Assessments

Assessment Requirements

Licentiate in Five-Element Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.)

Each of the four modules has its own assessment requirements. These must be passed before you can move on to the following module.

Module 1

1. Portfolio (please scroll to the end of this page for a film on 'The Portfolio')

The portfolio provides evidence of your understanding of the material. It is also an opportunity for you to reflect and assimilate the information and show your unique experience of the teachings. It will serve as a reference source in your future clinic.

The portfolio is assessed with written feedback and a pass/fail or refer will be awarded. A ‘refer’ means that further written work is required.

Every film (excluding point location) requires a written piece of work and must include:

Key points of the lecture (50 words)
A summary of the content of the lecture. A description (facts and detail) of the topic covered (this can include drawings and diagrams if appropriate) (300-1000 words)
Personal reflection. (NB. Not required for point location films). You need to demonstrate a depth of personal understanding of the material and show a growing awareness of the theory and practice of Five-Element Acupuncture. ‘Personal understanding’ is that you take ownership of the material and personalise it. For example, you may watch the film on the ‘Liver Official’ which talks about the emotion anger. Great reflection is your account of, for example, when you might remember feeling your anger was inappropriate and destructive. Or you may watch the film on the ‘Law of Husband/Wife’ and become aware of how hard it is to take someone else’s role when you are ill equipped to do so. The more you link the theory to your personal experience, or how you have seen it in someone else, the better. (300 words minimum)

Some lectures will have more content than others, but the total word count for the written work on any lecture should be no less than 600 words and must not exceed 2000 words.

Your work must be word processed and submitted monthly in Word.

Please note – you must write-up and submit your portfolio entries that relate to the films added to your dashboard before each monthly in-person session.

2. Point Location Exam

The point location exam takes place on the second day of the sixth (final) session of this module and assesses your ability to find the points taught at this level. Instruction is given on film, supported with practical help from mentors and during point location classes. You will mark 12 acupuncture points in one hour; a minimum of 9 correct locations is required to pass. Should you not pass the exam, it can be retaken on day three. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised in London later for a fee of £150.00 (you are required to provide a body).

3. Philosophy/Theory and Points Theory Exam

This one hour written exam (multiple choice/30 questions) takes place on the first day of the sixth (final) session of this module. This exam will test your comprehension and memory of all subject matter learned in this module. This includes the content of all the films that you will have watched and documented in your portfolio and the bullet-pointed information at the end of this section that relates to the acupuncture points, found in your Meridians and Points (red) book. You will need to achieve 21 correct answers out of 30 to pass. This exam can also be retaken on day 3 of the final weekend of this module. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised in London later for a fee of £150.00.

Roman numeral + point number (e.g., l7 - 7th point on the heart meridian)

Name of the point (e.g., 'Spirit Gate')
Type/function of point (e.g., earth point, sedation point and source point)

5. Additional (non-assessed) requirements

Pulses

You are required to take and document a minimum of 40 pulses per month for each of the six months of Module 1. You must submit your pulse sheets together (electronic copy) through the link found in each Module 1 monthly session. They must include the person's name, the time of day, the pulse reading and your observations of colour, sound, odour and emotion.

Observations
Over the six months of Module 1 you are required to be in a clinical setting for a minimum of 15 hours and observe a variety of practitioners with patients. You must submit all your Clinical Observation Sheets that evidence your attendance along with the Clinical Observations Checklists that evidence your experience and reflections. Both forms are found in Module 1 Learning Resources. These multiple forms must all be submitted together (electronic copy) through the link found in Module 1 Session 6. They must include the practitioner/s names that you observed, dated, and signed and fully completed.

Module 2

1. Portfolio
The portfolio provides evidence of your understanding of the material. It is also an opportunity for you to reflect and assimilate the information and show your unique experience of the teachings. It will serve as a reference source in your future clinic.

