Preparing for the Ayurveda Health Counselor Certification Exam

students in classroom for exam

Namaste! I'm Monica Groover, and I have served as an Ayurveda teacher and director at three different Ayurveda schools for almost 20 years. I was also part of the exam preparation group and helped write a portion of the questions for both Ayurveda Counselor and Ayurveda Practitioner exams.

Several of my students sought advice for the Ayurveda Health Counselor Certification exam, prompting me to consider writing a series of articles. If you're interested in personalized guidance, I'm available for one-on-one sessions via Zoom. I frequently find myself repeating this information, so I decided that creating a series of articles on the Ayurveda Health Counselor certification exam would be beneficial to a wider audience.

To register for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) exam, you should complete the following steps:

1. Verify eligibility: Confirm that you fulfill the qualifying criteria established by the NAMACB by examining the competency guidelines on their exam information page. a- Did you attend a NAMA-reviewed institution like Narayana Ayurveda (my school) or another similar one and complete the 600-Hour Ayurveda Counselor?

   b- Do you possess anatomy credits from a community college (online options are acceptable) as required by NAMA CB?

   c- Do you have 40 hours of in-person class credits?

   The positive news is that, even if you attended a school not reviewed by NAMA, you can still apply until June 30, 2026. This is stated on their website.

   "All candidates from all schools regardless of candidacy/accreditation status are welcome to apply and take the board certification exams until June 30, 2026. As of 7/1/26 graduates from non-AAC-candidacy/accreditation schools will no longer be eligible to take the exams, with the exception of BAMS graduates."
   

2. Apply: Complete the appropriate application form and submit the non-refundable application fee. As of now, the application fee for an accredited program is $75. a- Fill the application form from the NAMAcB website

   b- Contact your school so the school director/manager can sign it and confirm that you indeed fulilled the requirements.

   c- Submit your anatomy/physiology credits to your school.

   d 0 School will submit the transcript, the certificate and proof of anatomy credits etc directly to the NAMACB.

3. Review by NAMACB: Your application will be assessed by the NAMACB. If you meet the requirements, you will get an email with instructions for registering for the exam.
   

4. Register for the exam: The website states that once a student has received approval, they should register for the exam promptly. It is required that the exam be completed within six months of the application date; otherwise, the registration fee will be forfeited.
   

5. Take the exam: Adhere to the given instructions to complete the exam. You have the option to take it at an Onsite Proctor Center or remotely through Online Proctoring, as long as you fulfill the necessary technology and security requirements.

   According to my information, the exam takes place at Pearson Vue exam centers or affiliates that are all over. They require you to come early and bring proof of identity and exam papers. If it is taking place at any other place besides Pearson, then that's something I don't know about.
   

6. Receive results: The NAMACB will send you an email with your detailed test results within two weeks of your exam date. You will be able to view your pass/fail status immediately after submitting the exam. 
   

Important considerations

• As of July 2025, applicants must provide documentation of completing an Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) program or a BAMS degree.

• Graduates from non-AAC-candidacy/accreditation schools, except BAMS graduates, can take the exams until June 30, 2026.

  • You can submit your application immediately after graduating from your program.

  • Your school must upload your transcript following the instructions on the NAMACB Transcript Release Form.

  • If you pass the exam and are a new professional member of NAMA, you might qualify for a $100 discount on your first year's dues if paid within 30 days of receiving your invitation.

IF YOU WANT MY HELP AND GUIDANCE IN PREPARING FOR THE EXAM, I AM AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU VIA ZOOM. I HAVE MANY SETs OF MOCK QUESTIONS THAT I WILL HELP YOU WITH. If you are my student then you get special discount. If not, I am still affordable at $60 for the mock exam and guidance session with me. DM me at 512- 761-7563‬.