NBCE Part I isn’t just the “first board exam” — it’s the foundation of your chiropractic licensure journey. Getting Part I right sets you up for success in Parts II, III, and IV.

Boards don’t test school facts randomly. They test basic sciences in a way that ensures you understand the fundamentals that make you a safe clinician.  

Let’s dive into what the NBCE actually tests, how the exam is structured, and how you can study smarter (not harder) for success.

Official NBCE Part I Format

According to the NBCE:

Part I is a computer-based test covering basic sciences.

It consists of 255 questions across six domains.  

The exam is delivered in two sessions during a single testing appointment:

• Session 1:
  – General Anatomy
  – Spinal Anatomy
  – Physiology
• Session 2:
  – Chemistry
  – Pathology
  – Microbiology  

You are allotted 3 hours and 26 minutes of total testing time. The testing appointment runs about 4 hours, which includes a tutorial, an optional break between sessions, and an end-of-exam survey.  

What Part I Tests (Official Domains)

Here are the six domains NBCE tests on Part I.  

1. General Anatomy – Body planes, skeletal anatomy, organs, and histology
2. Spinal Anatomy– Axial skeleton, nervous system anatomy, special senses
3. Physiology– Neurophysiology, muscle physiology, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and more
4. Chemistry– Organic and inorganic chemistry basics with clinical relevance
5. Pathology– Disease mechanisms, immune system, disorders across organ systems
6. Microbiology– Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, immunology, epidemiology

Instead of memorizing every detail, aim to understand how systems function and interact — that’s where boards score points.

Who Can Take Part I?

Per NBCE eligibility rules:

• You must be enrolled in an eligible chiropractic college to take Part I (usually in your second year).
• Your registrar must approve your application first.
• If you’re retaking Part I or took it after graduation, additional eligibility conditions apply.  

Note: After you pass all six Part I domains, you typically cannot retake them unless required by a state licensing authority.  

Fees & Passing Score

Here’s the official fee structure:  

• Part I exam: $710
• Individual domain retake: $335

To pass Part I, you must receive a scaled score of at least 375.  

Why Part I Feels Hard

Part I isn’t difficult because it’s complex — it’s challenging because it’s broad. You must:

✅ Recall facts

✅ Understand mechanisms

✅ Integrate systems

✅ Make safe judgments under time pressure

And the exam isn’t pass/fail by question count — it uses scaled scoring so question difficulty matters.  

High-Yield Study Tips (Performance-Focused)

1. Focus on integration, not memorization

Boards ask:

What happens if this structure fails or this system is dysfunctional?

For instance:

• If a cranial nerve is injured, what changes first?
• If renal physiology is off, what systemic effect shows up?

Understanding what changes and why is higher yield than memorizing isolated facts.

2. Train timing like it matters (because it does)

You have limited time — and Part I tests endurance just as much as knowledge. Practice under strict timing:

🕒 Short bursts → consistent accuracy

🕒 Full session simulations → 3+ hours stamina

3. Practice realistic NBCE questions

Great practice questions:

✔ mirror real NBCE wording

✔ include realistic distractors

✔ explain why answers are correct or wrong

Weak questions normalize guessing — strong ones build reasoning confidence. 🧠

4. Prioritize based on NBCE weights

NBCE test plans use topic percentages. While you should study all domains, know that some areas are tested more heavily — and plan accordingly.  

Student Testimonials for Chiro AlignEd Learning

“Knowing the exam structure made everything make more sense — knowledge became useful instead of overwhelming.” — chiropractic student (2025)

“Timing practice made boards look like a long quiz instead of a panic event.”

That shift — from panic to pattern — is where scores jump.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many questions are on NBCE Part I?

Part I has 255 questions split between two sessions.  

Is there a break during the exam?

Yes — there’s an optional 15-minute break between Session 1 and Session 2.  

What is the passing score for Part I?

A scaled score of 375 or above is required to pass.  

Can I retake only specific domains?

No. As of January 1, 2026, the NBCE will no longer allow candidates to retake individual domains within Parts I or II. After this date, candidates who wish to retake an exam will be required to retake the full Part. you can retake individual domains if needed, each with a separate fee. 

When should I take Part I?

Most students take Part I in their second year after completing foundational coursework.  

Is Part I similar to school exams?

Some content overlaps, but boards test application + decision patterns more than raw memorization.

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]!