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Chiropractor
Total cost: $4815
Governing Authority
North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners (also styled as North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners)
Official website →DC
Credential
4 of 4
NBCE Parts
Allowed
X-Ray Privileges
Not Required
Malpractice Ins.
20 hrs
CE Hours
$4815
Total Initial Fees
CE Hours Required
20 hours
Per 1 year (annual renewal) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
1 year (annual renewal)
Required CE Topics
2 topic areas
Clinical competency topics, Acupuncture and dry needling within scope with requirements
Renewal Fee
$300
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.
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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: North Carolina Jurisprudence Examination
North Carolina requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering North Carolina chiropractic laws, rules, and regulations
Fee: $100
Overall licensing difficulty: 19/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Chiropractic Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for NBCE Parts I-IV and the chiropractic licensing exam.
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Permitted Practices & Modalities
VerifiedAllowed
Spinal Adjustment
Allowed
Extremity Adjustment
Allowed
X-Ray Privileges
Allowed
Physiotherapy Modalities
Allowed
Acupuncture
Allowed
Nutrition Counseling
Scope Notes
North Carolina chiropractors may perform spinal and extremity adjustments, physiotherapy modalities, take and interpret X-rays, provide nutritional counseling, and practice acupuncture and dry needling after meeting board requirements. Passing score of 75% required on jurisprudence exam.
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
North Carolina 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (annual renewal)
Renewal Period
20 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.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our chiropractor license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NBCE Score Transfer
Accepted
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
North Carolina accepts out-of-state chiropractors through endorsement. Applicants must verify NBCE scores and meet state-specific requirements, including passing the North Carolina 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare North Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
North Carolina allows chiropractors to perform acupuncture and dry needling after meeting board requirements. The jurisprudence exam requires a 75% passing score. 20 CE hours are required annually.
Telehealth: Allowed
Telehealth consultations are permitted in North Carolina for evaluation and counseling purposes; hands-on adjustments and physical treatments require in-person visits
Annual renewal
20 CE hours per year
Acupuncture and dry needling within scope with additional requirements
75% passing score required on jurisprudence exam
There is no interstate compact for chiropractors.
Chiropractor requirements in nearby states
See how North Carolina compares: Chiropractor License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Chiropractor Schools in North Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to North Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Chiropractor license to North Carolina →
Transfer your Chiropractor license from North Carolina to: Georgia → | South Carolina → | Tennessee → | Virginia →
North Carolina 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 North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners (also styled as North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.