NPLEX I study guide
NPLEX I · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations) are administered by NABNE, the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners - an independent, nonprofit organization formed as a service to the naturopathic profession and the agencies that license or register naturopathic physicians. Regulatory authorities in the US and Canada (with some exceptions) use NPLEX results as part of the licensure or registration process, so the exams are intended for graduates of approved naturopathic medical programs who are pursuing that credential. The sequence has two stages: the Part I – Biomedical Science Examination, which must be passed before you can sit the Part II – Clinical Science Examinations, comprising Part II – Core Clinical Science and/or the Part II – Clinical Elective. NABNE does not permit taking Part I and Part II within the same administration, so plan your timeline across at least two administrations. The NPLEX I study guide has 3 sections and about 890 words.
01Part I – Biomedical Science: Mechanisms Before Memorization
Biomedical Science questions test whether you can move from a normal mechanism to a disrupted one. Build each topic as a chain: structure → function → regulation → failure.
324 words, about 2 min02Part II – Core Clinical Science: Pattern, Priority, and Next Step
Core Clinical Science asks you to convert a history and exam into a leading diagnosis, then choose the safest next step. Organize by problem: chest pain, dyspnea, abdominal pain, headache, joint pain, fatigue, altered mental status.
309 words, about 2 min03Part II – Clinical Elective: Depth in a Focused Area
The elective section tests deeper, applied knowledge in a focused area. The winning strategy is the same regardless of topic: define the scope, know the common presentations cold, and understand the boundary between what you manage and what you refer.
257 words, about 1 min