What the statutes mean

The Chiropractic Examining Board has complete authority over the testing procedures used to determine if an individual will be granted a license to practice chiropractic in Wisconsin. Because the state wants to make sure that everyone is treated fairly, the rules tell chiropractors what appeal rights they have should they fail the exam. The following are the most frequently asked questions about the exam process.

Frequently asked questions

How often is the exam held?

Exams are held at least twice a year. It is very rare for the test to be offered more than 3 times a year.

What is included on the test?

Individuals will be tested on the laws that apply to the chiropractic profession. This includes all of the materials in the chiropractic examining board chapter of this textbook. Individuals will also be tested on their practical (clinical) knowledge. That part of the exam has three parts: Physical and clinical diagnosis, X-ray interpretation, and adjustment and technique.

Which parts of the test are the most difficult?

Every student that has taken the exam has their own personal feeling about which portion of the exam was most difficult. The exam is designed so that each section is equally challenging. Because the state uses chiropractors from around the state to help proctor sections of the test, it is possible that some proctors have higher standards in certain areas. The "luck of the draw" determines who will test a particular student.

When is the registration deadline for each exam?

An application must be received by the Chiropractic Examining Board no later than 30 days prior to the exam. A student must take the exam within one year of applying or, they must start the application process all over. Applicants must include all of the following items with their application or they risk not being able to take the exam.

• The fee required on the application
• A current passport-type photo
• A certified transcript of a minimum of 60 credits in post-secondary academic education
• A certified transcript from their chiropractic college. The transcript must be sent directly to the board by the college.
• Proof that they successfully completed the initial licensure exams of the national board.
• A certificate of education signed and sealed by the chancellor, dean or registrar of a college or university stating that they have graduated from the college with a bachelor's degree.
• A certificate of professional education signed and sealed by the chancellor, dean or registrar of a college of chiropractic stating that they have graduated from the college with the degree of doctor of chiropractic.

Where does an applicant get an application to take the exam?

Requests for an application should be addressed to:

Chiropractic Examining Board
1400 East Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53702

Any special rules on taking the test?

As one might expect, the tests are proctored. Cheating of any kind is not tolerated. On a more practical level, it is important that applicants follow the directions that are given to them or their answers for that question or section may not be given credit.

What grade does it take to pass each test?

National Examination: The board typically adopts the passing grade of the national board.

State Law Examination: The examining board sets the grade that they believe represents the minimum competence to practice. In the past, the passing grade was 75 or above.

Practical Examination: The examining board sets the grade that they believe represents the minimum competence to practice. In the past, the passing grade was 75 or above.

How long does it take to get the results?

Unfortunately the state is allowed to take all the time it needs to grade the tests. This usually means that students are notified one day after they have completely lost all patience.

What if an applicant fails?

If an applicant fails the clinical exam, two members of the Chiropractic Examining Board automatically review the results. They may recommend that the test score be revised if they believe an error has occurred. The applicant also has the right to request a review of the examination. They must file a written request to the examining board within 30 days of the date on which examination results were mailed. Note: this is 30 days from the date the results were mailed, not the date the results were received.

The board will allow the applicant one opportunity to come to their office and review the exam and the grading. The individual will be given up to 4 hours to review the exam. A proctor will be in the room with the individual at all times, but he/she will not be allowed to answer any questions. The proctor will give the person a form on which they can write down any mistakes they believe were made in grading the exam. This form is given to the proctor when the review of the exam is completed. It will be made available for use at a subsequent hearing.

If an individual believes an error was made in grading their exam, they must file a written request with the Chiropractic Examining Board to review the test within 30 days of the date they reviewed the exam. Their request must include:

1. Their name and address
2. The fact that they are applying for a license to practice chiropractic
3. A description of perceived error; including the specific questions or exam procedures for which they believe there was an error
4. The facts that they intend to prove, including reference text citations or other supporting evidence for their claim

The board will review the claim and notify the applicant in writing of their decision and any resulting grade changes. If the decision does not result in a passing grade, the student may re-take the exam within 6 months. If a re-exam is not available within 6 months, they may request a hearing as described in the chapter entitled Procedures to Review Denial of an Application (RL 1.07).