The portfolio is assessed with written feedback and a pass/fail or refer will be awarded. A ‘refer’ means that further written work is required. Every subject in the Module requires a written piece of work and must include:
Key points of the lecture - 50 words)
A summary of the content of the lecture. A description (facts and detail) of the topic covered (this can include drawings and diagrams if appropriate) (300-1000 words)
Personal reflection. You need to demonstrate a depth of personal understanding of the material and show a growing awareness of the theory and practice of Five-Element Acupuncture. ‘Personal understanding’ is that you take ownership of the material and personalise it. For example, you may watch the film on the 'The Patient-Practitioner Relationship’ which talks about rapport. Great reflection is your account of, for example, of when you cannot 'click' with someone, and you don't know why. Or you may watch the film on the ‘Spirit of the Points’ for the Bladder and become aware of how hard it is to manage your own energy reserves, sometimes full of steam and then a total collapse. The more you link the theory to your personal experience, or how you have seen it in someone else, the better. (300 words minimum)

Your work must be word processed in WORD and submitted as a complete document prior to each of the in-person weekends.

2. Point Location Exam
The point location exam takes place on the second day of the final in-person session of Module 2 and assesses your ability to find the points taught at this level only. Instruction is given on film and supported with practical help from mentors and during point location classes. You will have 10 minutes to make notes and then one further hour to mark 12 acupuncture points (minimum of 9 correct locations to pass). If you do not pass, the exam can be retaken the following morning. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised later for a fee of £150.00. You will be required to provide a body.

3. Philosophy/Theory and Points Theory Exam
This one hour written exam (multiple choice) takes place on Day 1 of the final in-person session of Module 2 and will test your comprehension and memory of all subject matter learned during this module. This includes the content of all the films that you will have watched and documented in your portfolio and also the information that relates to the acupuncture points, found in your Meridians and Points book (Red Book). You will need to achieve 21 correct answers out of 30 to pass. This exam can also be retaken on day 3 of the final weekend of this module. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised in London later for a fee of £150.00.
Roman numeral + point number (e.g., Vlll 14 – 14th point on the Liver meridian)
Name of the point (e.g., Gate of Hope)
Type/function of point (e.g., Exit Point)

4. Diagnosis and Pulse Project

You are required to submit a body of written work (5000 words) or produce a 45-minute video that clearly evidences your experience of developing your senses for the purposes of five-element diagnosis (Colour, Sound, Odour, Emotion) and taking pulses. This is explained in detail in the film ‘Diagnosis and Pulse Project Guidelines’ available on Module 2 Learning Resources/Assessments.

5. Additional (non-assessed) requirements

Pulses

You are required to take and document a minimum of 40 pulses per month over the six months of Module 2. You must submit your pulse sheets monthly together (electronic copy) through the link found in each Module 2 monthly session. They must include the person's name, the time of day, the pulse reading and your observations of colour, sound, odour and emotion.

Observations
Over the six months of Module 2 you are required to be in a clinical setting for a minimum of 15 hours and observe a variety of practitioners with patients. You must submit all your Clinical Observation Sheets that evidence your attendance along with the Clinical Observations Checklists that evidence your experience and reflections. Both forms are found in Module 2 Learning Resources. These multiple forms must all be submitted together (electronic copy) through the link found in Module 2 Session 6. They must include the practitioner/s names that you observed, dated and signed and fully completed.

Module 3

1. Portfolio

The portfolio is assessed with written feedback and a pass/fail or refer will be awarded. A ‘refer’ means that further written work is required.

Word count for each section of your Module 3 Portfolio.

Theory – Windows of the Sky

Key points of the lecture (50 words minimum)
A summary of the content of the lecture (300-1000 words)
Personal reflection (300 words minimum)

Spirit of the Points (non-command points)

Your understanding of each point (50 words minimum)
Personal reflection on the entire lecture (all points) (300 words minimum)

Point Location

There is NO requirement to submit notes on point location. This is assessed by means of the point location examination.

Diagnosis and Treatment

1.Treatment Planning (Case Study 1 & 2)

Discussion/reflection of your learning (500 words minimum for each case study)

2. Filmed Patient Case Studies (6 films)

Discussion/reflection of your learning (300 words minimum for each case study)

The Physical Examination

Key points of the lecture (50 words minimum)
A summary of the content of the lecture (300-1000 words)
Personal reflection (300 words minimum)

Some lectures will have more content than others, but the total word count for the written work on any lecture must not exceed 2000 words.

