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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.

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 a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) online. Please log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) using your Singpass ID and password.

The application fee is S$60 (non-refundable) and is payable online via credit card. The default mode of delivery is via email. You shall be responsible for cost of delivery of the CGS if you request for delivery via normal mail, 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. If you have obtained a recognised basic TCM qualification after you have been registered with TCMPB, you may apply for it to be registered as an AQ.

You may submit your higher TCM qualification to TCMPB via email (TCMPB@spb.gov.sg).

Registration

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

A1. 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 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.

Do note that to practise as an acupuncturist in Singapore, you must be 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.

Q2. Can I apply to sit for the Singapore TCM-physicians Registration Examination (STRE)?

A2. You must meet the academic qualification 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 would be informed on the dates in advance.

Q4. I am a Singaporean with a foreign TCM qualification recognised by TCMPB. What type of registration am I eligible for? And how do I apply for registration with TCMPB?

A4. You are eligible to apply for full registration, but you need to complete at least 1 year of clinical attachment at an approved local TCM educational institution before taking the Singapore TCM-physicians Registration Exam. 

Please click here for details on the application process and supporting documents required for registration for new applicants. Do email us (TCMPB@spb.gov.sg) to enquire on the registration requirements and process before submitting the application for registration.

Q5. I am a Singapore Permanent Resident/foreigner with a foreign TCM qualification and I meet all the prevailing registration requirements. What type of registration am I eligible for? And how do I apply for registration with TCMPB?

A5. You are eligible to apply for conditional registration.

Please click here for details on the application process and supporting documents required for registration for new applicants. Do email us (TCMPB@spb.gov.sg) to enquire on the registration requirements and process before submitting the application for registration.

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

Q6. How long will it take to process my application? How will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

A6. The average processing time for an application is four to eight 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 email. 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.

Q7. What are the conditions imposed on conditional registration?

A7. Conditional registration is valid for a fixed period of time 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)

Q8. As a conditionally registered TCM practitioner, am I allowed to change employer and/or place of practice?

A8. 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.

Q9. Can I renew my conditional registration? If so, how do I renew it?

A9. 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 two (2) months 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.

Q10. As a conditionally registered TCM practitioner, when can I apply for full registration? And how do I apply for it?

A10. As a conditionally registered TCM practitioner, you must have completed at least three (3) years of supervised practice under conditional registration before applying for full registration.

You may log in 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’.

For conditionally registered practitioner, only one attempt to take the first available STRE is allowed after completing 3 years of full-time practice under supervision in Singapore, with satisfactory assessment reports.

Update Particulars 

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Q1. How do I update my particulars?

A1. To update personal or employment details, please log in 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 ‘Log in with Singpass’ tab
(iv) Enter Singpass ID and password

After you have logged in, 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)
  1. Certified true copy# of deed poll, and
  2. Certified true copy# of front and back of NRIC 
Change in place(s) of practice
  1.  Letter of confirmation of new practice place from employer if you are practising under employment; or
  2. 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 log in to PRS via Singpass. What should I do?

A2. You will need to update your NRIC details with TCMPB in order to log in 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.

Practising Certificate (PC)

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Q1. Do I need a PC to practise in Singapore?  How do I apply for it?

A1. TCM practitioners who are registered with TCMPB and are in active practice will need a valid PC in order to practise TCM in Singapore. 

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 if you are practising TCM.

You will need to apply for a PC by submitting an online application through the TCMPB Professional Registration System (PRS).

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

A2. You must fulfil the compulsory CPE requirements before you are allowed to renew your PC.

The renewal process is not automatic. You  will need to log in to the TCMPB Professional Registration System (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. Can I renew my PC without a practice place?

A3. Generally, you will need to have a practice place to be able to renew your PC. If you are not practising, you may choose not to renew your PC.

Q4. How do I make payment for my PC renewal application?

A4. Payment will be made online via credit card/ debit card during the application process on PRS.

The payment process is not instantaneous. Please allow at least 3 working days for the processing of payment.

Q5. I have not received my PC. Will it be mailed to me, or do I need to collect it from TCMPB’s office?

