Clean needle technique (CNT) examination is required for all applicants seeking National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicines' (NCCAOM) certification. CNT examination is one of compulsory subjects of certification of professional competence to practice acupuncture safely and effectively for the sake of the health and safety of the public, which is developed by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). The uniform standard of practice for acupuncture, the content of CNT course, application procedure and the requirements of CNT examination are introduced in this paper.