Nutrition Exam

NOTE: Before applying to take this exam, you must contact the CBCN at www.cbcn.org to determine eligibility.

What Is The Nutrition Exam?

Certification in clinical nutrition provides formal recognition of nutrition knowledge by Chiropractic Diplomates. It is a voluntary certification, by examination, focusing on individual competence in this specialized practice area. States vary as to whether and how a Diplomate may hold themselves out as a specialist so the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (CBCN) recommends each Diplomate check with their licensing board on this issue.

The 200-question computer-based examination for the CBCN is developed jointly with the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and administered electronically by Prometric testing centers across the country. Questions concerning the content of the examination should be directed to CBCN.

The Nutrition exam requires approximately three hours of test administration time, divided into two equal sessions of 90 minutes each.

2025 Examination Dates

March 6-15, 2025
September 18-27, 2025

Topics and Reference Texts

The NBCE develops every exam based on a test plan. The detailed Nutrition Test Plan includes topics and weightings (the percentage of the test devoted to each topic).

The NBCE uses reference texts from the chiropractic colleges. See the Nutrition Reference Text List.

How Do I Apply for the Exam?

Apply for the exam through the MyNBCE Online Account Portal. Contact support@nbce.org to update your account. The NBCE will send the request for approval to the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (CBCN) to verify prerequisite training has been completed. Once approved, you may pay and schedule the exam through the MyNBCE Online Account Portal.

Apply For Exam

Test Site & Test Site Rules

The CBCN examination administered by NBCE, is available at Prometric testing centers around the world. The NBCE will send doctors approved to take the examination more detailed location and contact information approximately 30 days in advance.

The NBCE will notify you once your application has been processed. It is then up to you to contact Prometric Testing Centers to schedule your testing appointment. Appointment times are dependent upon available space at testing centers. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled testing appointment to complete admission procedures. You must present two forms of identification including one government-issued photo ID at the testing center. Testing aids of any kind will not be permitted in the testing center. You must store all personal items in a locker. You will be monitored at all times by audio and video recorders.

How To Register At The Test Site

ARRIVE EARLY. If you arrive late to an exam, you will not be admitted. Your exam fee(s) will be forfeited and you will need to reapply for another administration date.

At registration, you must show one form of identification, which must be a valid government-issued photo ID. NOTE: A Digital ID will not be accepted. If your ID is expired, you will not be able to test – funds will be forfeited. After ID has been renewed, you will need to reschedule and pay for another administration.