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NBCE Part I Basic Sciences Chiropractic Board Examination Practice Test

140 questions available

Chiropractic board examination covering general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology for chiropractic licensure. Administered by National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Key domains include Spinal Anatomy, General Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.

Certification exam
255 Exam questions
Practice bank
140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
qf-import140 practice questionsBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

General Anatomy

A lesion of the oculomotor nerve produces a dilated pupil. Which parasympathetic pathway is interrupted?

Physiology

A patient with denervation of the sinoatrial node by excessive vagal tone has bradycardia. Which receptor mediates parasympathetic slowing at the SA node?

Pathology

A patient develops wheezing and urticaria after peanut exposure. Which mediator source is central to the immediate reaction?

Pathology

A wound has abundant granulation tissue one week after injury. Which components define granulation tissue?

General Anatomy

A medial epicondyle fracture causes clawing of the fourth and fifth digits. Which nerve and intrinsic hand muscle group explain the deformity?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

Mastery of the basic sciences is not merely an academic hurdle; it is the bedrock of clinical reasoning and patient safety. A deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and biochemistry enables the future doctor of chiropractic to accurately assess patient presentations, differentiate between musculoskeletal and systemic conditions, and formulate appropriate care plans. This foundational knowledge directly informs diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and the ability to recognize when a patient requires referral to another healthcare specialist. It is the essential framework that transforms a student into a competent, science-based healthcare provider.

Exam Blueprint

Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.

01Spinal Anatomy
22%
02General Anatomy
20%
03Physiology
18%
04Pathology
16%
05Chemistry
13%
06Microbiology and Public Health
11%

Exam Details NBCE-P1

Exam Code NBCE-P1
Vendor qf-import
Exam questions 255

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the six specific subjects tested on the NBCE Part I?

The examination is divided into six sections: General Anatomy, Spinal Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Pathology, and Microbiology/Public Health. Each section is scored separately, and you must achieve a passing score in each individual section to pass the overall exam.

How is the exam formatted and how long does it take?

The exam is computer-based and consists of 220 multiple-choice questions. The testing is administered in two sessions over one day, with a total testing time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, not including breaks and instructions.

What is the passing score for Part I?

The NBCE uses a criterion-referenced passing point. You must achieve a passing score in each of the six subject areas. The specific numerical score required can vary slightly between administrations but is set to reflect a consistent standard of competency.

What happens if I fail one or more sections?

You may retake the entire examination or only the failed section(s) in a subsequent administration. Policies on retakes and the number of allowed attempts are set by the NBCE and your chiropractic college, so it is crucial to consult their specific guidelines.

When should I start preparing for the exam?

Preparation should begin months in advance, not weeks. Most successful candidates start structured review 3-6 months before their test date, integrating review with their ongoing coursework. Creating a long-term study schedule is key to managing the volume of material.