One of the questions students whisper — but rarely say out loud:

“How many people actually fail boards?”

It’s a fair concern. Board exams are expensive, stressful, and tied to your entire future career. Understanding pass rates doesn’t just give context — it helps you prepare smarter.

Let’s dig into what NBCE performance data actually reveals…and what high-scoring chiropractic students consistently do to pass with confidence.

NBCE Pass Rates: What the Data Shows

Based on publicly reported data across chiropractic programs:

Important note: These vary significantly by school — and by how well students prepare intentionally.

What Pass Rates Don’t Tell You

Failing a board exam doesn’t mean:

• You’re not smart enough

• You’re not cut out for chiropractic

• You don’t care enough

It almost always means:

• The strategy didn’t match the test

Boards don’t reward memorization.

They reward application under stress.

The good news: Strategy is trainable.

What Students Who Pass on the First Try Do Differently

Here are the most consistent behaviors we see among high scorers:

They focus on high-yield systems early

They know:

• disc patterns beat flashcards

• cardiac + renal > obscure anatomy

• red flags > rare trivia

They practice NBCE-style questions weekly

Timing + distractor recognition = score protection.

They avoid overstudying low-value content

Smart students don’t try to cover it all — they triage.

They study how the NBCE thinks

They learn:

• Question writer priorities

• Best answer vs technically correct answer

• Management decision hierarchy

They protect their mindset like it’s part of the exam

Because it is.

Boards test:

• Focus

• Stress tolerance

• Endurance

More time studying ≠ more points → The right focus = more points

What Leads to Failure (Even for Smart Students)

The most common causes of low scores:

• Rewatching lectures instead of practicing retrieval

• Endless note making with limited application

• Cramming in the final weeks

• Self-studying without knowing high-yield patterns

• Letting anxiety control decisions

Boards don’t care how hard you studied.

They care if you can show what matters under pressure.

The Turning Point for Most Students

Every high-performing student reaches this mindset shift:

“I don’t need to know everything. I need to know what boards consistently test — and why.”

That’s when results spike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a passing score for NBCE exams?

A scaled score of 375 is required to pass each section of each NBCE exam.

Which NBCE exam is hardest?

Most students report:

• Part I → overwhelming volume

• Part III → clinical reasoning + speed

Part IV difficulty varies based on technique confidence.

How long should I study to ensure I pass?

Most students who pass on the first try study 8–12 weeks using a structured plan — not guesswork.

Does failing delay graduation or licensure?

Often yes.

A failed attempt can cause:

• Clinic delays

• Extra testing fees

• Increased stress during later parts

This is why strategic prep matters.

Can a board review improve pass rates?

Yes.

Students using programs with:

• High-yield focus

• NBCE-style practice

• Access-until-you-pass support

consistently outperform DIY study methods.

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]!