CALE Question Bank-Practice Exam 2026
(California Acupuncture Licensing Accurate
Exam) 1000 Questions and Detailed Verified
Correct Answers (GRADED A+)
Question 1
A 45-year-old female presents with fatigue, loose stools, poor appetite,
and a pale tongue with a thin white coat. Which of the following is the most
appropriate acupuncture point combination?
A) ST36, SP6, CV12
B) LI4, LR3, GB34
C) BL17, BL20, KI3
D) LU7, LI11, ST44
VERIFIED ANSWER: A
Rationale: ST36 (Zusanli) tonifies Qi and Blood, SP6 (Sanyinjiao) supports
Spleen and Stomach, CV12 (Zhongwan) is the Front-Mu of the Stomach.
This pattern is Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Question 2
In California, acupuncture needles must be:
,A) Sterilized and reusable if autoclaved
B) Single-use, pre-sterilized, and disposed of in a sharps container
C) Boiled for 20 minutes before each use
D) Approved by the patient in writing before each insertion
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: California Code of Regulations (Title 16, Section 1399.455)
requires single-use, pre-sterilized needles and proper sharps disposal.
Question 3
Which channel is primarily indicated for treating disorders of the eyes
and sinuses?
A) Stomach channel
B) Gallbladder channel
C) Large Intestine channel
D) Bladder channel
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Rationale: The Large Intestine channel connects with the nose and lower
teeth, and LI4 is a key point for face, sinus, and eye disorders.
Question 4
A patient presents with sudden onset of hypochondriac pain, irritability,
bitter taste, and a wiry pulse. The most likely TCM pattern is:
A) Liver Blood Deficiency
,B) Liver Qi Stagnation
C) Liver Fire Blazing
D) Liver Yang Rising
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sudden hypochondriac pain, irritability, and wiry pulse are
hallmark signs of Liver Qi Stagnation. Liver Fire would add red face and
thirst.
Question 5
The California Acupuncture Board requires how many continuing
education units (CEUs) in herbal safety per renewal cycle?
A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 10
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: As of current regulations, 4 CEUs in herbal safety are required
per 2-year renewal cycle.
Question 6
Which point is located on the Bladder channel, 1.5 cun lateral to the
midline at the level of T12 (the lower border of the spinous process of
T11)?
, A) BL18 (Ganshu)
B) BL20 (Pishu)
C) BL21 (Weishu)
D) BL23 (Shenshu)
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: BL20 (Pishu) is at T11–T12 interspace, 1.5 cun lateral to midline,
associated with Spleen.
Question 7
A patient has a deep, slow, weak pulse. This suggests:
A) Interior Heat
B) Exterior Wind-Cold
C) Yang Deficiency
D) Dampness
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Rationale: Deep (interior), slow (cold), weak (deficient) — Yang Deficiency
with internal Cold.
Question 8
Which of the following is not a contraindication to acupuncture in
California?
A) Hemophilia
B) Patient refusal after informed consent
(California Acupuncture Licensing Accurate
Exam) 1000 Questions and Detailed Verified
Correct Answers (GRADED A+)
Question 1
A 45-year-old female presents with fatigue, loose stools, poor appetite,
and a pale tongue with a thin white coat. Which of the following is the most
appropriate acupuncture point combination?
A) ST36, SP6, CV12
B) LI4, LR3, GB34
C) BL17, BL20, KI3
D) LU7, LI11, ST44
VERIFIED ANSWER: A
Rationale: ST36 (Zusanli) tonifies Qi and Blood, SP6 (Sanyinjiao) supports
Spleen and Stomach, CV12 (Zhongwan) is the Front-Mu of the Stomach.
This pattern is Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Question 2
In California, acupuncture needles must be:
,A) Sterilized and reusable if autoclaved
B) Single-use, pre-sterilized, and disposed of in a sharps container
C) Boiled for 20 minutes before each use
D) Approved by the patient in writing before each insertion
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: California Code of Regulations (Title 16, Section 1399.455)
requires single-use, pre-sterilized needles and proper sharps disposal.
Question 3
Which channel is primarily indicated for treating disorders of the eyes
and sinuses?
A) Stomach channel
B) Gallbladder channel
C) Large Intestine channel
D) Bladder channel
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Rationale: The Large Intestine channel connects with the nose and lower
teeth, and LI4 is a key point for face, sinus, and eye disorders.
Question 4
A patient presents with sudden onset of hypochondriac pain, irritability,
bitter taste, and a wiry pulse. The most likely TCM pattern is:
A) Liver Blood Deficiency
,B) Liver Qi Stagnation
C) Liver Fire Blazing
D) Liver Yang Rising
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sudden hypochondriac pain, irritability, and wiry pulse are
hallmark signs of Liver Qi Stagnation. Liver Fire would add red face and
thirst.
Question 5
The California Acupuncture Board requires how many continuing
education units (CEUs) in herbal safety per renewal cycle?
A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 10
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: As of current regulations, 4 CEUs in herbal safety are required
per 2-year renewal cycle.
Question 6
Which point is located on the Bladder channel, 1.5 cun lateral to the
midline at the level of T12 (the lower border of the spinous process of
T11)?
, A) BL18 (Ganshu)
B) BL20 (Pishu)
C) BL21 (Weishu)
D) BL23 (Shenshu)
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: BL20 (Pishu) is at T11–T12 interspace, 1.5 cun lateral to midline,
associated with Spleen.
Question 7
A patient has a deep, slow, weak pulse. This suggests:
A) Interior Heat
B) Exterior Wind-Cold
C) Yang Deficiency
D) Dampness
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Rationale: Deep (interior), slow (cold), weak (deficient) — Yang Deficiency
with internal Cold.
Question 8
Which of the following is not a contraindication to acupuncture in
California?
A) Hemophilia
B) Patient refusal after informed consent
