October 2007

NBCE testing new format for Part III exams

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) will be testing a new format for Part III of the licensing exam.

On Sept. 22, the NBCE hosted a test committee to select questions for the “new” Part III pilot examination. This exam will consist of questions in a new, extended-matching format. Extended matching questions are more extensive and require the application of critical thinking skills to diagnose and recommend treatment.

Each question of this type presents a case with relevant case history and background information along with diagnostics, such as x-rays. The answers will consist of multiple responses based upon the presenting history and will require the ability to apply clinical skills to the appropriate answers.

Test committee members included practicing state board representatives from all five districts and chiropractic college faculty. Test committee members were chosen by NBCE staff for their demonstrated expertise and practice skills as experienced doctors of chiropractic.

The Part III pilot exam project is expected to take from two years to three years for development and testing. It will first be pilot tested at chiropractic colleges throughout the United States and then scored and statistically analyzed.

NBCE director Richard Cole, DC, co-chair of the Part III & IV committee, said that if the Part III pilot proves to present a fair and relevant exam, the format will then be demonstrated to faculty and students at chiropractic colleges before implementation.

The new format will then replace the existing Part III test method.

Source: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, www.nbce.org

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