INDIANA
CHIROPRACTIC
Exam Practice Questions
2026-2027 Edition
Verified Answers Plus Rationales
Q&A; | Instant Download PDF
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
Time Allocation: 4 Hours
Total Questions: 200 Questions on National + State
Question Format: Multiple Choice with Rationales
Minimum Competency: 75% Required to Pass
Core Focus: Diagnosis, X-ray, Technique, Ethics, Indiana Law
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 1
, Exam Overview & Content Outline
EXAM PURPOSE
Indiana Chiropractic licensure requires passing NBCE Parts I-IV plus Indiana jurisprudence exam.
Covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, chiropractic principles, diagnostic imaging,
associated clinical sciences, and chiropractic technique. Indiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners
regulates practice per IC 25-10.
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
• General Anatomy & Physiology (20%) — Neuromusculoskeletal system, neuroanatomy,
biomechanics, physiology
• Spinal Anatomy & Pathology (20%) — Vertebral anatomy, disc pathology, spondylosis,
subluxation complex, biomechanics
• Diagnosis & Clinical Impression (25%) — Orthopedic/neurological exam, differential diagnosis,
red flags, case management
• Diagnostic Imaging & Lab (15%) — X-ray interpretation, MRI/CT basics, lab values, radiographic
positioning, safety
• Chiropractic Technique & Principles (10%) — Adjustive techniques, contraindications,
modalities, philosophy
• Indiana Law & Ethics (10%) — IC 25-10, scope of practice, advertising, recordkeeping, informed
consent, boundaries
QUESTION FORMAT & SCORING
Each item presents four options. Correct answers are highlighted in green with checkmark (✓).
Every question includes detailed rationale with chiropractic standards. NBCE requires 375+ scaled
score; Indiana jurisprudence 75%.
STUDY STRATEGY
Master spinal anatomy and subluxation complex. Know orthopedic/neurological tests and red flags.
Understand X-ray findings and contraindications to manipulation. Review Indiana IC 25-10 scope of
practice. Study NBCE test plans and chiropractic principles.
CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT
Questions reflect 2026-2027 standards: NBCE Parts I-IV, Indiana Code 25-10, Indiana Administrative
Code 846 IAC, CCE accreditation standards, ACA guidelines, and Indiana Board of Chiropractic
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 2
, Examiners rules.
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 3
, SECTION I: General Anatomy & Physiology
1. Vertebral artery passes through transverse foramen of which vertebrae:
A. T1-T12
✓ B. C1-C6 (C7 variable)
C. L1-L5
D. S1-S5
Rationale: Vertebral artery: Ascends through transverse foramina C6 to C1 (atlas). Enters at C6 in 90% of
people, sometimes C7. Joins to form basilar artery. At risk during cervical manipulation. Vertebral artery
dissection is rare but serious contraindication. Test: George's test, VBI screening.
2. Subluxation complex per chiropractic definition includes:
A. Bone displacement only
✓ B. Kinesiopathology, neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology, biochemical
C. Muscle spasm only
D. Pain only
Rationale: Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC): 5 components—Kinesiopathology (motion),
Neuropathophysiology (nerve), Myopathology (muscle), Histopathology (tissue), Biochemical (inflammation).
Not just 'bone out of place.' Foundation of chiropractic theory. Medicare definition differs.
3. Dermatome for C6 nerve root:
A. Thumb and lateral forearm
✓ B. Thumb, index finger, lateral forearm
C. Little finger
D. Big toe
Rationale: Dermatomes: C5: lateral arm/deltoid, C6: lateral forearm/thumb/index, C7: middle finger, C8:
medial forearm/ring/little, T4: nipple, T10: umbilicus, L4: medial leg/big toe, L5: lateral leg/dorsal foot, S1:
lateral foot/little toe. Used in neuro exam.
4. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test positive at 30° indicates:
A. Normal
✓ B. Lumbar disc herniation/nerve root irritation L4-S1
C. Hip pathology
D. SI joint dysfunction
Rationale: SLR/Lasègue: Positive if radicular pain reproduced 30-70° (not hamstring stretch). Indicates
L4-S1 nerve root irritation, often disc herniation. <30° suggests acute/large herniation. >70° less specific.
