You made it through Part I. Maybe you're celebrating a pass, or maybe you're just glad it's over. Either way, Part II is next, and it's easy to assume it'll work the same way.

On paper, it looks almost identical: same number of questions, same timing, same passing score. But Part II asks a different kind of question. Part I asked what you know. Part II asks what you'd do with a patient in front of you.

Students who prep for Part II the same way they prepped for Part I often feel caught off guard. This guide shows you what stays the same, what changes, and how to adjust your plan.

Part I vs Part II at a Glance

The structure is identical, so everything you learned about pacing and stamina on Part I still applies. The difference is in the content and how it's tested.

Sources: NBCE Part I page and NBCE Part II page. Check both before registering, since details can change.

The Big Shift: From Recall to Clinical Reasoning

The clearest way to see the difference is with the same topic asked both ways. Here's the ulnar nerve.

A Part I-style question tests a fact:

Which nerve passes posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus?

A Part II-style question tests what you'd do with that fact:

A 34-year-old carpenter reports numbness in the little finger and weakness gripping tools. Symptoms worsen when he leans on his elbows. Which finding would best support your suspected diagnosis?

Same nerve. But the second question makes you recognize a pattern, form a working diagnosis, and choose the next step, all in about 48 seconds.

That's the shift. Part II rewards students who can move from symptoms to diagnosis to management quickly. Memorizing facts still matters, but only as raw material for clinical decisions.

What Carries Over From Part I

Your Part I prep wasn't wasted. Much of Part II builds directly on it:

• Anatomy becomes the foundation for neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and imaging. If you know where the ulnar nerve runs, you can reason through an entrapment case. Our brachial plexus review and spinal anatomy review are worth revisiting.
• Physiology and pathology become the reasoning behind general diagnosis: why a patient's labs, vitals or symptoms look the way they do.
• Your study habits carry over completely. Daily practice questions, a miss log and full-length timed exams work just as well for Part II.

What doesn't carry over is the style. Part II adds whole new subject areas, like diagnostic imaging and chiropractic practice, and frames most questions around patients.

Where Part II Fits in Your Board Journey

1. Part I (basic sciences): typically taken in your second year
2. Part II (clinical sciences): typically taken in your third year
3. Part III (written clinical competency): requires passing Part I and being within nine months of graduation
4. Part IV (practical skills exam): taken near the end of your program

State licensing requirements vary, so check the boards in the states where you plan to practice.

How to Prep Differently for Part II

Keep the 10-week framework from our Part I study plan, but change how you study inside it.

Rule of thumb: for every condition you study, be able to answer four questions. What's the classic presentation? What test or finding confirms it? What would you rule out? What's the right next step, including when to refer?

Part I vs Part II FAQs

Is NBCE Part II harder than Part I? It's different more than harder. Part I tests recall of basic science facts. Part II tests clinical reasoning, which many students find harder at first because it requires connecting information rather than just recalling it.

What subjects are on NBCE Part II? Six domains: General Diagnosis, Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis, Diagnostic Imaging, Principles of Chiropractic, Chiropractic Practice and Associated Clinical Sciences.

Do I need to pass Part I before taking Part II? Part II eligibility is based on being in your third year at an eligible chiropractic college with your college's approval. Check the NBCE Part II eligibility page for your situation.

How long should I study for Part II? Most students do well with 8 to 12 weeks of structured prep, similar to Part I. Build in daily imaging review and case-based practice.

Is the Part II passing score the same as Part I? Yes. Both require a scaled score of 375 or higher.

Prep for the Exam You're Actually Taking

Whichever Part is next for you, the fastest path is prep built around how that exam asks questions.

Still working on Part I? The Part I Review Course covers all six basic science domains with exam-aligned lessons, quizzes and full-length practice exams.

Moving on to Part II? The Part II Review Course is an in-depth review of the clinical sciences, designed to strengthen the decision-making Part II tests.

Both courses include:

• Self-paced, searchable video lessons you can access on any device
• Built-in quizzes and full-length practice exams for timing and stamina
• Our Access Until You Pass™ Guarantee: meet our Exam Readiness Standards and if you don't pass, we renew your 90 days of access at no cost

"The review course exceeded my expectations. Everything felt current, clear and thoughtfully organized." — Taylor R., Part I & II Review student

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