NBCE Fee Schedule: What You’ll Pay for Chiropractic Board Exams (And How to Budget Smart)

Preparing for chiropractic licensure involves more than studying — it also requires financial planning.

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners publishes a clear fee schedule for NBCE exams, including Parts I, II, III, Part IV, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, and specialty exams. Knowing these fees ahead of time helps you budget wisely, avoid late penalties, and plan your board timeline with confidence.  

How the NBCE Fee Schedule Works

The NBCE fee schedule outlines standard fees for each exam and retake. Fees are paid when you submit your application and must be current at the time of registration.  

NBCE Fee Schedule Overview

Parts I, II, III & Physiotherapy (CBT)

These are the standard fees to register or retake the exam.  

Part IV, SPEC & Acupuncture

Part IV — the practical clinical exam — carries a higher fee because it requires standardized testing sites, trained examiners, and additional administration costs.  

Sample Test Fees

The NBCE also sells practice/sample exams for familiarization:

• Part I sample (all domains) – $60
• Part II sample (all domains) – $60
• Individual domain sample (Part I & II) – $15 per domain
• Physiotherapy sample – $15
• SPEC sample – $15
• Acupuncture sample – $15  

These sample tests are optional and help you familiarize yourself with format and question styles.

What Other Fees You Should Know

Retake Fees

The exam fee itself is the retake fee — you pay the same amount again if you need to retake a part.  

Rescheduling/Cancellation Fees

For CBT exams (Parts I, II, III, Physiotherapy), if you reschedule or cancel 16–29 days before the deadline, there is a ~$50 scheduling charge paid directly to Prometric. After the official deadline, no refunds or changes are allowed.  

Withdrawals

For Part IV, SPEC, and Acupuncture exams, you may receive a partial refund if you withdraw before the published deadline.  

How to Save Money on NBCE Fees

Here are smart strategies to manage costs:

1. Register Early

Late fees and scheduling charges add up quickly. Early registration prevents extra costs.

2. Know Your Timeline

Plan when you’ll take each part so you avoid overlapping costs and retakes due to schedule congestion.

3. Use Your School’s Support

Many chiropractic programs help navigate registration and deadlines, which can prevent missed fees or mistakes.

4. Budget for Retakes

Even if you pass on your first attempt, setting aside funds for potential retakes is financially wise.

Why NBCE Fees Matter

NBCE exam fees fund:

• Test development and updates
• Computer-based and practical test delivery
• Prometric and assessment center operations
• Scoring, reporting, and score maintenance systems

These fees support the validity and quality of the chiropractic licensure process — not just administrative costs.  

Frequently Asked Questions About NBCE Fees

Why do Part I, II, and III cost the same?

These CBT exams are delivered via standardized computer test centers and require similar administration and scoring infrastructure.  

Why is Part IV more expensive?

Part IV requires hands-on stations, standardized examiners, clinic setups, and scheduling logistics — all of which increase costs.  

Are NBCE fees the same if I need to retake?

Yes — you pay the full exam fee each time you register or retake the exam.  

Is there a refund if I need to cancel?

For CBT exams, refunds are not available after published deadlines. For Part IV, SPEC, and Acupuncture exams, partial refunds may be available if you withdraw before deadlines.  

Can I split payments or use installments?

The NBCE requires payment in full at the time of registration. Planning ahead helps avoid financial squeeze.

Key Takeaway for Students

NBCE exams represent a professional and financial investment in your chiropractic career. Knowing the correct fee schedule ensures you budget effectively, avoid late or rescheduling penalties, and align your board timeline with school progression.

Financial planning isn’t a hurdle — it’s part of responsible professional preparation.  

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

Check out all of Chiro Aligned Learning’s products, follow us on Instagram for what to expect during your exams or reach out to us with questions via email at [email protected]!