NBCE Part I Exam Breakdown: What You Need To Know

Part I is a computer-based test, currently delivered on chiropractic college campuses. Part I tests six basic science sections or “domains” (see below) and each domain consists of 50 standard multiple-choice questions.

1. General Anatomy
   1. Topographical anatomy
   2. Osteology of the Appendicular Skeleton
   3. Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Appendicular Skeleton
   4. Myology of the Appendicular Skeleton
   5. Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
   6. Digestiv System
   7. Respiratory System
   8. Urogenital System
   9. Endocrine System
2. Spinal Anatomy
   1. Osteology of the Axial Skeleton
   2. Myology of the Axial Skeleton
   3. Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Axial Skeleton
   4. Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures
   5. Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous Systems
   6. Organs of Special Senses
3. Physiology
   1. Neurophysiology
   2. Muscle Physiology
   3. Cardiovascular Physiology
   4. Respiratory Physiology
   5. Body Fluids and Renal Physiology
   6. Gastrointestinal Physiology
   7. Reproductive Physiology
   8. Endocrine Physiology
   9. Exercise and Sports Physiology
4. Chemistry
   1. Carbohydrates
   2. Lipids
   3. Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides
   4. Enzymes
   5. Hormones
   6. Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids
   7. Vitamins and Minerals
   8. Biochemical Energetics
5. Pathology
   1. Fundamentals of Pathology
   2. Genetic and Congenital Disorders
   3. Disorders of the Immune System
   4. Environmental and Nutritional Diseases
   5. Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
   6. Disorders of the Nervous System
   7. Diseases of the Organ Systems
6. Microbiology
   1. Immunology
   2. Bacteria
   3. Viruses and Prions
   4. Fungi
   5. Parasites
   6. Epidemiology and Disease Control

PART I EXAM LAYOUT

The NBCE Part I exam is divided into three sessions; each session consists of two domains. Each domain is allotted 42 minutes with an optional 15-minute break after each session. Testing appointments are 5 hours.

PART I EXAM FEES FOR 2024

Here are the exam fees for Part I for 2024:

Part I - $710

Individual Domains - $335

For the 2024 NBCE Exam Schedule and Fees, check out this blog post.

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners proposed big changes starting in 2024 for their chiropractic board exams. Check our blog post to read more about those changes.

Still stuck on how to study for your chiro board exam?

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