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 Maryland
- Dry needling is open only to DCs who already hold physical therapy privileges.
- The credentials route requires SPEC even for experienced DCs, and the board may also ask for an in-person clinical demonstration.
Can a chiropractor licensed in another state get a Maryland license by endorsement?
Licensure by credentials needs a license earned by a comparable exam, five years of active clinical practice in that state (or five years of full-time chiropractic faculty work), three recommendation letters including one from the current board, and passing scores of 75 percent on SPEC and the Maryland jurisprudence exam.
- Endorsement route available
- 5 years of practice required
Citation: COMAR 10.43.04.02
Which exams does Maryland require?
Exam-route applicants need a bachelor's degree, NBCE Parts I and II plus the other parts at 75 percent or higher, healthcare-provider CPR, and the Maryland board exam. NBCE Physiotherapy is needed only for physical therapy privileges.
- NBCE Parts I–IV
- State jurisprudence exam
- SPEC for some applicants
What else does the Maryland board check?
- Fingerprint background check
Physical therapy privileges in Maryland
A license with physical therapy privileges requires at least 270 hours of physical therapy instruction and 75 percent or higher on the NBCE Physiotherapy exam.
Citation: COMAR 10.43.11.04
Dry needling registration in Maryland
A DC with physical therapy privileges must register with the board before dry needling, documenting 80 hours of instruction: 60 hours of qualifying academic coursework and 20 hours of board-approved hands-on training.
Citation: COMAR 10.43.16.04, 10.43.16.05
Does Maryland regulate chiropractic assistants?
Chiropractic assistants must pass the board's examinations and register before practicing, then complete 10 CE hours every two years to renew.
- Registered chiropractic assistant
How often does a Maryland chiropractic license renew?
Forty-eight CE hours every two years, including three in communicable disease, one in diversity or cultural competency, three in risk management, and one in ethics or jurisprudence. Online hours count. The board reports renewal falls in odd-numbered years.
- Renews every 2 years
- 48 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Maryland?
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.