NBCE Part I
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ExploreAbout this exam
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Part I examination is one of the board's pre-licensure computer-based exams, listed on the NBCE site alongside Parts II and III and the PHT. It is aimed at chiropractic students progressing toward licensure and serves as a standardized national measure of basic-science knowledge that sits before the later clinical and practical examinations in the sequence.
Content is organized around foundational biomedical subjects: general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, microbiology and public health, physical diagnosis, and neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis. Because Part I precedes the clinical parts, the material rewards broad, concept-level command of structure, function, and disease process rather than memorized technique.
Preparation usually follows your college's course sequence: build anatomy and physiology first, layer pathology and microbiology onto that base, then integrate physical diagnosis and neuromusculoskeletal material. Use NBCE's own published resources, the pre-licensure exam pages, the application portal, and the pass-rate reports, as the authoritative source for logistics. Details such as item counts, timing, fees, and retake rules change over time and could not be verified from the source used for this page.
This page is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the NBCE.
What you'll study
About NBCE Part I preparation
What is the format of the Part I exam?
NBCE groups Part I with Parts II, III, and the PHT as pre-licensure computer-based exams, so expect to test at a computer rather than at a practical station. NBCE sets item counts, section timing, and scoring; confirm the current specifics on the official pre-licensure exam pages before you schedule.
How do I apply to take Part I?
Applications are submitted through NBCE's online application portal, which the NBCE links as "Apply for an Exam." Create or sign in to your account there, follow the prompts for the exam you need, and keep your confirmation. Eligibility questions go to NBCE directly, not to a third-party prep site.
Where are official pass rates published?
NBCE maintains a pass-rates page linked from its Testing menu. Use that page for the current published figures rather than older numbers quoted in forums or prep materials, which are frequently out of date. Pass rates describe group outcomes, not your individual readiness.
Is Part I considered difficult?
Difficulty is relative to your coursework. The exam spans several basic-science domains rather than one, so the usual challenge is breadth: candidates who did well in a single favorite subject but let spinal anatomy, chemistry, or microbiology slide often find the total load heavier than expected.
What order should I study the subjects in?
Build gross and spinal anatomy plus physiology first, since nearly everything else assumes them. Layer pathology and microbiology and public health onto that base, then add physical diagnosis and neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, which reward integrated reasoning. Finish with mixed, timed practice rather than more isolated content review.
What are the most common failure modes?
Memorizing isolated lists instead of mechanisms, neglecting spinal anatomy because it feels like a repeat of gross anatomy, writing off chemistry or microbiology as low-yield, and never practicing under time pressure. Another frequent problem is studying only from class notes rather than board-style questions.
How many attempts am I allowed, and can I retake the exam?
Retake rules, waiting periods, and attempt limits are set by NBCE and, in some cases, by your state licensing board. Those specifics were not verifiable from the source used here and should not be guessed. Confirm directly with NBCE before you rely on any policy.
How long is the exam and how much time do I get?
Total testing time and section breakdowns were not confirmed by the source used for this page, and posted figures change between exam revisions. Check the official NBCE pre-licensure exam pages for the current timing before you plan a test-day schedule or book travel.
Who do I contact with application or eligibility questions?
NBCE lists general information contact at [email protected] and a telephone number, 800-964-6223, with a mailing address in Greeley, Colorado. Use those channels for application status, eligibility, and accommodations questions rather than relying on secondhand information from study groups.
Is Part I required for my license?
Licensure requirements are set by each state licensing board, not by prep providers. NBCE maintains a State Licensing Boards page and a certification and licensure overview. Confirm the specific exams your board requires, and in what order, before you register for anything.