Acupuncture is not regulated in this country. An acupuncturist needs to complete long, in depth training courses accredited by British Acupuncture Accreditation Board. Different institutes offer acupuncture courses, the entry requirements are variable. You need to have at least five GCSEs (A-C) including science. Some courses require two A levels. The exact requirements are variable.

Healthcare professionals (general medicine) are exempt from most of the qualification requirements, training and examinations. Short term courses are not recognised and you need to attend three-year courses to be qualified. The syllabus can include human physiology, anatomy, diseases, diagnosis, etc. You will also learn in detail about acupuncture points, vital energies (chi and qi), traditional acupuncture techniques, etc.

Acupuncture courses also impart training on setting up and running your own acupuncture clinic. Acupuncture courses are available in post graduate and doctoral levels. Acupuncturists also keep updating their knowledge by keeping up with the latest knowledge in the field.