncturists are listed online as long as they have a valid practising certificate.

Q2. I want to find out whether the registered TCM practitioner is a TCM specialist?

A2. TCMPB only registers TCM general practitioners and does not have a separate register of TCM specialists.

Q3. I have encountered an error message while accessing the TCMPB’s Professional Registration System (PRS). What should I do?

A3. Our system is most compatible with Internet Explorer. Please use a computer/laptop with a stable internet connection and try again.

You may also wish to consider clearing your cache/cookies from your browser.

If the problem persists, please provide the following information in an email to help us look into your issue expeditiously:
(i) Your purpose of accessing the PRS, e.g. to update CPE points, application for registration, etc
(ii) Your browser type and device (desktop or laptop);
(iii) URL of the login page;
(iv) The screenshot of the pages before and after you encounter the error message; and
(v) The timestamp of when the error has occurred.

Q4. How do I login to TCMPB’s PRS?

A4. For registered TCM practitioners or applicants with X-number:
For SingPass users e.g. NRIC/FIN holders, please log in via SingPass and 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) using SMS or SingPass Mobile.

For non-SingPass users e.g. Passport holders, please log in via User ID, password and 2FA (using OneKey token or Google Authenticator [GA]).

From 1 April 2021, it is mandatory for non-SingPass users to use the GA as the 2FA in order to protect your login to the PRS. If you are currently using the OneKey token to generate the OneTime Password (OTP), you can continue to do so until 31 March 2021, after which you will need to switch to GA.

For HR personnel or CPE providers: login via CorpPass and 2FA
You will need both a CorpPass user account and an existing TCMPB account in order to access the PRS.

Please request for your CorpPass Admin to create a user account for you and assign the following e-Service access:
• Government Agency: Ministry of Health (MOH)
• e-Service: PRS

Q5. What is “Secretariat of healthcare Professional Board”?

A5. With effect from 1 Jan 2020, TCMPB is supported by the Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards (SPB) for its secretariat and operational functions. The registration and regulation of TCM practitioners continue to be governed by TCMPB, which retains autonomy and independence over professional and statutory matters, as provided for under the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act.