Failing a board exam can feel devastating — especially when you’ve worked so hard to get this far. But here’s the truth: Failing an NBCE exam does not define your future as a chiropractor.

Thousands of smart, dedicated students fail boards every year…

and go on to become successful DCs.

What matters now isn’t what happened —it’s how you respond next.

This guide covers:

• What happens after a failed attempt
• How to avoid delays in graduation or licensure
• The biggest mistakes students make on retakes
• A proven bounce-back strategy

Take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this.

Step 1 — Know Your Retake Options (NBCE-Accurate)

If you fail an NBCE exam, the most important thing to know is this: The NBCE does not place a fixed limit on how many times you can retake an exam before you pass.

Retake eligibility is based on:

• Your eligibility status (enrolled or graduated)
• Whether you have already passed that exam
• The next available testing window, as scheduled by the NBCE

There is no official “quarterly” or “twice-per-year” retake rule set by the NBCE.

 NBCE Exam Retake Policy

Tip: Register for the next available testing window as soon as applications open.

Popular sites — especially for Part IV — can fill quickly, and earlier registration gives you more scheduling flexibility.

Step 2 — Understand Costs & Timeline Impact

A failed board may cause:

• Clinic delays
• Licensure delays
• Extra exam fees
• Additional study time during stressful periods

Most students’ #1 regret is not seeking support sooner.

You do NOT have to go through this again alone.

Step 3 — Figure Out What Actually Went Wrong

It’s almost never a knowledge issue.

Retake students consistently report:

• Anxiety-induced blanking
• Timing pressure
• Misreading stems
• Choosing partially-true distractors
• Weak integration

You probably knew more than your score shows.

Boards test brain performance under stress, not self-worth.

Step 4 — Rebuild Strategy, Not Just Content

Avoid the #1 retake mistake: “I’ll just study more this time.”

Doing more of what didn’t work won’t lead to a different result.

Winning retake strategy focuses on:

• Targeting weak systems early
• Building confidence slowly
• Practicing under exam-like conditions
• Training distractor recognition
• Fixing the test-taking piece

Your new goal isn’t to “know everything” —it’s to earn more points on what matters.

Part-Specific Retake Advice

Each part has a different mental model for success.

A Message Every Retake Student Needs to Hear

You are not behind.

You are not alone.

You are not less capable.

You are in a common place — with a path forward.

Every doctor you admire survived setbacks.

This is yours — and you’ll overcome it, too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How bad is it to fail boards?

It’s common — and manageable.

It becomes a problem only when students avoid regrouping with better strategy.

How soon should I retake the exam?

Most students retake at the next available window, with an adjusted study plan already in motion.

How do I stay confident after failing?

Use evidence-based progress: small wins + guided questions + supportive feedback.

Confidence is earned — and rebuildable.

Should I switch board review courses?

If your current approach didn’t improve performance…yes — new strategy > more hours.

Can I prevent another failure?

Absolutely.

Most retake students pass once they:

• Prioritize high-yield content
• Practice NBCE question logic
• Learn distractor traps
• Manage test-day stress

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]!