Essential Study Tips for Success in NAMACB Ayurveda Counselor Exam
- Monica B Groover
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
by Monica Groover
If you're thinking about taking the exam to become an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (which, by the way, they often call a Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor or C-AHC now, just so you know!), here's the lowdown. It's a multiple-choice test, and you'll be looking at around 88 to 90 questions. You'll have a decent chunk of time to tackle them – 150 minutes, to be exact. What's it all about? Well, the exam really hones in on the core of Ayurveda: keeping things healthy before they get out of hand. So, expect questions on preventive health strategies, the power of diet, how lifestyle choices impact us, and of course, those fundamental Ayurvedic principles. Now, as an AHC, your role is to help people who are just starting to experience imbalances, right up until the third stage of a disease, which in Ayurveda is called Prasara. If things are more serious, it's super important that you know to refer those clients to an Ayurvedic Practitioner or someone with a higher level of expertise. It's all about working within your scope, you know? Okay below are resources about where to study from, the exam sections and mock questions for each section. If you are interested in coaching, scroll below to sign up.
Important Resources (as of November 2025): Alright, let's make this a bit more friendly and helpful for anyone looking into Ayurveda Counselor Exam Resources!
* **Your Official Go-To Guide:** This is the big one! You can snag the official study guide and reference right from the source. Unfortunately, it is not a complete guide but still important. It lists topics, curriculum and syllabus that you will be tested on. And has some mock and sample questions to test your knowledge and even a handy Sanskrit glossary. However, it is not a complete study guide. But, still very useful. Just head over to [https://www.namacb.org/ahc-study-guide](https://www.namacb.org/ahc-study-guide) to download it. I have also created a sample guide and mock questions both for NAMA Practitioner and NAMA AHC. I will post links below.
* **Understanding the scope of what an AHC Does (and Doesn't Do!):** It's super important to know that first Ayurveda is not allowed to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent a disease and its not recognized in the USA by FDA or by any medical organization. So, what does an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) do and why do you need to take a exam for it. The main focus for Ayurveda Health Counselor is on wellness promotion through information through coaching and education. Think of it as helping people build robust well-being. While you'll be familiar with early signs, the emphasis isn't on diagnosing or treating diseases in their more advanced stages. This is a key distinction to keep in mind!
Ok, then-why take the exam?
Taking the exam and becoming board certified sets you apart from your peers, builds trust with clients and you remain on the NAMA website as a "searchable professional"-so good for marketing. So, you can say taking the exam builds up your credibility, and lets you show you're a competent practitioner who can truly guide clients toward better lifestyle and wellness using those awesome holistic Ayurvedic principles. You'll be demonstrating that you can accurately assess client imbalances – think doshas and tissues – and create personalized diet and lifestyle plans. So, you're essentially saying, 'I'm qualified and I can help!'"
How to prepare?
* **These are some of the books that I would recommend when preparing for the NAMACB Ayurveda Counselor Exam Textbook of Ayurveda part 1- Dr Vasant Lad ($64 + hardcover on amazon-no ebook
Essential Guide to Ayurveda- Monica Groover (That's my book-$40 on amazon-ebook coming soon)
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ayurveda by Hans H. Rhyner ($37 on betterworld books. ebook available)
Ayurveda and the Feminine-Monica Groover (ebook- $4.99, Audible- $4.99, Physical book-$9.99)
Create cliff notes from your own schools manuals, look for mock quizzes on quizlet and flashcard world. You can also use this website--I am posting lots of resources here. (I helped create the NAMACB exam -a part of it anyway, and have been helping students to take the exam for years!)
Official Study Guide and Reference
Official Study Guide and Reference: Download from https://www.namacb.org/ahc-study-guide (includes sample questions and Sanskrit glossary). I also have a study guide with mock questions for those who come for exam coaching with me. I will put a link at the end of this article.
Scope of Practice: AHCs emphasize health promotion, not disease diagnosis/treatment beyond early stages.
Key Texts: Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam (Bṛhat Trayī), and modern references like textbooks by Dr. Vasant Lad or Robert Svoboda.
What does the Exam Cover?
The exam covers five main areas (based on NAMACB guidelines):
Foundations of Ayurveda (History, Philosophy, Branches)
Fundamental Concepts (Doshas, Dhatus, Malas, etc.)
Assessment and Diagnosis (Prakriti/Vikriti, Examination Methods)
Treatment and Interventions (Diet, Lifestyle, Herbs, Therapies within scope)
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Referral Guidelines
Key Topics to Study for NAMACB EXAM PREP
1. Foundations of Ayurveda
Definition and goals of Ayurveda (Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam, aturasya vikara prashamanam cha).
Eight branches (Ashtanga Ayurveda): Kaya Chikitsa, Bala, Graha, Urdhvanga, Shalya, Damstra, Jara, Vrishya.
History: Vedas, Bṛhat Trayī (Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata), Laghu Trayi.
