Frequently Asked Questions: Part IV Practical Exam
Q. What is the Part IV Examination?
A. Part IV is a practical exam developed by the NBCE, the results of which state licensing authorities may utilize for licensure purposes. The Part IV examination test plan consists of three major areas including Diagnostic Imaging, Chiropractic Technique, and Case Management. Like all NBCE examinations, Part IV adheres to accepted testing and measurement industry guidelines. To learn more about the Part IV examination, read the NBCE Examinee Information brochure.
Q. Why was Part IV produced by the NBCE?
A. Part IV resulted from a request by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) to develop a national standardized practical examination for chiropractic licensure.
Q. How do I apply for Part IV?
A. Obtain an application and information packet from either the NBCE or a chiropractic college registrar’s office. Complete and submit the application the NBCE by the published postmark deadline.
Q. How do potential examinees know if the state in which they plan to practice accepts or requires Part IV?
A. For the most current information on state regulations pertaining to Part IV, potential examinees should contact the licensing board of the state in which they intend to practice. Links to licensing agencies are available from this Web site.
Q. What requirements must be met to take Part IV?
A. A student enrolled in a qualifying chiropractic college may apply for Part IV if he/she has passed NBCE Parts I and II by the Part IV application deadline date and is within six months of graduation at the time of the Part IV administration. A Doctor of Chiropractic who holds a valid license to practice issued on or before December 31, 1997, is eligible to take Part IV upon submission of a properly completed application and a notarized letter from an authorized representative of a state board or licensing authority which has licensed the applicant. The letter must verify that the applicant holds a license in good standing in that state or jurisdiction.
Q. Why can't I apply for Part IV before I pass Parts I and II?
A. Candidates are required to demonstrate competency in the basic and clinical science subjects prior to applying for Part IV. The NBCE has accelerated the timetables so students can have all testing completed prior to graduation if they take and pass Parts I and II when first eligible. They can take Part I in their sophomore year, Part II as a junior, Part III within nine months of graduation, and Part IV within six months of graduation. The NBCE cannot guarantee that students will follow this schedule, but if they choose to follow this schedule it may facilitate eligibility requirements for licensure at graduation.
Candidates should also be aware that the preparation time and cost required to establish test arrangements are too great to make last minute changes to add or remove examinees from rosters. Candidates are therefore required to pass Parts I and II before applying for Part IV and cannot apply for Part IV pending passage of Part II.
Q. What portion of the Part IV examination is based on x-rays?
A. The Diagnostic Imaging portion of the examination uses x-rays. There are also 10 stations in the Case Management section that include x-rays. Overall, approximately one-third of the Part IV examination relies on x-rays.
Q: Where does the NBCE obtain the x-rays for the examination?
A. The NBCE obtains most of its x-rays from chiropractic college clinics or private chiropractic radiology clinics. Once a year, the National Board convenes Part IV test committee meetings whose members include state board examiners and chiropractic consultants. Item writers also bring x-rays that are used in developing new questions.
Q: How is the Part IV examination scored?
A. During the Diagnostic Imaging portion of the Part IV examination, candidates use scannable answer sheets to record answers relevant to the data provided. During the Chiropractic Technique portion of the examination, candidates must demonstrate particular adjustments consistent with written instructions. During the Case Management portion, trained "patients" simulate conditions commonly encountered in practice. Candidates must demonstrate procedures in accordance with particular symptoms or specific conditions described. Trained examiners (licensed chiropractors) assess the practical portions of the exam.
Q. Why does it take seven weeks for my scores to be released?
A. Before scores are released, the NBCE carefully analyzes the statistical performance of every question and reviews candidates' written concerns about test questions. Test questions are carefully reconsidered by a review panel and final scores are determined. To be sure all exams are scored accurately, the NBCE conducts thorough manual checking of answer sheets with additional reviews of answer sheets of those who scored below passing. Only after all of these reviews are complete are score letters mailed to candidates. An unofficial score report is available online approximately six weeks are the examination. Scores are mailed to state boards approximately eight weeks are the examination.
Q. What should I do if I fail Part IV?
A. If candidates wish to question their scores, they must submit a letter of concern and request an additional review of their scores. This must be done within the time frame specified on their grade letter, and must include specific reasons as to why their examination performance should be reviewed. Once an individual’s examination has been reviewed, the candidate will receive a written response from the NBCE on the outcome of further review.
Q. If I pass the Part IV exam, am I automatically licensed?
A. No! The NBCE is not a licensing authority. Examination applicants are responsible for contacting licensing authorities of states in which they are interested in practicing. Some state licensing authorities may have additional requirements for licensure, and examinees are advised to contact any state(s) of interest for specific requirements.
Q. Why does the Part IV exam cost more than other NBCE exams?
A. Part IV is a labor intensive exam. It takes approximately twelve hundred support personnel to administer the exam, a ratio of about two support personnel to every three examinees. Throughout the year the NBCE must coordinate the activities of key personnel, train auxiliary staff, and manage the roles and responsibilities of those involved at each test site in order to have a successful administration of the Part IV exam.
Q. What does a score of 375 mean?
A: An NBCE score of 375 means that an individual has passed the overall examination at 75%.
Q. What are the benefits of Part IV?
A. Today, passage of Part IV enables an individual to become eligible for licensure in a majority of states without taking another practical examination. The number of states that accept or require results of the Part IV examination continues to increase. Candidates may take Part IV on many chiropractic college campuses within six months prior to graduation. An additional benefit is that a doctor of chiropractic does not have to maintain multiple state licenses. The Part IV examination meets requirements of nationally standardized examinations.
Q. How do I request a transcript, and how much does it cost?
A. To request a transcript, complete the transcript request form in the NBCE Part IV Candidate Information Brochure or download the form from this Web site. Mail it along with any applicable fees to NBCE. The first transcript is free; each additional transcript is $20 per state. Allow at least two weeks processing time for transcript requests.
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