2. Theory and Point Theory Exam

This one hour written exam (multiple choice) takes place on Day 1 of the sixth (final) session of this module and will test your comprehension and memory of all subject matter learned so far including this module, as well as modules 1 and 2. This includes the content of all the films that you will have watched and documented in all your portfolios and also the following information that relates to the acupuncture points, found in your Meridians and Points book.

You will need to achieve 21 correct answers out of 30 to pass. This exam can also be retaken on day 3 of the final weekend of this module. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised in London later for a fee of £150.00.

Roman numeral + point number (e.g., X 18 - 18th point on the heart meridian)
Name of the point (e.g., Support and Rush Out)
Type/function of point (e.g., Window of the Sky)

3. Case Studies
You will conduct five ‘Traditional Diagnosis’ (explained on film in this module) and submit your findings in your portfolio. Each case study must include a summary of the patient and a full description of each interview with factual/personal information about the patient, your five-element diagnosis, your observations and your personal experience, sharing your reactions and personal process (minimum 2000 words per case study).

4. Point Location Exam

The point location exam takes place on the second day of the sixth (final) session of each module and assesses your ability to find the points taught at this level. Instruction is given on film, supported with practical help from mentors and during point location classes. You will mark 15 acupuncture points in one hour; a minimum of 12 correct locations is required to pass. Should you not pass the exam, it can be retaken on day three. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised in London later for a fee of £150.00. (You are required to provide a body.

5. Needle and Moxa Practical Exam

This practical exam and ‘viva’ take place during the final session of Module 3. You are required to show that you understand the health and safety aspects of practice and that you can confidently and safely burn moxa and needle into skin safely and with confidence.

6. Additional (non-assessed) requirement

Pulses

You are required to take and document a minimum of 40 pulses per month over the six months of Module 3. You must submit your pulse sheets together (electronic copy) through the link found in each Module 3 monthly session. They must include the person's name, the time of day, the pulse reading and your observations of colour, sound, odour and emotion.

Observations

Over the six months of Module 3 you are required to be in a clinical setting for a minimum of 15 hours and observe a variety of practitioners with patients. You must submit all your Clinical Observation Sheets that evidence your attendance along with the Clinical Observations Checklists that evidence your experience and reflections. Both forms are found in Module 3 Learning Resources. These multiple forms must all be submitted together (electronic copy) through the link found in Module 3 Session 6. They must include the practitioner/s names that you observed, dated and signed and fully completed.

Module 4

1. Portfolio (please scroll to the end of this page for a film on 'The Portfolio')

The portfolio is assessed with written feedback and a pass/fail or refer will be awarded. A ‘refer’ means that further written work is required.

Every film requires a written piece of work and must include:

Key points of the lecture (50 words)
A summary of the content of the lecture. A description (facts and detail) of the topic covered (this can include drawings and diagrams if appropriate) (300-1000 words)
Personal reflection. (NB. Not required for point location films). You need to demonstrate a depth of personal understanding of the material and show a growing awareness of the theory and practice of Five-Element Acupuncture. ‘Personal understanding’ is that you take ownership of the material and personalise it. For example, you may watch the film on the ‘Liver Official’ which talks about the emotion anger. Great reflection is your account of, for example, when you might remember feeling your anger was inappropriate and destructive. Or you may watch the film on the ‘Law of Husband/Wife’ and become aware of how hard it is to take someone else’s role when you are ill equipped to do so. The more you link the theory to your personal experience, or how you have seen it in someone else, the better. (300 words minimum)

Some lectures will have more content than others, but the total word count for the written work on any lecture should be no less than 600 words and must not exceed 2000 words.

Please note – your portfolio must be handed in and have received a pass before you can be awarded your Licentiate in Five-Element Acupuncture (Lic.Ac.).

