The Exam System for Practitioners in the Tang Dynasty （618 ~ 907）

The Imperial Administration of Health of the Tang Dynasty (Supplied by Prof. Li Jingwei)

There was a relatively complete administrative system concerning medical education in the Tang Dynasty（618 ~ 907）. The Imperial Administration of Health of the Tang Dynasty was not only the highest medical administrative establishment, but also was in charge of medical education. In the Imperial Administration of Health, the government authorized two academicians, one for medicine and the other for acupuncture. Other teaching staffs were in charge of the tuina, and prayer-healing programs. Overall, 40 students were enrolled in the medicine program, 20 in the acupuncture program, 15~30 in the tuina program, and 10 in the prayer-healing program. The schooling lasted for 7 years, 5 years and 3 years respectively. The students were required to take monthly, quarterly and yearly examinations. Those who got good exam results showing knowledge and skills surpassing their teachers would be granted official titles. If he failed in the first round of examination, the candidate was permitted to continue his study and take the second round of examination. If he failed successively in two academic years, he would be dismissed from school and sent back to his native town. From the above, we can see that complete regulations for medical students and practitioners were established in the Tang Dynasty （618 ~ 907）.