Does an applicant have to re-take the entire exam if they fail?

If an applicant fails the portion of the exam dealing with state law, they must re-take this section of the exam. If a student fails one part of the practical (clinical) exam, they only have to re-take the part of the exam that they failed. If an applicant fails 2 or more parts of the practical exam, they must re-take the entire practical exam. A student must pass the entire test within 2 years of their first attempt or the state requires them to re-take the entire test.

How much does it cost to take the exam?

The fees change every two years. A list of current fees can be obtained by writing to:

Office of Examinations
Department of Regulation and Licensing
1400 East Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708

How many students take the test at one time?

A typical test group is 35-45 students. However, it is not unusual for the test group to be much larger.

If a student is not sure if they will practice in Wisconsin, should they take the test or wait until they decide where they will practice?

When in doubt, a student should take the test now when they are still "academically fresh".

Statute excerpts

• 2.01 Scheduling of examination
• 2.02 Applications
• 2.025 Time for completing applications and taking examination
• 2.03 Form of examination
• 2.04 Unauthorized assistance or cheating on examinations
• 2.05 Controls
• 2.06 Instructions to be followed
• 2.07 Passing grade
• 2.08 Announcement of results
• 2.09 Failure and review
• 2.10 Claim of examination error
• 2.11 Reexamination

Chir 2.01 Scheduling of examination.

1. The board shall determine the subjects for examination of applicants for license as a chiropractor. The scope, content, form and character of the examination shall be the same for all applicants.
2. Examinations shall be held at least twice a year at a time and place designated by the board.

Chir 2.02 Applications.

An applicant for the practical examination demonstrating clinical competence for license as a chiropractor shall make application on a form prescribed by the board at least 30 days prior to the date of the next scheduled examination and shall also submit:

Note: Applications are available upon request to the board office, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53702.

1. The fee required under s. 440.05 (1) , Stats.
2. An official certified transcript sent directly to the board from a college or university accredited by an accrediting body listed as nationally recognized by the secretary of the federal department of education, or a post-secondary technical college showing completion by the applicant of a minimum of 60 credits in post-secondary academic education as specified in s. 446.02 (2), Stats.

   Note: Accrediting bodies nationally recognized by the secretary of the federal Department of Education include the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

3. An official certified transcript sent directly to the board from a chiropractic college accredited by the commission on accreditation of the council on chiropractic education, or approved by the board.
4. Proof of successful completion of the initial licensure examinations of the national board of chiropractic examiners.
5. Applications for an initial license to practice chiropractic in this state received on or after July 1, 1998, shall include all of the following:
   1. An official certified transcript sent directly to the board from a college or university accredited by an accrediting body nationally recognized by the secretary of the federal department of education, stating that the applicant has graduated from the college with a bachelor's degree.
   2. An official certified transcript sent directly to the board from a college of chiropractic accredited by the council on chiropractic education and approved by the board stating that the applicant has graduated from the college with the degree of doctor of chiropractic.
6. An otherwise qualified applicant with a disability shall be provided with reasonable accommodations.

   Note: The bachelor's degree and the doctor of chiropractic degree may be earned in either order or simultaneously, but the board may not grant a license to any applicant who does not have both degrees.

Chir 2.025 Time for completing applications and taking examination.

An application is incomplete until all materials described in s. Chir 2.02 are filed with the board. All application materials described in s. Chir 2.02 are filed with the board within one year from the date the first item is filed. If an application is incomplete for more than one year, or if an applicant fails to take an examination within one year from the date the application is complete, the applicant shall begin the application process anew in order to take the practical examination demonstrating clinical competence for a license as a chiropractor.

Chir 2.03 Form of examination.

