Tonight I’m in the fabulous Econolodge in Anahiem, CA, after having taken a mock California Acupuncture Licensing Exam given by my test prep course instructor with TCM Review. I could have driven back to Nevada, but I thought I’d be wiped out after four hours of test and another 3-4 of review. Lee and I have been TV-free for the entire time we’ve had our LA adventure, so I’m catching up and no surprise, TV is the same 100 channels of crap it was way back in 2009. The room features chunky 70s oak furniture, the carpets are mildly damp (ew), and I think something bit me on the forehead.
Why am I taking the CALE if I’m planning on staying in Nevada? Well, the CA exam is notoriously difficult and since I went to a CA approved school, everyone told me to take it while the info was fresh … we never know where we’ll be in 2, 3, 10 years. And I don’t want to end up taking it when I’m 60. Considering how much I’ve forgotten since passing my National exams last March, I can imagine how much more material will leak out my ears years from now, especially the minutiae. A LOT of material …
Anyway, the REAL exam is in 16 days in Sacramento … and I’ve been studying since May. I am cautiously optimistic. And eager to get past this phase so I can fully commit to building my business, getting my hands on my clients and do everything I can do in traditional therapies and massage to help my clients.
Nevada does not have reciprocity with CA (though AZ does), and requires not only the NCCAOM exams, but also has their own state exam. I won’t know if I can sit for the exam until I attend their summer meeting whenever that is scheduled. They haven’t even cashed my $1000 application chech. That’s right. $1000 just to apply. The Nevada Oriental Medicine exam, assuming the NV Board approves me to sit for it, will be in December. More on this as it develops …