LicenseCompass

Chiropractor License in California

Quick Answer

To become a licensed chiropractor in California, you need 60 pre-chiropractic college credits, a DC degree from a board-approved college, passage of NBCE Parts I-IV plus physiotherapy and the California CLPPE exam. Processing takes about 5 months. Initial fees total approximately $565 (application $345, initial licensing $137, verification $83), with $336 annual renewal.

Exam
NBCE Parts I-IV with Physiotherapy & CLPPE (California Law and Professional Practice Exam)
Total Cost
$565 (est.)
Timeline
Approximately 5 months processing time
Renewal
Every Annual

Requirements

Chiropractor license in California

gold
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$345
Renewal Fee
$336
Total Estimated Cost
$565

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~California Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Chiropractor license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$345
Total Estimated Cost$345

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Chiropractor Salary in California

Entry Level

$57,920

Median

$85,080

Experienced

$239,200

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Chiropractor in California.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$345.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes Approximately 5 months processing time.

Chiropractor Licensing in California: What to Know

California has its own state-specific exam, the California Law and Professional Practice Exam (CLPPE), offered on a continual basis across the US, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Initial licensing fee is $137, application fee is $345, and out-of-state license verification costs $83. Annual renewal is $336 with continuing education required. California requires a high school diploma, 60 pre-chiropractic college credits, graduation from a board-approved chiropractic college, and passage of NBCE Parts I-IV plus physiotherapy. Chiropractors intending to take or supervise X-rays must obtain a separate X-ray Supervisor and Operator Certificate from the Department of Health Services. Reciprocal licensure is available for out-of-state practitioners. Authority is under the Chiropractic Initiative Act and Business and Professions Code Section 1000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chiropractor license cost in California?
The estimated total cost is $565, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Chiropractor license in California?
The process typically takes Approximately 5 months processing time, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Chiropractor license in California?
You need to pass the NBCE Parts I-IV with Physiotherapy & CLPPE (California Law and Professional Practice Exam). N/A

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.