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100+ Free DACBSP Practice Questions

Pass your Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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An athlete asks about cold-water immersion (CWI) for recovery between training sessions. Evidence suggests:

A
B
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D
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Key Facts: DACBSP Exam

DACBSP is the highest sports-chiropractic credential issued by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP). Eligibility requires an active CCSP credential plus completion of an approved DACBSP postgraduate program (200+ hours), a sports-medicine Master's, or a sports-medicine residency; 250 hours of field practical experience; and current healthcare-provider CPR plus a post-graduate hands-on emergency procedures course. Certification requires passing both a written exam ($550) and a six-station practical exam ($700) within three years and up to three attempts per exam.

Sample DACBSP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DACBSP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A high-school football lineman collapses on the sideline 5 minutes after coming off the field. Core temperature is 41.0 C (105.8 F) and the athlete is confused. The single most effective FIRST-line treatment for exertional heat stroke is:
A.IV normal saline and ice packs to the groin and axilla
B.Cold water immersion (ice tub) to rapidly lower core temperature to <38.9 C
C.Oral rehydration with sports drink
D.Transport without on-site cooling
Explanation: Cold-water (ice) immersion is the gold standard for exertional heat stroke per NATA position statement and ACSM guidance. 'Cool first, transport second': core temp should be lowered to <38.9 C (102 F) before transport. Cooling rates of 0.15-0.30 C/min are achievable with full-body immersion. Survival to discharge is >95% with rapid immersion vs much worse with delayed cooling.
2Per the 2022 Amsterdam consensus on concussion in sport, the recommended approach to return-to-learn (RTL) and return-to-play (RTP) for a 16-year-old with sport-related concussion is:
A.Strict cocoon rest for 1-2 weeks then immediate full return
B.Relative rest for 24-48 hours, then stepwise symptom-limited progression with 24 hours between stages
C.Same-day return to play if asymptomatic by halftime
D.Indefinite removal from sport
Explanation: The 2022 Amsterdam consensus mandates relative rest for 24-48 hours (avoiding strenuous physical or cognitive activity but not strict bed rest), followed by a stepwise symptom-limited progression (light aerobic, sport-specific exercise, non-contact, full contact, return to play) with at least 24 hours between each stage. Same-day RTP is contraindicated. Strict prolonged rest is no longer recommended.
3The AHA 14-element preparticipation cardiovascular screen includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A.Personal history of exertional syncope/near-syncope
B.Family history of premature sudden cardiac death (<50 years)
C.Auscultation in supine and standing positions
D.Routine resting 12-lead ECG
Explanation: The AHA 14-element cardiovascular screen has 10 history elements and 4 physical exam elements. Routine resting 12-lead ECG is NOT part of the AHA screen for US athletes (in contrast, the IOC and some European federations include it). AHA has consistently recommended against universal screening ECG citing cost-effectiveness, false-positive rates, and lack of US infrastructure.
4An endurance athlete consumes 90 g of carbohydrate per hour during a 4-hour race. To avoid GI distress and maximize absorption, the carbohydrate source should:
A.Be 100% glucose
B.Be a mix of glucose and fructose (e.g., 2:1 ratio) to use multiple intestinal transporters
C.Be primarily fat
D.Be 100% protein
Explanation: Per the IOC consensus statement on sports nutrition (Maughan et al.), endurance athletes should consume 30-60 g CHO/hr for events 1-2.5 hours and up to 90 g/hr for >2.5-hour events using multiple transportable carbohydrates (glucose + fructose in ~2:1 ratio). This uses both SGLT1 (glucose) and GLUT5 (fructose) transporters, allowing higher absorption with less GI distress.
