NPLEX II
NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) are the examinations that regulatory authorities in the United States and Canada (with some exceptions) use as part of the licensure or registration process for naturopathic physicians. They are administered by NABNE, the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners, an independent nonprofit that qualifies candidates, administers the exams, and sends results and transcripts to regulators. The NPLEX is for graduates of approved naturopathic medical programs who have completed the appropriate academic requirements; eligibility is tied to that coursework. The exam is split into two parts: Part I – Biomedical Science and Part II – Clinical Science Examinations, which include Part II – Core Clinical Science and Part II – Clinical Elective. You must pass Part I before you can take Part II, and you cannot take both parts in the same administration. Preparation should follow that sequence: build a strong biomedical foundation for Part I, then move to clinical reasoning and case-based material for Part II. Because scoring is criterion-referenced, the passing standard reflects the knowledge and skills needed for safe, effective practice rather than a fixed percentage of candidates, so study to the standard, not to a curve. Use NABNE's handbooks, forms, and important dates to plan your application; for the February 2027 administration, the application period is October 1–30, 2026.
What you'll study
About NPLEX II preparation
Who is eligible to take the NPLEX?
Eligibility requires that you have completed the appropriate academic requirements at an approved naturopathic medical program. NABNE does not list a separate exam-only pathway on its site, so confirm your program's status and your completion of requirements before applying.
Can I take Part I and Part II in the same administration?
No. NABNE policy does not allow applicants to take both the Part I and the Part II Examinations within the same NPLEX administration. You must also pass Part I before you are eligible for Part II, so plan your timeline across at least two administrations.
What is the format of the NPLEX?
The NPLEX consists of multiple-choice examinations. Part I is the Biomedical Science Examination; Part II comprises the Core Clinical Science and Clinical Elective examinations. NABNE publishes handbooks and forms that describe administration details, and those are the authoritative source for item counts and timing.
How is the passing score set?
NABNE states that the passing/cut score is established using a criterion-referenced standard setting methodology. Each candidate is evaluated on their own knowledge and performance, not in comparison to other candidates, and the cut score is based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe and effective practice.
When is the application period for the February 2027 administration?
The application period for the February 2027 NPLEX administration will be open October 1–30, 2026. Testing accommodations requests and all required documentation must be submitted to [email protected] no later than October 30, 2026 to be considered for that administration.
How do I send my NPLEX results to a licensing board?
Complete the Transcript Request Form and submit a fee of $30 to have an official transcript of your NPLEX results sent to a regulatory authority. NABNE sends exam results and transcripts to regulatory authorities as part of its service to licensing and registration agencies.
What should I study first?
Start with Part I biomedical science, because passing it is a prerequisite for Part II and the clinical material assumes that foundation. Build competency in the biomedical domains, then shift to case-based clinical reasoning for the Core Clinical Science and Clinical Elective examinations.
What are common reasons candidates struggle?
Two common failure modes are treating the exam as norm-referenced and studying only to a guessed percentage, and attempting Part II before biomedical fundamentals are solid. Because scoring is criterion-referenced, aim for the practice standard, and sequence your preparation so Part I is passed first.
Where can I find official exam dates and handbooks?
NABNE's website hosts Important Dates, Handbooks, Forms, Fees, and a Candidate Portal. These are the authoritative sources for administration schedules, application procedures, and exam administration policies; check them before making travel or application plans.