200+ Free NBCE Part I Practice Questions

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Question 1

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Which bone forms the lateral aspect of the proximal carpal row?

Scaphoid

Lunate

Triquetrum

Pisiform

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NBCE Part I Exam

70-75%

First-Time Pass Rate

NBCE 2024

300

Total Questions

NBCE blueprint

4 hrs

Time Limit

NBCE

47%

Anatomy Content

General + Spinal

$1,100

Exam Fee

NBCE 2025

Pass/Fail

Scoring

Scaled score

The NBCE Part I has a 70-75% pass rate for first-time candidates from accredited chiropractic colleges. The exam contains 300 questions over 4 hours covering six basic science domains. General Anatomy and Spinal Anatomy combined account for 47% of the exam content. Passing Part I is required to progress in chiropractic licensure.

Sample NBCE Part I Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NBCE Part I exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which bone forms the lateral aspect of the proximal carpal row?

A.Scaphoid

B.Lunate

C.Triquetrum

D.Pisiform

Explanation: The scaphoid forms the lateral aspect of the proximal carpal row and articulates with the radius proximally. It is the most commonly fractured carpal bone due to its location and mechanism of injury from falls on an outstretched hand.

2Which nerve innervates the deltoid muscle?

A.Radial nerve

B.Musculocutaneous nerve

C.Axillary nerve

D.Median nerve

Explanation: The axillary nerve (C5-C6) innervates the deltoid muscle. It arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and also supplies the teres minor. Injury to this nerve results in weakness of arm abduction.

3What is the primary action of the biceps brachii muscle?

A.Extension of the elbow

B.Flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm

C.Adduction of the arm

D.Extension of the wrist

Explanation: The biceps brachii primarily flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm. It also assists in flexion of the shoulder. The muscle crosses both the shoulder and elbow joints, giving it actions at both joints.

4Which ligament prevents anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur?

A.Posterior cruciate ligament

B.Anterior cruciate ligament

C.Medial collateral ligament

D.Lateral collateral ligament

Explanation: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur and provides rotational stability to the knee. It is commonly injured during sports requiring pivoting and sudden stops.

5Which muscle is the primary dorsiflexor of the ankle?

A.Gastrocnemius

B.Soleus

C.Tibialis anterior

D.Peroneus longus

Explanation: The tibialis anterior is the primary dorsiflexor of the ankle. It originates from the lateral tibia and inserts on the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal. Weakness results in foot drop during gait.

6Which nerve innervates the quadriceps femoris muscle group?

A.Obturator nerve

B.Femoral nerve

C.Sciatic nerve

D.Superior gluteal nerve

Explanation: The femoral nerve (L2-L4) innervates the quadriceps femoris muscle group. These muscles include the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius, which are the primary knee extensors.

7Which structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

A.Pericardium

B.Pleura

C.Diaphragm

D.Peritoneum

Explanation: The diaphragm is the dome-shaped muscular partition that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. It is the primary muscle of respiration and is innervated by the phrenic nerve (C3-C5).

8Which rib articulates with the sternum at the sternal angle?

A.First rib

B.Second rib

C.Third rib

D.Fourth rib

Explanation: The second rib articulates with the sternum at the level of the sternal angle (angle of Louis). This landmark is clinically important as it helps identify the level of the tracheal bifuration and aortic arch.

9Which structure forms the posterior boundary of the pelvic outlet?

A.Pubic symphysis

B.Coccyx

C.Ischial tuberosities

D.Sacrotuberous ligaments

Explanation: The coccyx forms the posterior boundary of the pelvic outlet. The pelvic outlet is bounded anteriorly by the pubic arch, laterally by the ischial tuberosities and sacrotuberous ligaments, and posteriorly by the coccyx.

10Which muscle forms the floor of the pelvic cavity?

A.Psoas major

B.Piriformis

C.Levator ani

D.Gluteus maximus

Explanation: The levator ani, along with the coccygeus, forms the pelvic diaphragm which serves as the floor of the pelvic cavity. These muscles support the pelvic organs and maintain continence.

About the NBCE Part I Exam

The NBCE Part I examination tests basic science knowledge required for chiropractic practice. The exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions covering six domains: General Anatomy (25%), Spinal Anatomy (22%), Physiology (18%), Chemistry (9%), General Pathology (16%), and Microbiology (10%). The exam is computer-based and administered at Prometric testing centers.

Questions

300 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Pass/Fail (scaled)

Exam Fee

$1,100 (NBCE (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners))

NBCE Part I Exam Content Outline

25%

General Anatomy

Upper and lower extremity anatomy, thorax and abdomen, pelvis and perineum, head and neck (excluding spine), neuroanatomy, vascular anatomy

22%

Spinal Anatomy

Vertebral column osteology, intervertebral discs and joints, spinal ligaments, spinal muscles, spinal cord anatomy, spinal nerves and plexuses, meninges

18%

Physiology

Cell physiology, nerve and muscle physiology, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, renal and GI physiology, endocrine physiology

16%

General Pathology

Cell injury and adaptation, inflammation and healing, immunopathology, neoplasia, genetic disorders, fluid and hemodynamic disorders

10%

Microbiology

Bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, immunology basics, infection control

Chemistry

General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry including enzymes, metabolism, and cellular energetics

How to Pass the NBCE Part I Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Pass/Fail (scaled)
Exam length: 300 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: $1,100

Keys to Passing

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

NBCE Part I Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on General Anatomy and Spinal Anatomy - they make up 47% of the exam

2Master spinal anatomy including detailed knowledge of vertebrae, ligaments, and neural structures

3Review physiology concepts thoroughly - especially nerve, muscle, and cardiovascular physiology

4Practice with timed questions to simulate the 4-hour exam condition

5Use visual aids for anatomy - know structures from multiple perspectives

6Study clinical applications of basic sciences to chiropractic practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NBCE Part I pass rate?

The NBCE Part I pass rate is approximately 70-75% for first-time candidates from CCE-accredited chiropractic colleges. Pass rates vary by chiropractic college and typically range from 65-85%.

How many questions are on the NBCE Part I?

The NBCE Part I contains 300 multiple-choice questions administered over 4 hours with an optional 15-minute break.

What is the NBCE Part I format?

The exam is computer-based and administered at Prometric testing centers. Questions are distributed across six domains: General Anatomy (25%), Spinal Anatomy (22%), Physiology (18%), General Pathology (16%), Microbiology (10%), and Chemistry (9%).

How is the NBCE Part I scored?

NBCE Part I uses a pass/fail scoring system with a scaled score. Domain-level scoring was eliminated in 2024; the exam is now graded across all domains collectively.

When should I take NBCE Part I?

Most chiropractic students take Part I after completing basic science coursework, typically in their second year of chiropractic college. Check with your state board for specific requirements.

What happens if I fail NBCE Part I?

Candidates can retake the exam. Remedial coursework may be required depending on your chiropractic college policies. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each requires the full exam fee.