Verified October 8, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What chiropractors miss in California
- Reciprocity depends on the other state agreeing to reciprocate with California, so many DCs end up on the exam route.
- Fingerprints are taken by Live Scan.
Can a chiropractor licensed in another state get a California license by endorsement?
Reciprocity is open only to DCs licensed in a state that reciprocates with California, with five years of practice and education and exams equivalent to what California required in the year of original licensure. The board can require more education or examination.
- Endorsement route available
- 5 years of practice required
Citation: Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, § 323
Which exams does California require?
Applicants need NBCE Parts I, II, III, IV and Physiotherapy, then the California Chiropractic Law Examination on state law and rules, taken after graduation.
- NBCE Parts I–IV
- NBCE Physiotherapy exam
- State jurisprudence exam
What else does the California board check?
- Fingerprint background check
Does California regulate chiropractic assistants?
The board reports to FCLB that it does not regulate chiropractic assistants.
- Not regulated
How often does a California chiropractic license renew?
Annual renewal, due by the end of the birth month. Twenty-four CE hours a year: at least two in ethics and law and four in history and examination, adjusting technique, or billing and coding. Up to 12 hours may be distance learning.
- Renews every year
- 24 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in California?
We file the application, send your NBCE scores and verifications, and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $499. Not sure which route fits? The readiness review answers that for every state you want.