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 North Carolina
- Each application needs three character references from unrelated people.
- A license inactive for more than 180 days requires SPEC and re-examination to restore.
Can a chiropractor licensed in another state get a North Carolina license by endorsement?
A DC licensed in a state with equivalent or higher requirements qualifies by reciprocity after practicing at least 1 of the last 3 years, with nothing pending anywhere. Reciprocity applicants pass SPEC unless they scored 375 or higher on NBCE Part IV, and all take the North Carolina jurisprudence exam.
- Endorsement route available
- 1 years of practice required
Citation: G.S. 90-143.1; 21 NCAC 10 .0203(f)
Which exams does North Carolina require?
New applicants need 375 or higher on NBCE Parts I–IV and Physiotherapy before sitting the North Carolina jurisprudence exam, given at least four times a year with a 75 percent pass mark. Older graduates who lack later parts take SPEC, as do reciprocity applicants without Part IV.
- NBCE Parts I–IV
- NBCE Physiotherapy exam
- State jurisprudence exam
- SPEC for some applicants
What else does the North Carolina board check?
- Fingerprint background check
Acupuncture certification in North Carolina
Before performing acupuncture, a DC files a transcript showing at least 200 hours of instruction, 30 percent hands-on, from a CCE-accredited chiropractic college or a recognized accredited institution, and a score of 375 or higher on the NBCE Acupuncture exam. DCs approved before 2023 are grandfathered while their license stays active.
Citation: 21 NCAC 10 .0208
Does North Carolina regulate chiropractic assistants?
Clinical assistants must be certified by the board within 180 days of starting work, after at least 24 hours of training including 6 in person. X-ray staff hold a separate diagnostic imaging certification. Assistants may not adjust, give manual therapy or counsel.
- Certified Chiropractic Assistant, Level 1 (clinical) or Level 2 (X-ray)
How often does a North Carolina chiropractic license renew?
Renew every year by December 31, with the license going inactive January 30 if not renewed. Eighteen board-approved hours a year, at least 10 in person or live online, and up to 8 by approved individual study.
- Renews every year
- 18 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in North Carolina?
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.