How to Study for the NAMACB Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) Exam in 2026
- Monica B Groover
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re searching for “how to study for NAMACB exam,” “Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification,” or “NAMACB AHC study tips,” you’re in the right place. Hundreds of Ayurveda students Google these exact phrases every year — and this step-by-step guide is updated for the current 2026 exam cycle.
Passing the NAMACB Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) board exam is the final gateway to becoming a nationally recognized Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor (C-AHC). The exam is challenging, but with the right strategy, most dedicated students pass on their first try.
Here’s exactly how to study smarter, not harder.
What Is the NAMACB and NAMACB AHC Exam? NAMACB stands for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board. It is the organization responsible for setting and maintaining professional certification standards for Ayurvedic medicine professionals in the United States. The board develops and administers certification exams for different levels of practice, such as Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Ayurvedic Practitioner, and grants certification to those who demonstrate competency and pass the exams.
Role: The NAMACB is the primary certification body for Ayurvedic medicine in the U.S. and is responsible for establishing and upholding competency and ethical standards in the profession.
Certification Process: To become certified, candidates must complete an accredited course of study and pass a rigorous certification exam.
Levels of Certification: The NAMACB offers certification for different levels of practice, including Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Ayurvedic Practitioner. An exam for the Certified Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (CAAP) level is also available.
Purpose: Certification helps employers evaluate a candidate's skills, builds public trust in the profession, and allows certified professionals to differentiate themselves from others.
88 multiple-choice questions
150 minutes
Passing score ≈ 70–75% (not publicly disclosed)
Offered year-round (online proctored or in-person)
Cost: $375
You may use the official Sanskrit Reference Glossary during the exam
The exam tests preventive wellness only — you must know exactly where your scope ends (Prasara stage) and when to refer.
Current NAMACB AHC Exam Blueprint (2025)
Foundations & Philosophy – 12%
Fundamental Principles (doshas, dhatus, malas, agni, ama) – 25%
Assessment (prakriti/vikriti, Ashtavidha Pariksha, pulse, tongue, etc.) – 25%
Recommendations & Lifestyle Counseling – 28%
Ethics, Scope of Practice & Professional Issues – 10%
1: Review the Foundation (No Skimming!)
Memorize all 20 gunas and their pairs
Master Tridosha: qualities, functions, sites, 5 subdoshas each
Learn 13 agnis, 7 dhatus, 3 malas, Shad Kriyakala (especially first 3 stages)
Flashcard everything in Sanskrit + English (Anki or Quizlet)
Goal: Finish the official NAMACB Sanskrit Glossary (free download)
You can also buy Essential Guide to Ayurveda, a texbook that I wrote for Ayurveda Counselors that covers most of the foundation.
2: Assessment Mastery
Practice quizzes and assessments from your school or online. (You can use some of our online resources- LINK)
Ashtavidha Pariksha: pulse qualities, tongue diagnosis, urine oil drop test, nail/eye/face reading
Case studies: “Client has dry skin, anxiety, constipation, insomnia → which dosha is primary?”
3: Recommendations & Counseling (Highest-Yield Section)
Memorizing the following will yield good scores.
Diet: 6 tastes, virya, vipaka, foods that aggravate/pacify each dosha
Dinacharya & Ritucharya for all 6 seasons
Top 25 herbs/formulas every AHC must know (Triphala, Trikatu, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, etc.)
Practice 50+ scenario questions daily: “What would you recommend for Pitta in summer?”
4 Full Mock Exams & Weak Area Drill
Take 3–5 full-length timed practice tests (aim for 85%+)
You can purchase a 2.5 hour 100 question mock exam with me as a live proctor. This can be broken down into two sessions of 75 minutes each. Not only will I simulate a real exam, I will also help you give feedback in real time- and you will get a pdf copy of the exam and the answers. Please whatsapp me and set up an appointment time with me once you are done.
Light review the final 2 days — no new material
Best Study Resources (2025 Edition)
NAMACB AHC Study Guide + Sanskrit Glossary (free) – https://www.namacb.org/ahc-study-guide
Nidan Quiz and Blog- Textbook of Ayurveda Vol 1–3 by Vasant Lad
Essential Guide to Ayurveda-A Textbook for Ayurveda Counselors- By Monica Groover.
Learn-ayurveda.com- Blog and free resources
500+ practice questions (search “NAMACB AHC mock exam 2025” or join reputable prep courses)
Top 7 Mistakes Students Make (Avoid These!)
Only reading — not testing themselves
Ignoring Sanskrit terms (they appear on every exam)
Not practicing enough case-based questions
Forgetting scope of practice (many fail ethics/referral questions)
Cramming the week before
Skipping mock exams
Neglecting self-care (burnout kills retention)
Final Tips from Recent Test-Takers (2024–2025)
“80% of the exam is ‘what would you recommend?’ and ‘when do you refer?’”
“Know subdoshas cold — especially Prana, Sadhaka, Apana, Pachaka, Alochaka, Shleshaka”
“Oil drop urine test and tongue diagnosis appear on nearly every exam”
“Time management is easy if you’ve done timed mocks”
You’ve already completed 600+ hours of training. The exam is just the final validation of your knowledge.
Start today, follow the plan, and you’ll walk into the exam calm, confident, and ready to earn your C-AHC credential.
Ready to start studying? Download the official NAMACB study guide here: https://www.namacb.org/ahc-study-guide. Here is Monica Groover's study guide.
Namaste and see you on the other side as a board-certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor! 🪔
Have you booked your NAMACB exam yet? Drop a comment below with your test date — let’s cheer each other on! 👇
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