NBCE Exam Costs

The National Board of Chiropractors (NBCE) understands that the cost of professional licensing examinations can feel substantial, particularly for students already managing the cost of a professional education. In the 2026 stakeholder sentiment survey, examinees expressed significant concern surrounding the expense of NBCE exams, and we do not take that investment lightly.

Exam fees are established based on a range of factors required to create, administer, and improve valid and reliable examinations. Those costs include the people, technology, testing infrastructure, security measures, psychometric work, quality assurance, and other resources required to produce examinations that are valid, reliable, and defensible.

NBCE is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, any profit generated from examination fees is directed immediately toward the organization’s reserves to ensure we are a fiscally responsible and sustainable organization. This practice is a re-investment back into the NBCE to fulfill our mission.

NBCE takes great care in ensuring exam fees remain stable over time. NBCE exam fees have increased, on average, 2.5% each year over the past 20 years. Over the past eight years, exam fees have increased once. This was a 3.5% increase in 2021, which averages to a 0.0% increase over the past five years. The 20-year average CPI (Consumer Price Index) is 2.6% and the five-year average CPI is 3.8%.

While exam fees are comparable with fees for licensing examinations in other health professions, NBCE’s goal is to set fees fairly and responsibly—while maintaining the quality, security, and integrity of the examination process. As those requirements continue, the costs of providing that level of assessment remain an ongoing part of professional licensure.