California Acupuncture Board Exam Preparation for License (CALE) (2024)

CALE Foundations / Diagnosis I

This class covers the essential material relating to questions on foundations and diagnosis. Diagnosis I goes over the 10 Asking Questions,Shanghan lun,Wen Bing, 5 Element, tongue and pulse.

CALE Diagnosis II/Tongue and Pulse

Clear comprehension of Zang Fu pattern differentiation is an essential part of the information needed to pass the CALE exams. We examine and identify the symptoms, making diagnosis options clear and simple. There are extra classes on tongue and pulse, a topic often a struggle for students.

CALE Diagnosis III

This class explores memorization strategies, teaching you how to gain command of the vast amount of information needed to pass your exam. The second part of this class teaches students how to logically take a multiple choice exam, focusing on methods to eliminate the tendency to guess an answer. This class finishes with the TCM Review Seminars method for the dissection and critical thinking about cases.

CALE Case Studies I

This class explores memorization strategies, teaching you how to gain command of the vast amount of information needed to pass your exam. The second part of this class teaches you how to logically take a multiple choice exam, focusing on methods to eliminate the tendency to guess at the correct answer. This class completes with the TCM Review Seminars method for the dissection of Case Studies.

CALE Single Points I

This class discusses the important points of the first 7 channels, including functions, needling depths, and correlations to both herbs and diagnostic parameters. In this class, we clarify choosing accurate point prescriptions, using single points I and II as your base of knowledge.

CALE Single Points II

In this class, the important points of the last 7 channels are covered, including functions, needling depths, and correlations to both herbs and diagnostic parameters. This class clarifies choosing accurate point prescriptions, using single points I and II as your base of knowledge.

CALE CAM Point RX

This 3 hour class takes you through all the essential CAM point prescriptions, including explanations of why each point is included in the prescription. Additionally, diagnosis, herbs and biomedicine correlations are discussed to clarify point prescriptions where applicable.

CALE Maciocia Point RX

Did you know that Maciocia point prescriptions are built like herbal formulas? This 3 hour class takes you through the essential MAC point prescriptions and explains why each point is included in the prescription. Additionally, diagnosis, herbs and biomedicine correlations are discussed to clarify point prescriptions where applicable.

CALE Channel Theory and Acupuncture Modalities

In this 3 hour class, we have condensed the essential material for channel theory, ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, acupuncture cautions, contraindications, moxa, cupping, point location, landmarks and organ pathways.

CALE Acupuncture Modalities, Point location and Nutrition

In this class, we continue reviewing ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, acupuncture cautions, contraindications, moxa, cupping, point location, landmarks and organ pathways. For an hour of the class, we review the essential nutrition information for the CALE exam. This portion of the class includes material from Paul Pitchford’s “Healing with Wholefoods” and Maoshing Ni’s “Tao of Nutrition,” which have been condensed down into the golden nuggets that will get you through the test.

CALE Biomedicine I

This class provides an overview of the uses of biomedicine knowledge essential to passing the CALE. We outline and discuss the basics, including hormones, dermatomes, vitamins, and lab tests. We cover the major biomedicine diseases, discussing their symptoms, tests and key red flags.

CALE Biomedicine II

This class expands the principles of biomedicine, reviewing key signs, symptoms and tests for common biomedical western diseases. In completion, the uses of pharmacology and orthopedic testing are discussed as well.

CALE Formula I (Single Herbs)

This class is a detailed review of each of the CALE formulas. Includes comparisons, key symptoms, tongue and pulse, contraindications, and hierarchies.

CALE Formula II

This class completes the review of the remaining CALE formulas. Includes comparisons, key symptoms, tongue and pulse, contraindications, hierarchies, King herbs and the uses in biomedicine.