What is the NBCE?
The NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. It gives the board exams chiropractic students take for licensure: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, and an elective Physiotherapy exam. Most students sit Parts I and II during the program and Parts III and IV around graduation. This page walks through each exam, the NBCE passing score, the 2026 and 2027 test windows, and the fees.
The NBCE exams at a glance
| Exam | What it tests | Typically taken | Format | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Basic sciences (six domains) | 2nd year | 255 questions, computer | $710 |
| Part II | Clinical sciences (six domains) | 3rd year | 255 questions, computer | $710 |
| Part III | Clinical competency + imaging (DXI) | Within 9 months of graduation | Case vignettes + imaging, computer | $710 |
| Part IV | Practical case management + technique | Within 6 months of graduation or after | 8-station OSCE, Greeley, CO | $1,585 |
| Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy (elective) | After 120 hours of instruction | 90 questions, computer | $450 |
NBCE passing score and how the exams are scored
The NBCE passing score is 375, on a scaled score that runs from 125 to 800. A score of at least 375 passes Part I, Part II, and Part III. For Part IV and Physiotherapy, the NBCE recommends 375, and a state can set its own standard.
| Exam | Passing score | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | 375 | Scored across all six domains together, so a surplus in one domain can offset a minimal shortfall in another |
| Part II | 375 | Scored across all six domains together, the same way as Part I |
| Part III | 375 | Includes Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (DXI), which is 20% of the exam content |
| Part IV | 375 recommended by the NBCE | Each state sets and recognizes its own Part IV standard |
| Physiotherapy | 375 recommended by the NBCE | Individual states may require a higher score |
The NBCE doesn't simply count correct answers. It uses item response theory, so harder questions answered correctly count for more. That's why "what percent do I need?" has no clean answer, and why practicing under real conditions tells you more than a raw practice score. Results post about four weeks after the exam window.
2026 test windows
Parts I, II, III and Physiotherapy share one computer-based calendar in 2026:
- January 10–25
- February 14 – March 1
- March 14–29
- April 11–26
- June 6–21
- July 11–26
- August 8–23
- September 12–27
- October 10–25
- November 7–22
Scheduling closes 17 days before your test date. Rescheduling is free 30+ days out, $50 at 18–29 days, and not allowed inside 17 days. Part IV runs separately, most weekends, at the NBCE Assessment Center in Greeley, Colorado.
2027 test windows
The NBCE has published the 2027 calendar for Parts I, II, III and Physiotherapy:
- January 9–24
- February 13–28
- March 13–28
- April 10–25
- May 8–23
- June 12–27
- July 10–25
- August 14–29
- September 11–26
- October 9–24
- November 6–21
- November 27 – December 5 (Prometric test centers only)
The same scheduling rules apply. The NBCE lists a score release date for each window on its dates and deadlines page, which is the official schedule, so check it before you book.
What your state requires
According to the NBCE, all 50 states accept or require Parts I–IV for licensure, and states set their own Part IV passing standard. Some add their own exams on top, such as a laws-and-rules or jurisprudence exam (Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Oregon are examples). Always confirm with the board in the state where you plan to practice.
Practicing for the written exams
Parts I, II, III and Physiotherapy are timed computer exams. The best practice for them is the same: take board-style tests on a computer, on the clock, then study your misses. ChiroEDU's practice exams are built for exactly that:
For daily practice between full exams, ChiroQuiz covers Parts 1 and 2 with 2,500+ board-style questions and instant explanations. Both products are on the home page, along with pricing: ChiroEDU chiropractic board exam prep.
Sources: About the NBCE · Understanding Scores · Deadlines · State Exams · Fee Schedule. Passing scores: NBCE Part I · Part II · Part III · Part IV · Physiotherapy · CBT changes FAQ (2024). Checked September 2026, passing scores re-checked October 9, 2026; confirm dates and fees with the NBCE before you register.