NBCE Pass Rates Explained: National Trends and What They Mean for Students

As a chiropractic student, understanding NBCE exam pass rates isn’t just trivia — it’s strategic intelligence.

Pass rates reveal:

• Which exams students typically struggle with
• Patterns over time
• What your peers are experiencing
• Where to allocate your study focus

This post breaks down the most recent NBCE performance data, explains what it means, and helps you use this information to plan more effectively.

What the Official NBCE Pass Rates Show

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners publishes annual performance data for Parts I, II, III, and IV based on first-time test takers.

The most recent part-level figures are for 2024, where pass rates from January through July included:

• Part I: ~71%
• Part II: ~78%
  (These come from official NBCE published data.)  

NBCE also provides historical data for previous years — including 2019 through 2023 — so trends can be seen across time.  

How Pass Rates Compare Across NBCE Parts

Generally (based on published data and commonsense interpretation of NBCE trends):

• Part I: Traditionally in the ~70–80% range
  — This suggests foundational sciences are challenging for many students, especially domains like spinal anatomy.  
• Part II: Typically somewhat higher than Part I but still moderate
  — Clinical sciences require application and nuance.  
• Part III: Often shows the lowest pass rate of the four exams nationally. Multiple sources and historical breakdowns indicate this pattern continues.  
• Part IV: Almost always has the highest pass rate (often ~85–90%+), because it is practical and predictable.  

For example, data from recent years showed:

• ~79% first-time pass rate on Part III in 2022
• ~89% first-time pass rate on Part IV in 2022
  indicating Part IV tends to be the most approachable when prepared for correctly.  

These patterns help explain why so many students emphasize Part III strategy and practice — it correlates with the greatest challenge.  

Interpreting Pass Rates: What Students Often Miss

1. Pass Rates Are Not Fixed Guarantees

NBCE itself states that it does not predetermine the percentage of examinees who will pass — rates can vary up or down year to year.  

This highlights that preparation quality — not difficulty alone — shapes outcomes.

2. First-Time Pass Rates Are the Most Useful

Data published reflects first-time test takers, which is most relevant for current students planning boards right now.  

Retake pass rates can be different and vary based on population and preparation method.

3. Exam Content and Structure Affect Trends

Different parts test different skills:

• Part I: Foundational knowledge
• Part II: Clinical application
• Part III: Clinical competence & judgment
• Part IV: Practical performance

Parts with more application and judgment (like Part III) historically show lower pass rates, reflecting the shift from knowledge to real-world decision making.  

Using Pass Rate Data to Plan Your Prep

Here’s how students should think about pass rate trends:

Prioritize Exams with Lower Pass Rates

If Part III has the lowest pass rate among peers, treating it as a strategic priority makes sense — not an afterthought.

Use Performance Data to Adjust Focus

Pass rates hint at where students struggle most overall. If Part I historically trends lower in certain domains, spend extra time on those.

Combine Pass Rates With Test Plans

You can’t study pass rates alone — but combining them with exam test plans tells you both what and how much to study.

School vs National Pass Rates

It’s also useful to contrast individual chiropractic college pass rates with national trends.

Programs are required to publish success metrics (often through CCE Policy 56), which reflect graduates passing all required NBCE exams or achieving licensure within a set period. Many schools report overall success rates ranging broadly (e.g., some in the 80–90% region), but these measures are not the same as part-by-part first-time pass rates.  

This means:

• A school may have high overall licensure success
• But first-time pass rates can still vary by part

Using both sets of data helps you choose resources and study plans more wisely.

Summary of Key Trends

Here’s a simplified snapshot of typical NBCE pass rate trends based on the available data:

Use this as a baseline expectation, not an exact predictor for any individual year.

Frequently Asked Questions About NBCE Pass Rates

Why do pass rates vary from year to year?

NBCE does not predetermine pass rates — they change based on cohort performance, exam content balance, and preparation trends.  

Does a high pass rate mean the exam is easy?

Not necessarily. A high pass rate often reflects the exam’s predictability and how well preparation resources align — not that it’s simple.

Why is Part III’s pass rate often lower?

Part III emphasizes clinical judgment and decision making, which is more skill-based and harder to “cram” than basic knowledge.  

Should I worry if my school’s pass rate is lower than the national average?

A lower rate can signal areas for improvement, but it’s one of many factors — including resources, curriculum alignment, and individual effort — that affect outcomes.  

Do retake pass rates matter?

Retake pass rates are important, but first-time pass rates are generally the most useful metric for planning study timelines and avoiding delays.

Final Takeaway

Pass rates aren’t fixed hurdles — they are data points that guide strategy.

When you use them with test plans, practice metrics, and your own assessment performance, pass rate data becomes a tool for smarter preparation, not stress.

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