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
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $345
- Renewal Fee
- $336
- Total Estimated Cost
- $565
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
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
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$345.
- 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?
Compare Chiropractor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.