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National Board
of Chiropractic Examiners
901 54th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80634
970-356-9100
nbce@nbce.org

Overview: Part IV Practical Exam

The Part IV practical exam, which utilizes an Objective Structured Clinical Examination methodology, was developed by the NBCE at the request of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB). The Part IV examination tests individuals in three major areas including x-ray interpretation & diagnosis, chiropractic technique and case management. Results of the Part IV exam may be utilized by state licensing authorities in lieu of their practical examinations for licensure.

Students enrolled in a chiropractic college (whose students are eligible to take NBCE examinations) are eligible to apply for the Part IV exam if:

• they have passed NBCE Parts I and II by the Part IV application deadline
• and they are within six months of graduation at the time of the Part IV administration

To read a summary of a feasibility study about Part IV eligibility, click on the link below:

Part IV Eligibility: Results from a feasibility study (PDF file)

Doctors of Chiropractic who hold valid licenses to practice chiropractic issued on or before December 31, 1997, and who have not passed the NBCE Parts I & II are eligible to take Part IV upon submission of a notarized letter from an authorized representative of a state board which has licensed them. The letter must verify that the applicant is licensed by the state, that the applicant's license is not under suspension, and that there is no known disciplinary action in effect or pending.

The following states currently ACCEPT/REQUIRE the NBCE Part IV practical examination at the NBCE recommended passing score:

At this time, additional states are either considering or are in the process of finalizing necessary state procedures to accept or require the NBCE Part IV examination in their licensure requirements. Candidates should contact the licensing board of the state(s) in which they plan to practice for the most current status and regulations concerning Part IV.

The NBCE Part IV practical examination is administrated in May and November of each year. Please contact the NBCE offices for information on test locations. The NBCE issues a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of the Parts I, II, III and IV examinations. Certificate recipients may, for an additional fee, order an engraved plaque. Order forms for this purpose are included with examinee grade letters. Examinees must observe order-form deadlines on this limited offer.

NEW REGISTRATION PROCEDURES FOR PART IV

Updated Feb. 14, 2006

1. Examinees must report to the assigned testing center at the time indicated on the examination information packet enclosed with the admittance form that they will receive approximately eight weeks before the examination.
2. Any examinee who does NOT register at the assigned test site at the time indicated on the information packet will NOT be permitted to participate in the Part IV Examination.
3. Examinees will receive instructions concerning test procedures prior to the start of each part of the examination.
4. The NBCE will provide all necessary equipment for the Part IV Examination, such as clipboards, notepaper and #2 pencils. For scoring accuracy, examinees must use the pencils provided by the NBCE.
5. Examinees should bring lunch or snacks as the examination information packet indicates. Examinees will not be permitted to leave the campus until checkout time on each day of the examination.
6. Examinees cannot bring handbags or briefcases in the examination area. Examinees should not bring valuables to the testing area.
7. Examinees will NOT be allowed to bring cell phones, pagers, watches, cameras, audio or video recorders, iPods, MP3 players, or other electronic devices into the secured testing area.
8. Examinees may be subject to individual security screening procedures, including the use of metal detection devices.
9. Refusal to submit to an individual security screening may result in denied entrance to or expulsion from the testing area.

For more information about the Part IV examination, click here.

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