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How to become a licensed chiropractor in Arizona. NBCE Parts I-IV + Physiotherapy + state exam required. X-ray privileges allowed. Total initial fees: $4815. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Chiropractor
DC
Credential
4 of 4
NBCE Parts
Allowed
X-Ray Privileges
Not Required
Malpractice Ins.
12 hrs
CE Hours
$4815
Total Initial Fees
Education & CCE Accreditation
VerifiedMinimum Degree
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
CCE Accredited
Required
Program Length
4 years
Undergraduate Requirements
Minimum 90 semester hours of undergraduate education including science prerequisites
Clinical Hours
Included in CCE-accredited DC program curriculum hours
Accepted Programs
Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from a CCE-accredited program, typically requiring 4 years of graduate study. Most programs require at least 90 undergraduate semester hours as a prerequisite.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NBCE Part I
Required
NBCE Part II
Required
NBCE Part III
Required
NBCE Part IV
Required
NBCE Physiotherapy
Required
State Exam
NBCE Part I
Covers basic science subjects: general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Fee: $710
NBCE Part II
Covers clinical science subjects: general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, and diagnostic imaging
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Fee: $710
NBCE Part III
Integrated clinical competency exam using clinical case vignettes covering diagnosis and case management
Format: Computer-based, clinical vignettes
Fee: $710
NBCE Part IV
Practical examination testing diagnostic imaging interpretation, chiropractic technique, and case management skills
Format: Practical, hands-on examination with standardized patients
Fee: $1585
NBCE Physiotherapy Examination
Covers physiotherapy modalities commonly used in chiropractic practice
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Fee: $450
State-Specific Exam: Arizona Jurisprudence Examination
Arizona requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering Arizona chiropractic laws, rules, and regulations
Fee: $100
Permitted Practices & Modalities
VerifiedAllowed
Spinal Adjustment
Allowed
Extremity Adjustment
Allowed
X-Ray Privileges
Allowed
Physiotherapy Modalities
Not Allowed
Acupuncture
Allowed
Nutrition Counseling
Scope Notes
Arizona chiropractors may perform spinal and extremity adjustments and take diagnostic X-rays. Physiotherapy modalities and acupuncture require separate specialty certification from the board. Nutrition counseling is within scope.
Chiropractic scope of practice varies significantly by state. Some states allow chiropractors to take and read X-rays, perform acupuncture, provide nutrition counseling, and use physiotherapy modalities, while others have more restrictive scopes.
Malpractice Insurance Requirements
VerifiedMalpractice Insurance Not Required
Details
Arizona does not require chiropractors to carry malpractice insurance by statute, though it is strongly recommended
Some states require chiropractors to maintain professional liability (malpractice) insurance as a condition of licensure. Minimum coverage amounts and policy requirements vary by state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $250 |
NBCE Total Exam Fees Total for NBCE Parts I ($710) + II ($710) + III ($710) + IV ($1585) + Physiotherapy ($450) | $4165 |
State Exam Fee | $100 |
State License Fee | $300 |
Renewal Fee | $300 |
Total Initial Fees Includes NBCE total ($4165) + application fee ($250) + state license fee ($300) + state exam fee ($100) | $4815 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$300
Regulatory Board
Chiropractic licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as chiropractic technique, ethics, radiology safety, and state-specific practice standards.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NBCE Score Transfer
Accepted
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Arizona accepts out-of-state chiropractors through endorsement. Applicants must verify NBCE scores and meet state-specific requirements, including passing the Arizona Jurisprudence Examination.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Chiropractors can often transfer NBCE exam scores when applying for licensure in another state. Most states accept NBCE Parts I-IV scores and may require additional state-specific exams or jurisprudence assessments.
Arizona uniquely requires separate specialty certification for physiotherapy modalities (PMMTP) and acupuncture, which are not automatically included in the standard chiropractic license. License expires on the last day of the birth month.
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth consultations are permitted in Arizona for evaluation and counseling purposes; hands-on adjustments and physical treatments require in-person visits
License expires on last day of birth month annually
12 CE hours per year
Physiotherapy modalities and acupuncture require separate board certification
2 hours documentation/record keeping CE required in even-numbered years
There is no interstate compact for chiropractors.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#40 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Chiropractors (SOC 29-1011)
Entry Level
$73,530
25th percentile
Median
$95,580
+21% vs. national avg ($79,000)Experienced
$104,000
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,180 employed in this state
Note: BLS data for chiropractors may underrepresent earnings for self-employed practitioners, who comprise a significant portion of the profession.
Source: BLS OEWS – Chiropractors (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.6%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+2,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
2,800
per year (avg.)
45,600 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 200–233 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for NBCE Parts I-IV and the chiropractic licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Current as of accessed date
Accessed 2026-03-09
Arizona requires a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from a CCE-accredited program and passing the NBCE exam series. X-ray privileges are available. All licensing is managed through the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.