New members join the BAcC through one of two channels;

Following successful graduation from an institution which holds accreditation from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) - graduates are eligible for automatic membership (e.g. no interview or assessment required) for up to two years from the date of graduation,
or
Through individual application and interview. As a general rule we look for a training similar to that offered at BAAB accredited institutions. Courses are currently three years full time or the part-time equivalent and study includes biomedical science appropriate to the practice of acupuncture. Courses also include a substantial clinical component during which a student will take increasing responsibility for the personal management of patients through all aspects of the treatment encounter.

The BAcC admissions procedures offer a broader range of entry routes which afford greater opportunities for practitioners from diverse training backgrounds. Using the standards of BAAB graduates as a benchmark for entry, these procedures take into account not only formal training, but apprentice-style learning as well as experiential learning from prior practice. A wide menu of assessment procedures ensures both that the BAcC maintains its guarantees of excellence in protecting the public interest and that applicants are able to demonstrate their capabilities in a far more comprehensive manner.

English language is considered an essential skill for UK membership of the BAcC. Those who use English as a second language will need to provide proof of attaining Band 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to gain membership. From 2006, band 6 will be the minimum requirement for application, with Band 7 having to be attained by no later than December 2007.

If you would like to apply to become a member please send a brief CV/Resume details, including details of your training to include name of college(s), place(s) duration of course(s) and dates. Also, include professional history to date along with your full home postal address and other contact details to Robert Moore, Admissions Co-ordinator, The BAcC, 63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9HQ, UK or email robert@acupuncture.org.uk

We will post to you an application form together with all relevant information. Further details on the applications procedure are available for download here: Admissions Procedure

When you return your completed application form, we will then be able to assess whether you may be eligible for membership. The current UK application fee is £255, being £80 for the administration fee and £175 for the interview fee.

If you are in practice overseas, having previously either graduated from a BAcC approved UK institution or previously been a UK practising member of the BAcC and satisfy the entry requirements in force at the time of application, we can consider you for Overseas Membership. The application fee for this category is £75.

Overseas Members - The BAcC has a number of practitioner members based outside the UK. A list of practitioners in a particular country can also be obtained by using the Practitioner Search section of the site. For details on the application procedures for Overseas membership, please contact the Admissions Co-ordinator at the office or email: robert@acupuncture.org.uk

Overseas members of the British Acupuncture Council include:

1. Practitioners who received their acupuncture qualification in the UK and who are currently practising abroad and,
   
   
2. Practitioners who have trained, qualified and are practising abroad.

In both cases, practitioners have provided details of their acupuncture training and undertake to observe the Council's Codes of Ethics and Practice. Nevertheless, due to the constraints of geography and also the legal and cultural differences that exist between countries, the BAcC is not able to oversee the practice of these members, nor can it investigate any allegations of misconduct that may arise.

Overseas members are not covered by the BAcC's bloc Medical Malpractice and Public/Product Liability insurance policy and patients should assure themselves about insurance cover at the time of consulting an Overseas member.

Following interview, Provisional membership may be offered to applicants who are not yet eligible for Full membership but whose eligibility is dependent on very specific requirements. They are made by the interviewers in order for the applicant to achieve parity of training with that given in BAAB accredited institutions.

Non-practising membership is for practitioner members who temporarily cease practising but who want to receive all the usual mailings. Details of Non- Practising or Provisional members do not appear in the public register. Students of acupuncture and others interested in receiving BAcC mailings may also apply for Non-practising membership.

All UK members of the BAcC carry full Medical Malpractice & Public/Products Liability Insurance and are bound by strict Codes of Ethics & Practice with full disciplinary procedures.