1. State Law Examination. An applicant shall pass an examination on state laws including but not limited to ch. 446, stats., and chs. Chir 1 through 11.
2. Practical Examination demonstrating clinical competence. An applicant shall pass each part of a practical examination demonstrating clinical competence which includes the following parts:
   1. Physical and clinical diagnosis.
   2. X-ray interpretation
   3. Adjustment and technique.

Chir 2.04 Unauthorized assistance or cheating on examinations.

The board may withhold the grade, deny release of grades or deny issuance of a credential of an applicant who gives or receives unauthorized assistance during the state law or practical examination demonstrating clinical competence, violates rules of conduct of an examination, or otherwise cheats or acts dishonestly respecting an examination. The board may consider this applicant for re-testing at a future time.

Chir 2.05 Controls.

The board chairperson or examiner or examination provider personnel may announce time limits and other necessary controls prior to the examinations. A valid driver's license bearing the applicant's photograph or an official photo identification card shall be required for admission to all examinations.

Chir 2.06 Instructions to be followed.

The board may deny credit on any question if examination instructions are not followed.

Chir 2.07 Passing grade.

1. National Examination. To pass the examination of the national board of chiropractic examiners, each applicant shall receive a grade determined by the board to represent minimum competence to practice. The board may adopt the passing grade recommended by the national board of chiropractic examiners.
2. State Law Examination. To pass the state law examination, each applicant shall receive a grade determined by the board to represent minimum competence to practice.
3. Practical Examination demonstrating clinical competence. To pass the practical examination demonstrating clinical competence, an applicant shall receive a grade determined by the board to represent minimum competence to practice on each part of the examination.

Chir 2.08 Announcement of results.

Examination results shall be released to the applicant after all papers are graded and the results have been approved by the board.

Chir 2.09 Failure and review.

1. In case of failure of an applicant on the practical examination demonstrating clinical competence, all grades below passing shall be reviewed by the board or by 2 members designated by the chairperson.
2. An applicant who fails the state board examination may request a review of that examination. The applicant must file a written request to the board within 30 days of the date on which examination results were mailed.
3. The time for review shall be limited to 4 hours.
4. The examination shall be reviewed by only the applicant and in the presence of the proctor.
5. The proctor shall not respond to inquiries by the applicant regarding allegations of examination error.
6. Any comments or claims of error regarding specific questions or procedures in the examination may be placed in writing on the provided form. These comments shall be retained and made available to the applicant for use at a subsequent hearing.
7. An applicant shall be permitted to review the examination only once.

Chir 2.10 Claim of examination error.

1. An applicant wishing to claim examination error must file a written request for board review in the board office within 30 days of the date examination was reviewed. The request shall include all of the following:
   1. The applicant's name and address;
   2. The type of license applied for;
   3. A description of perceived error; including specific questions or procedures claimed to be in error; and
   4. The facts which the applicant intends to prove, including reference text citations or other supporting evidence for the applicant's claim.
2. The board shall review the claim and notify the applicant in writing of the board's decision and any resulting grade changes.
3. If the decision does not result in the applicant passing the examination, the applicant's application shall be deemed incomplete, and the applicant may be reexamined. If reexamination is not available within 6 months of the date of the examination which the applicant failed, the applicant may request a hearing under s. RL 1.07.

Chir 2.11 Reexamination.

1. State Law Examination. An applicant who fails the state law examination shall be required to retake that examination.
2. Practical examination demonstrating clinical competence. An applicant who fails the practical examination demonstrating clinical competence due to the failure of one part of the examination may retake the failed part only. An applicant who fails the practical examination demonstrating clinical competence due to failure of 2 or more parts of the practical examination shall be required to retake the entire practical examination demonstrating clinical competence.

   Note: A list of all current examination fees may be obtained at no charge from the Office of Examinations, Department of Regulations and Licensing, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708.

3. Limitation on Reexamination. If an applicant does not pass all parts of the examinations under subs. (1) and (2) within 2 years of the first attempt, the applicant shall retake and pass the entire practical examination demonstrating clinical competence and state law examination in order to be licensed.