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NBCE Part II Clinical Sciences Chiropractic Board Examination Practice Test

140 questions available

Chiropractic board examination covering general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, and chiropractic principles and practice. Administered by National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Key domains include Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis, General Diagnosis, Chiropractic Practice and Diagnostic Imaging.

Certification exam
255 Exam questions
Practice bank
140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Start Practice
The bar to clear 375 Official passing score. Aim higher in practice before you book.
qf-import140 practice questions35 answers with a checkable referenceBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

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

35 of 140 answers carry a checkable reference.

General Diagnosis

A 65-year-old man with type 2 diabetes presents with a non-healing plantar foot ulcer, decreased vibratory sense up to mid-calf, absent ankle reflexes bilaterally, and stocking-distribution sensory loss. Which condition is the most likely cause of the neurologic exam findings?

Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis

A 30-year-old patient with back and leg pain has positive straight leg raise on the left at 35 degrees. With dorsiflexion of the foot during the raise, the radicular pain is intensified. Which orthopedic test has been performed by adding the dorsiflexion?

Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis

A 32-year-old female has bilateral leg cramping and paresthesia at night after overhead arm use. Adson test reproduces symptoms and pulse diminution with the arm abducted and externally rotated, head turned toward the affected side. Which condition is most likely?

Associated Clinical Sciences

A 62-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis has been on prednisone 10 mg daily for the past 4 years and now presents with mechanical low back pain. Which medication-related consideration is most important when planning her chiropractic care?

Associated Clinical Sciences

A patient has the following lipid panel: total cholesterol 280 mg/dL, LDL 195 mg/dL, HDL 35 mg/dL, triglycerides 240 mg/dL. Which finding is most concerning for cardiovascular risk?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

Mastery of the clinical sciences tested in Part II is not merely an academic exercise; it forms the bedrock of safe, effective, and ethical chiropractic practice. The diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills assessed are directly applied in patient encounters to differentiate between musculoskeletal conditions, recognize potential underlying pathologies, and formulate appropriate management plans. This examination validates that a future doctor of chiropractic can integrate scientific knowledge with clinical judgment, a fundamental requirement for protecting patient welfare and upholding professional standards.

Exam Blueprint

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

01Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis
20%
02General Diagnosis
19%
03Chiropractic Practice
17%
04Diagnostic Imaging
17%
05Principles of Chiropractic
14%
06Associated Clinical Sciences
13%

Exam Details NBCE-P2

Exam Code NBCE-P2
Vendor qf-import
Passing Score 375
Exam questions 255

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Part II different from Part I?

Part I focuses on the basic sciences foundational to chiropractic education (e.g., anatomy, physiology, pathology). Part II builds directly upon that foundation, testing the clinical sciences and their application. It shifts the emphasis from understanding normal structure and function and general disease processes to applying that knowledge specifically to patient assessment, diagnosis, and chiropractic management principles.

What is the best way to study for the clinical sciences portion?

The most effective study strategies involve integration and application. Utilize practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format. Study by system or clinical presentation rather than in isolated subject silos. Create summary sheets that link diagnostic criteria, relevant imaging findings, differential diagnoses, and conservative management options for common conditions. Discussing cases with peers can significantly enhance clinical reasoning skills.

Is it more important to know chiropractic techniques or general diagnosis for this exam?

Both are critically important and integrated. The exam assesses your ability to properly diagnose a condition (general and neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis) before determining the appropriateness of chiropractic care. You must have a strong command of differential diagnosis to know when to treat, when to co-manage, and when to refer. Chiropractic principles and practice questions will then test your knowledge of appropriate care plans within that diagnostic context.

What happens if I do not pass Part II?

The NBCE allows for retakes. You should review your score report carefully to identify areas of weakness. Develop a targeted remediation plan focusing on those subjects before reattempting the exam. Most chiropractic colleges have policies regarding progression, so it is essential to consult with your academic advisors to understand the implications for your clinical internship timeline.

Are imaging studies covered on Part II?

Yes, diagnostic imaging interpretation, particularly as it relates to musculoskeletal and spinal conditions, is a key component of the clinical sciences. You are expected to understand indications for imaging, recognize normal and common abnormal findings on X-rays, and understand the basic principles of other imaging modalities like MRI or CT as they relate to clinical diagnosis.