A5. You are not required to collect your PC at the TCMPB’s office. The TCMPB had launched the electronic Registration Certificate (e-RC) and electronic Practising Certificate (e-PC), collectively known as e-Certs. All TCMPB practitioners will be able to view and download their e-PCs upon their successful renewal via the PRS. 

In addition, TCMPB had collaborated with the Ministry of Health and GovTech to launch the Digital Practising Certificate (PC) in the Singpass app. All registered TCMPB practitioners with a valid PC can now access and view their PC information in the Singpass app under the “My Cards” section. 

For more information, please refer to the circular as well as Q14 and Q15 of the FAQs on e-PC and digital PC (Full version).

Q6. My PC application has been approved. How do I view and download my e-PC?

A6. You will be able to view and download the e-PC that is current and valid. 
Once the e-PC is no longer valid, e.g., validity of e-PC has expired, you will no longer be able to view/download it.
Please note that existing hardcopy PCs are not available for viewing in the PRS.

To view and download your valid e-PC, please follow the steps below:
(a)  Log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) here
(b) At the left menu, click on “Administration” followed by “View Certificates”
(c) Click on the hyperlink under “PC Period”
 

View Certificates

d) The e-PC would then display in a pop-up window:
     • For most mobile device users, the e-PC should download and display automatically
     • For laptop/computer users, please follow the instructions on your Internet browser to view and download a copy of the e-PC


Q7. I have made payment for my PC renewal. How can I obtain a receipt?

A7. To print the receipt, log in to the PRS and follow the steps below:
(i) Select “Application”
(ii) Select “Enquire Applications”
(iii) Search for your PC application number
(iv) Print receipt under the “Remarks” column

The receipt is available for download after payment is received by the TCMPB between 5 and 7 working days after the successful submission of your PC renewal application.

Q8. I cannot proceed with my payment. What should I do?

A8. Please provide a print screen of the error message reflected in the PRS and email to TCMPB@spb.gov.sg. The Secretariat will advise you accordingly.

Q9. How can I apply for a new PC if I do not have a Singpass?

A9. You would need to scan a copy of your valid work pass/ work permit and email to TCMPB@spb.gov.sg. Upon receipt of your work pass/ work permit, the TCMPB will reset your PRS password which will then allow you to log in to your PRS account.

Q10. Do I need to display my PC at my place of practice?

A10. An electronic PC (e-PC) will be issued when your renewal application has been approved. Please note that under Regulation 4 of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (Practice, Conduct and Ethics) Regulations, you are required to conspicuously display a copy of your current e-PC at your TCM clinics and place(s) of practice as a TCM practitioner, including places where you practise full time, part-time or on contract basis.  You can print a copy of the e-PC and display it inside the practice premises, e.g., the patients’ waiting area and/or in your consultation room.

 


Continuing Professional Education – For TCM Practitioners

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Q1. What are the CPE points requirements to renew my PC?

A1. 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

Q2. How do I submit CPE claims?

A2. You may submit your CPE claims with the relevant supporting documents through the online PRS.

Q3. How do I monitor and view the points I have accumulated?

A3. Log in 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’ 
The CPE report for the current qualifying period will be shown

Q4. Does TCMPB have a list of accredited CPE events?

A4. 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.

Q5. How may I attach documents when the application is routed to me for attachment of supporting documents?

A5. You may carry out the following steps: 
(i) Please log in and click on “Enquire CPE Claims” to find the application. 
(ii) Then click on the word “here” under “Remarks” to attach the supporting document. Please include your documents in “PDF” or “JPG” format and ensure that the file size does not exceed 1MB.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) – For CPE Event Providers

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Q1. What are the eligibility criteria to be considered as an TCMPB-approved 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.

Q2. The above criteria apply to my organisation. How do I proceed with the application for a CPE Event Provider Account?

A2. Interested applicants may download and complete the ‘CPE Event Provider Accreditation Application Form’ and submit the application online. As part of the application, the applicant must apply for a log in account with the PRS. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be given a log in account and a user ID and password will be issued. 

The TCMPB would only process the application upon complete documentation. Successful applicants will receive an official notification from the TCMPB. For more information, please refer to the TCMPB’s website here.

Please also note that the applicant must be a locally registered company with a Corppass account. Please visit the www.corpass.gov.sg for more details.

