About the NBCE

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), including the International Board of Chiropractic Examiners (IBCE), is the international testing agency for the chiropractic profession. The NBCE develops, administers and scores standardized exams that assess knowledge, higher-level cognitive abilities and problem-solving in various basic science and clinical science subjects.

The purpose of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is to establish and maintain uniform high standards of excellence in the chiropractic profession and chiropractic education, primarily but not exclusively by preparing and administering to qualified applicants examinations of superior quality, whereby those legal agencies which govern the practice of chiropractic within each state and other countries may accept, at their discretion, those individuals who have successfully completed any part of the examinations of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and by providing test and measurement services to the chiropractic profession in all areas of demonstrated need, and to advance the chiropractic profession when in the best interests of the corporation and chiropractic testing.

 

What Does the NBCE Do?

NBCE exams offer assurance to the general public that, regardless of where a chiropractor went to school or was licensed, he or she has demonstrated a baseline of knowledge as well as ability in diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, principles of chiropractic, associated clinical sciences and chiropractic practice.

Candidates typically take NBCE exams before graduating from chiropractic college. Exam scores are made available to licensing authorities within and outside the United States. In the U.S., all 50 states either accept or require candidates to pass Parts I, II, III, and IV for licensure.

 

Purpose

To strengthen public confidence in the Chiropractic profession and its vital contribution to lifelong well-being.

 

Mission Statement

Ensuring professional competency and public safety through excellence in testing.

 

Vision

Doctors of Chiropractic are universally regarded as highly qualified, competent professionals.

 

Values

Lifelong Learning:

  • We take ownership of individual educational journeys and continuously seek opportunities to improve our knowledge and experience in pursuit of excellence.

Integrity

  • Our work is guided by strong moral principles.
  • Our words and actions align.
  • We are committed to competent, ethical, and respectful interactions.
  • Our actions and communications are genuine, sincere, and truthful.
  • We practice self-awareness, as it is a foundation of productive relationships.

Fairness

  • We achieve our mission and strategic objectives through commitment to internal and external collaboration, and stakeholder integration.
  • We consider the consequences of our decisions on those impacted.
  • We design processes, solutions, and systems to be equitable and objective.
  • We foster a sense of belonging through building a culture that respects diversity.

Transparency

  • We openly share information with each other and with our external stakeholders.
  • We create and manage effective channels of communication.

Accountability

  • We rise above our circumstances to deliver on our commitments.
  • We are responsible for our actions, behaviors, and outcomes.
  • When we fail, we take ownership and take action to prevent future failures.
BY THE NUMBERS
The NBCE is overseen by an 11-member board of directors. States that utilize NBCE exams may name delegates and alternates to attend the NBCE annual meeting. At the meeting, district delegates nominate a person to serve as district director. An assembly of all state delegates votes to accept or reject each district nominee. Two seats are filled by appointment by the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards. The board then elects at-large directors for two-year terms. Officers are elected annually.