Licensing

Licensing laws that govern the practice of naturopathic medicine currently exist in 15 States, including California, as well as Washington DC and several US territories. The naturopathic profession is working towards eventual licensing in all 50 States.

In order to receive a license to practice in regulated States, naturopathic doctors must graduate from an accredited, four-year naturopathic medical school and pass intensive naturopathic board exams (the NPLEX) which involve three and a half days of testing.  Once licensed, naturopathic doctors must fulfill State-mandated continuing education requirements.

In the State of California naturopathic medicine is regulated by the Naturopathic Medicine Committee under the Department of Consumer affairs. As with boards and bureaus regulating other health care professions, the Naturopathic Medicine committee responds to public inquiries, analyzes and implements licensing laws related to naturopathic medicine, and administers disciplinary and enforcement activities related to the profession.