Q3. Must my organisation be accredited as a CPE Event Provider before it can conduct CPE events?

A3. 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’.

Complaints against TCM Practitioners

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Q1. How do I lodge a complaint against a TCM practitioner?

A1. TCMPB operates under the remit of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act (“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 a Statutory Declaration (“SD”) which has been affirmed before a 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. Please note that the requirement for an SD is mandated under S26(B) 2 (b) of the TCMPA.

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.

Q2. I do not have the name/full name of the TCM practitioner(s). Can TCMPB help me to obtain the name(s)?

A2. 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.

Q3. Will the TCM practitioner see my complaint?

A3. 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.

Q4. Can TCMPB advise whether the treatment I have received from the TCM practitioner is appropriate and/or whether the post-treatment effect(s) are within expectation?

A4. TCMPB does not offer any professional advice such as on the effectiveness and/or appropriateness of treatment by the TCM practitioner. If you have doubts about the TCM treatment you received and/or any effects suffered post-treatment, you may wish to seek clarification directly from the TCM practitioner concerned or the TCM clinic which you have received the treatment from. Alternatively, you may seek a second opinion from another TCM practitioner or a western medicine doctor before deciding on your next course of action.

Q5. Is TCMPB the right platform for me to obtain compensation from the TCM practitioner or enquire if I have been overcharged?

A5. No, TCMPB is not the platform to get compensation. TCMPB operates under the remit of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act (“TCMPA”) in regulating the professional conduct and professional practice of registered TCM practitioners in Singapore. 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. Issues relating to TCM fees/treatment packages are outside the ambit of TCMPB’s purview. Similarly, TCMPB is also not in a position to intervene on marketing and sales of TCM treatment packages to patients as these are commercial contracts entered between consent parties. 

If you feel that you have been overcharged and/or billed excessively, you may wish to approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for assistance. Please visit their website at https://www.case.org.sg/ or call them at 9795 8397 for advice.

Alternatively, you may wish to seek your own independent legal advice.

Likewise, TCM fees and charges are not a regulated component in the TCMP Act. TCMPB also does not issue any formal guidelines or advise on charges for TCM treatment and medicines dispensed. TCM practitioners are to ensure that the fees or range of fees for TCM treatment and medicine are made known to patients in advance of providing services. If in doubt, patients should ask for an explanation on the TCM fees and charges from the TCM practitioners first and to proceed with the TCM treatment or services offered only if they are agreeable with the pricing.

Q6. Can I submit a complaint against the TCM clinic or hospital?

A6. The TCMPB only considers complaints against registered TCM professionals and is not legally empowered by law to look into complaints against the TCM clinic or hospital. If the service is not administered and/or delegated to a non-registered person by a registered TCM practitioner, such matters would not be under the TCMPB’s purview.

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.

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. How do I log in to TCMPB’s PRS?

A3. 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 Google Authenticator [GA]).

For HR personnel or CPE providers, you will need both a Singpass user account and an existing TCMPB account in order to access the PRS.

Please request 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: Professional Registration System (PRS)

Please note that since 11 April 2021, corporate users who are logging in to government digital services for businesses (G2B) are required to use Singpass. Find out more: https://go.gov.sg/corporate-login

Q4.What is “Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards”?

A4. 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.

Q5. I would like to open a TCM clinic. May I know what are the requirements?

A5. The TCMP Board registers and regulates TCM practitioners under the TCM Practitioners Act but the legislation does not empower the Board to license or register TCM clinics. You may wish to note that licensing of spa/ beauty/wellness shops does not come under the purview of the TCMP Board.

However, if TCM practitioners wish to set up a TCM clinic, they are required to submit the names of TCM clinics (in English and Chinese) to the TCMP Board for clearance and approval and ensure that the TCM clinics are run and managed by a registered TCM practitioner. You may provide the following information for our assessment via email at tcmpb@spb.gov.sg.

English Name of TCM clinic (business entity name)                                                                                                                                      
Has the above name been registered with ACRA? (Yes/No) If Yes, pls provide a copy of the ACRA business profile  
Chinese Name of TCM clinic 
(Please indicate ‘Nil’ if not applicable)
 
Name and TCM registration number of TCM practitioner(s) who will be registered owner(s) of the TCM clinic