5A 22-year-old soccer player tore her ACL 9 months ago and had reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Which performance test best predicts safe return to cutting/pivoting sport per current evidence?
A.Time since surgery alone
B.Limb symmetry index >=90% on a battery of single-leg hop tests plus quadriceps strength and patient-reported outcome scores
C.Knee range of motion only
D.Single-leg balance test only
Explanation: Current evidence (Grindem et al., Webster et al.) supports a multi-criteria RTP battery: limb symmetry index (LSI) >=90% across single-leg hop tests (single, triple, cross-over, 6-meter timed), quadriceps strength LSI >=90% on isokinetic testing, and patient-reported outcomes (e.g., KOOS, IKDC, ACL-RSI). Time-only criteria miss ~20% of patients with persistent deficits who reinjure.
6A 16-year-old basketball player tests positive for cannabis at an NCAA out-of-competition test. Under current NCAA policy (updated June 2024), the most likely outcome is:
A.Permanent ban from NCAA athletics
B.Cannabis is no longer on the NCAA banned-substance list as of 2024
C.1-year ban first offense
D.Loss of scholarship only
Explanation: Effective 2024, the NCAA removed cannabis from its banned-substance list and shifted toward harm-reduction education at the institution level. WADA still prohibits THC in-competition above a threshold of 150 ng/mL. CBD is permitted by WADA. Chiropractic team physicians must distinguish NCAA, WADA, and professional league policies (which differ).
7Which IS allowed under the WADA Code 2024 without a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?
A.Inhaled salbutamol up to 1600 mcg over 24 hours (not exceeding 600 mcg over 8 hours)
B.Oral prednisone for asthma exacerbation
C.Anabolic-androgenic steroids
D.Intramuscular testosterone
Explanation: Per the WADA Prohibited List 2024, inhaled salbutamol up to 1600 mcg over 24 hours (with a maximum of 600 mcg over 8 hours) is permitted without a TUE. A urine concentration >1000 ng/mL is considered an adverse analytical finding unless the athlete proves the result is a consequence of therapeutic use. Inhaled formoterol up to 54 mcg/24 hours is similarly permitted. Oral or systemic glucocorticoids require a TUE in-competition.
8Hands-only CPR for an adult athlete with witnessed cardiac arrest should be performed at:
A.Compression rate 60 per minute, depth 1 inch
B.Compression rate 100-120 per minute, depth at least 2 inches (5 cm)
C.Compression rate 150 per minute, depth 4 inches
D.Compression rate 60 per minute, depth 5 cm
Explanation: AHA 2020 BLS guidelines for adult CPR: compression rate 100-120/min, depth >=2 inches (5 cm) but not >2.4 inches (6 cm), full chest recoil, minimal interruptions. Hands-only (compression-only) CPR is acceptable for untrained or unwilling rescuers in adult arrest. Early AED use is critical.
9An athlete reports new exertional chest pain, syncope, and a positive family history of premature sudden death. The most concerning condition warranting urgent cardiology evaluation is:
A.Costochondritis
B.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
C.Exercise-induced asthma
D.Gastroesophageal reflux
Explanation: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes in the US. Red flags include exertional syncope/near-syncope, chest pain, family history of premature SCD, and a systolic murmur that increases with standing/Valsalva. Immediate restriction from athletics pending echocardiogram and cardiology evaluation is mandatory.
10The most evidence-supported on-field protocol for suspected cervical spine injury in a tackled football player is:
A.Remove all equipment and roll the athlete
B.Maintain manual in-line stabilization, leave helmet and shoulder pads in place until imaging (or perform face-mask removal for airway), and use spine board with logroll
C.Allow the athlete to sit up if conscious
D.Begin chiropractic adjustment immediately
Explanation: NATA and AAOS guidance: maintain manual in-line cervical spine stabilization, do not remove helmet and shoulder pads (they keep the spine in neutral alignment in a football player), and remove only the face mask if airway access is needed. Use the spine board with 4-person logroll. Definitive helmet/pad removal is done in a controlled setting after imaging.