Philosophy: Samkhya, Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha theory origins. Here are some mock questions 1 What is the primary goal of Ayurveda according to ancient texts, even though in the modern world these goals are not valid because Ayurveda is not recognized by FDA? a) Supporting and Maintaining Mental Health of an individual b) Maintaining health of the healthy and alleviating disorders of the diseased c) Only treating chronic diseases d) Focusing solely on herbal medicine
2 Which text is NOT part of the Bṛhat Trayī ? a) Sushruta Samhita b) Charaka Samhita c) Ashtanga Sangraha d) Sharangadhara Samhita
3 The branch of Ayurveda dealing with rejuvenation is: a) Shalya Tantra b) Rasayana Tantra (part of Kaya) c) Graha Chikitsa d) Visha Chikitsa
2. Fundamental Concepts
Panchamahabhuta (5 elements) and their qualities.
Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha): Subdoshas, qualities (gunas), functions, sites.
Prakriti (constitution) vs. Vikriti (imbalance).
Dhatus (7 tissues): Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, Shukra.
Upadhatus, Malas (waste: Purisha, Mutra, Sweda).
Agni (13 types, especially Jatharagni), Ama.
Srotas (channels), Ojas, Tejas, Prana.
20 Gunas (qualities like heavy/light, cold/hot).
Shad Kriyakala (6 stages of disease): Know first 3 in depth for AHC scope (Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara).
SOME SAMPLE QUESTIONS?
4 Which subdosha of Kapha governs lubrication of joints? a) Avalambaka b) Kledaka c) Shleshaka d) Tarpaka
5 A client with dry skin, constipation, anxiety, and insomnia most likely has: a) Pitta vikriti b) Kapha vikriti c) Vata vikriti d) Tridoshic imbalance
6 Ama is primarily caused by: a) Hyperactive agni b) chronic Low agni c) chronic variable agni d) All of the above
7 The dhatu responsible for nourishment of the next is formed from: a) Ahara rasa + rasa dhatu b) Previous dhatu + dhatu agni c) Jathar Agni+ Malas d) Prana + Jathar Agni
3. Assessment
Trividha Pariksha (Darshana, Sparshana, Prashna).
Ashtavidha Pariksha (Pulse, urine, tongue, etc.).
Dashavidha Pariksha (full 10-fold examination).
Determining Prakriti (body type) and Vikriti.
Signs of doshic imbalance (e.g., Vata: dry skin, anxiety; Pitta: inflammation, anger; Kapha: lethargy, weight gain).
Mock Questions
8 In Ashtavidha Pariksha, oil drop test on urine indicates: a) Diabetes (spreads like snake) b) Good prognosis (spreads like pearl) c) Vata imbalance d) Kapha excess
9 A tongue that is red, dry with scalloped edges suggests: a) Pure Kapha prakriti b) Vata pushing Pitta c) Pitta vikriti with Vata d) Balanced doshas
10 To determine prakriti, the counselor should focus on: a) Current symptoms only b) Lifelong traits since birth c) Seasonal changes d d) Recent diet
4. Interventions (Chikitsa)
Principles: Opposite qualities to balance dosha (Viparita Chikitsa).
Dinacharya (daily routine), Ritucharya (seasonal routine).
Diet: Tastes (Rasa), Virya, Vipaka, Prabhava; foods for each dosha.
Lifestyle recommendations: Exercise, sleep, yoga asanas/pranayama by dosha.
Basic herbs and formulations (e.g., Triphala, Trikatu, Ashwagandha) — know tastes, actions, common uses.
Panchakarma overview (know when to refer; AHCs do not perform full PK).
Sensory therapies, yoga, meditation, color/gem therapy basics. MOCK QUESTIONS
11 For a Vata-pacifying diet, recommend primarily: a) Bitter, astringent, pungent tastes b) Sweet, sour, salty tastes c) Avoid all tastes d) Only pungent and hot
12 Best daily routine for Pitta type: a) Late nights, intense exercise b) Cooling moon salutations, moderate exercise in evening c) Heavy oily foods at night d) Skipping meals
13 Triphala is best for: a) Acute Pitta fever b) Gentle detoxification, eye health, mild laxative c) Strong purgation d) Increasing weight
14 A client in Prakopa stage of Kapha (accumulation provoked) should: a) Be referred immediately b) Use pungent, bitter, astringent tastes and light exercise c) Increase dairy and sweets d) Do basti without supervision
5. Professional Practice and Ethics
NAMA Code of Ethics.
Scope: Preventative only; refer if beyond Prasara stage or red flags (e.g., severe pain, high BP emergencies).
Client counseling, follow-up, documentation.
When to co-manage or refer (e.g., to AP if Manifestation stage or higher).
Study Tips:
Memorize Sanskrit terms (use NAMACB glossary).
Practice case scenarios: Identify dosha imbalance, recommend diet/lifestyle, decide refer or treat.
Review classical shlokas on basics (e.g., dosha functions).
Focus 60% on doshas, assessment, and recommendations.
If you are interested in exam prep coaching, you can sign up here. (Cost is $108 for 2.5 Hours of coaching-This time can be divided into two or three sessions -includes mock questions with answers, personalized coaching, feedback and best practices. You can also take a live mock exam with me.)
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