National Boards unveil centralized chiropractic exam facility in Louisville Colorado

A groundbreaking transformation in chiropractic education and assessment is on the horizon, as the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) announces a major redesign of the Part 4 practical exam. This new initiative, revealed during a recent meeting of the Connecticut Board of Chiropractors, aims to centralize testing at a state-of-the-art facility in Louisville, Colorado, set to open in late 2025.

The revamped exam will utilize advanced technology, including high-definition audio and video capture, real-time performance analytics, and immediate debriefing capabilities. For the first time, candidates will have the option for live and remote viewing, enhancing transparency and flexibility in the assessment process. This shift is expected to significantly improve the consistency and quality of testing experiences for future chiropractors.

Currently, the Part 4 exam is administered twice a year across multiple campuses, but the new centralized location will allow testing to be offered 48 weeks a year. This change is designed to better reflect real-world clinical practice, with candidates facing seven case-based stations that cover the full patient encounter, from assessment to decision-making. A new documentation assessment will also be introduced, addressing feedback from state boards regarding the importance of proper record-keeping.

The transition to the new testing facility will culminate in May 2026, marking the end of the current exam format. A full-scale pilot exam is scheduled for February 2026, allowing for validation of the new system in a live environment.

In addition to the Part 4 redesign, the NBCE is expanding computer-based testing options, increasing availability from three to nine times a year, with plans to extend this to eleven months. This initiative aims to provide students with greater flexibility in their licensure journey.

The meeting also highlighted the introduction of the Chiropractic Education Readiness Assessment (CIRA), a tool designed to assess both cognitive and non-cognitive skills of chiropractic students. This initiative, which is free for students and schools during its initial five years, aims to support academic readiness and improve educational outcomes.

As the chiropractic profession evolves, these advancements signal a commitment to enhancing educational standards and ensuring the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care. The NBCE's initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the field, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients alike.