About the DACBSP Exam

The DACBSP (Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians) is the highest sports-chiropractic credential, building on the CCSP foundation. Candidates must complete an approved postgraduate DACBSP program (200+ hours), a Master's degree in sports medicine, or a sports medicine residency, plus 250 hours of field experience and current emergency/CPR certification. Both a written exam and a six-station practical exam are required. DACBSPs support team-physician roles across professional, Olympic, and collegiate sports.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Online written examination plus a six-station practical/performance examination

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (ACBSP subject-matter expert standard)

Exam Fee

$550 written; $700 six-station practical; $175 per-station retake (current ACBSP schedule) (American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP))

DACBSP Exam Content Outline

Core

Sports Anatomy and Biomechanics

Sport-specific anatomy, kinetic chain, throwing/running biomechanics, gait assessment

Core

On-Field Emergency Care

Cervical spine stabilization, concussion, exertional heat stroke, cardiac arrest (CPR/AED), anaphylaxis, EIB, sickle cell crisis

Core

Pre-Participation Examination

AHA 14-element cardiovascular screen, PPE Consensus Monograph, ECG considerations, MSK screening, disqualifying conditions

Core

Concussion Management

SCAT6/SCOAT6, 2022 Amsterdam consensus, VOMS, RTL/RTP, sub-symptom threshold rehab

Core

Sports Nutrition and Hydration

Carb timing, hydration/electrolytes, protein, supplement evidence per IOC consensus statements

Core

Strength and Conditioning

Periodization, progressive overload, plyometrics, recovery, NSCA standards

Core

Soft-Tissue and Overuse Injuries

Sprains, strains, tendinopathy, IT band, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures

Core

Return-to-Play Criteria

Sport-specific RTP for ACL, shoulder, hamstring, ankle

Core

Bracing, Taping, and Kinesiology Tape

Functional bracing (ACL, ankle), prophylactic taping, kinesiology tape evidence

Core

Anti-Doping and Banned Substances

WADA Code, USADA, TUEs, supplement contamination, athlete responsibility

Core

Governing Bodies and Ethics

NCAA, USOPC, IOC, NFL/MLB/NBA/NHL; HIPAA; informed consent; team-physician model

Core

Sports Psychology and Wellness

Mental health screening, eating disorders, sleep, REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport)

How to Pass the DACBSP Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced (ACBSP subject-matter expert standard)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Online written examination plus a six-station practical/performance examination
  • Exam fee: $550 written; $700 six-station practical; $175 per-station retake (current ACBSP schedule)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DACBSP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the 14-element AHA preparticipation cardiovascular screen and the 12-element PPE Consensus Monograph history
2Master the 2022 Amsterdam concussion consensus framework: relative rest 24-48 hours, then symptom-limited stepwise RTL/RTP
3Drill the WADA Prohibited List structure (S0-S9 categories, in-competition vs out-of-competition) and TUE process
4Practice on-field cervical spine stabilization and immediate stepwise emergency response: ABCs, AED, EpiPen, glucagon
5Learn IOC consensus statements on hydration (4-8 mL/kg pre-event, 0.4-0.8 L/hr during), carb intake (30-60 g/hr endurance, up to 90 g/hr with multiple sources), and protein (1.2-2.0 g/kg/day for athletes)
6Memorize key RTP criteria: ACL (>=90% limb symmetry index hop tests + sport-specific testing); concussion (symptom-free + stepwise progression); hamstring (Askling H-test, painfree)
7Review heat illness spectrum: heat cramps -> exhaustion -> stroke (core T>=40.5C, AMS) with immediate cold-water immersion as best treatment
8Score practice exams systematically and identify weak domains (often anti-doping policy, REDs, and ECG interpretation) for targeted review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DACBSP exam format?

DACBSP requires both an online written examination ($550) and a six-station practical/performance examination ($700). Both exams must be passed for certification, with up to three attempts each. The practical exam includes x-ray analysis, soft-tissue techniques, taping, and management of an injured athlete in an emergency.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Candidates must maintain an active CCSP credential, complete an approved DACBSP postgraduate program (minimum 200 hours), a Master's degree in sports medicine, or a sports-medicine residency; demonstrate 250 hours of field practical experience; and maintain current healthcare-provider CPR certification plus a post-graduate hands-on emergency procedures course.

How long do I have to pass DACBSP?

Candidates must pass both exams and complete the practical-experience requirement within three years of completing the postgraduate education program (DACBSP or MS), with up to three attempts per exam.

What is the difference between CCSP and DACBSP?

CCSP (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) is the foundational sports-chiropractic credential, completed via a 100-hour postgraduate program plus a written exam. DACBSP is the advanced diplomate built on the CCSP foundation, requiring an additional 200+ hours of training, a six-station practical exam, 250 field hours, and CPR/emergency certification.

What CPR certification is required?

A healthcare-provider-level CPR certification with a hands-on component is required. Fully online CPR courses without a live practical component are not accepted by ACBSP. CPR must be valid on the exam date.

What are field experience hours?

Candidates must document 250 hours of practical field experience (sideline, training room, event medical coverage). Field hours may be completed at any time but must be submitted within the certification window.

Does DACBSP allow prescribing medications?

No. DACBSP does not expand chiropractic scope of practice. It validates advanced sports-chiropractic competence but does not authorize pharmacologic prescribing. Pharmacologic management remains within the scope of MD/DO team physicians.