2. The Clinical

You will be treating patients under the supervision of one or more of our approved supervisors. You will perform a minimum of 40 treatments, 30 under close supervision and a further 10 treatments with minimal supervision. You must see at least 3 patients for a total of five treatments. Once you have completed your 40 supervised treatments and you have received a pass from the Exam Board, the clinical aspect of your training is complete.

Important

Your supervisor/s will support and guide you through the clinical experience. The clinical assessment (pass or fail) is based on attendance, good clinical practice (including fully completed paperwork) and your capacity to receive critical feedback and demonstrate your development and progression from week to week.

First Aid

You must have completed the one-day Level 3 Emergency First Aid At Work Course prior to starting Module 4. This training can be sourced locally to your work or home and is your own cost.

3. Clinical Records

Your clinical records provide evidence of your clinical experience. For each treatment you perform you will need to provide the following:

Preface Sheet (a summary of each patient’s medical and personal history, your diagnosis and observations.
A fully completed Treatment Sheet. This must be signed and dated by your supervisor.

4. Case Studies

You will choose three of your patients as case studies and produce an in-depth report on each of them. You can either produce a written document (minimum 2000 words per patient) or create a filmed report of no less than 40 minutes per patient and no more than one hour. Each case study (written or explained on film) must include the following:

A fully completed Preface Sheet and a detailed description of the Traditional Diagnosis that includes the patient’s factual/personal information and your personal and professional experience as the practitioner.
A detailed breakdown and explanation of five consecutive treatments given, your diagnosis and rationale for the treatments.
A projection of how you might treat the patient in the future with suggested treatment plans.
A summary of the experience and what you have learned.

5. Peer Review Presentation

You will choose one of your case studies to present to the group at the final session of Module 4. This will include all aspects of your written and/or filmed presentation, and you will host a Q&A session with the group. This should include a fully completed Preface Sheet and any supporting documents/visual presentations and be thoroughly prepared and rehearsed and last approximately 30-45 minutes. (Pass/Fail).

6. Point Location Exam

The point location exam takes place on the second day of the sixth (final) session of each module and assesses your ability to find the points taught at this level. Instruction is given on film, supported with practical help from mentors and during point location classes. You will mark 15 acupuncture points in one hour; a minimum of 12 correct locations is required to pass. Should you not pass the exam, it can be retaken on day three. If you fail to pass at this stage, a re-take can be organised in London later for a fee of £150.00.(You are required to provide a body).

Points list:

All Command Points, all points on the 3 grids, all back points, all entry/exit points, points for ID's, ED's, All CV and GV points, sacral points (lll 27 and lll 28), all Windows, parrot and epaulette points, all upper arm points,

Extra points:

l 2, ll 9 - 19, lll 2-5, lll 11-12, lll 51, Vll 13 - 16, Vll 20, Vll25-25, Vll 30-32, Vlll 11-13, lX 2, lX 4, Xl 11-13, Xll 20

7. Business Plan

As you progress in your training and prepare to embark on your professional career as acupuncturists, we ask you to develop a comprehensive business plan for your future acupuncture practice.

A well-thought-out business plan is a fundamental tool that will serve as a roadmap for the growth and success of your acupuncture practice. It will help you outline your vision, set achievable goals, and define the strategies necessary to thrive in the competitive healthcare industry. Additionally, a business plan will assist you in making informed decisions and securing any necessary funding or support for your practice.

Minimum word count - 4000 words total (500 words for each of the 8 sections)

8. Additional (non-assessed) requirement

Pulses

You are required to take and document a minimum of 40 pulses per month over the six months of Module 4. You must submit your pulse sheets together (electronic copy) through the link found in each Module 3 monthly session. They must include the person's name, the time of day, the pulse reading and your observations of colour, sound, odour and emotion.

Observations

Throughout Module 4 you are required to be in a clinical setting for a minimum of 15 hours and observe a variety of practitioners with patients. You must submit all your Clinical Observation Sheets that evidence your attendance along with the Clinical Observations Checklists that evidence your experience and reflections. Both forms are found in Module 4 Learning Resources. These multiple forms must all be submitted together (electronic copy) through the link found in Module 4. They must include the practitioner/s names that you observed, dated and signed and fully completed.