Crossed SLR: contralateral pain, high specificity.
5. Red flag requiring immediate medical referral:
A. Chronic low back pain
✓ B. Cauda equina syndrome: saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder dysfunction
C. Muscle spasm
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 4
CHIROPRACTIC
Exam Practice Questions
2026-2027 Edition
Verified Answers Plus Rationales
Q&A; | Instant Download PDF
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
Time Allocation: 4 Hours
Total Questions: 200 Questions on National + State
Question Format: Multiple Choice with Rationales
Minimum Competency: 75% Required to Pass
Core Focus: Diagnosis, X-ray, Technique, Ethics, Indiana Law
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 1
, Exam Overview & Content Outline
EXAM PURPOSE
Indiana Chiropractic licensure requires passing NBCE Parts I-IV plus Indiana jurisprudence exam.
Covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, chiropractic principles, diagnostic imaging,
associated clinical sciences, and chiropractic technique. Indiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners
regulates practice per IC 25-10.
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
• General Anatomy & Physiology (20%) — Neuromusculoskeletal system, neuroanatomy,
biomechanics, physiology
• Spinal Anatomy & Pathology (20%) — Vertebral anatomy, disc pathology, spondylosis,
subluxation complex, biomechanics
• Diagnosis & Clinical Impression (25%) — Orthopedic/neurological exam, differential diagnosis,
red flags, case management
• Diagnostic Imaging & Lab (15%) — X-ray interpretation, MRI/CT basics, lab values, radiographic
positioning, safety
• Chiropractic Technique & Principles (10%) — Adjustive techniques, contraindications,
modalities, philosophy
• Indiana Law & Ethics (10%) — IC 25-10, scope of practice, advertising, recordkeeping, informed
consent, boundaries
QUESTION FORMAT & SCORING
Each item presents four options. Correct answers are highlighted in green with checkmark (✓).
Every question includes detailed rationale with chiropractic standards. NBCE requires 375+ scaled
score; Indiana jurisprudence 75%.
STUDY STRATEGY
Master spinal anatomy and subluxation complex. Know orthopedic/neurological tests and red flags.
Understand X-ray findings and contraindications to manipulation. Review Indiana IC 25-10 scope of
practice. Study NBCE test plans and chiropractic principles.
CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT
Questions reflect 2026-2027 standards: NBCE Parts I-IV, Indiana Code 25-10, Indiana Administrative
Code 846 IAC, CCE accreditation standards, ACA guidelines, and Indiana Board of Chiropractic
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 2
, Examiners rules.
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 3
, SECTION I: General Anatomy & Physiology
1. Vertebral artery passes through transverse foramen of which vertebrae:
A. T1-T12
✓ B. C1-C6 (C7 variable)
C. L1-L5
D. S1-S5
Rationale: Vertebral artery: Ascends through transverse foramina C6 to C1 (atlas). Enters at C6 in 90% of
people, sometimes C7. Joins to form basilar artery. At risk during cervical manipulation. Vertebral artery
dissection is rare but serious contraindication. Test: George's test, VBI screening.
2. Subluxation complex per chiropractic definition includes:
A. Bone displacement only
✓ B. Kinesiopathology, neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology, biochemical
C. Muscle spasm only
D. Pain only
Rationale: Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC): 5 components—Kinesiopathology (motion),
Neuropathophysiology (nerve), Myopathology (muscle), Histopathology (tissue), Biochemical (inflammation).
Not just 'bone out of place.' Foundation of chiropractic theory. Medicare definition differs.
3. Dermatome for C6 nerve root:
A. Thumb and lateral forearm
✓ B. Thumb, index finger, lateral forearm
C. Little finger
D. Big toe
Rationale: Dermatomes: C5: lateral arm/deltoid, C6: lateral forearm/thumb/index, C7: middle finger, C8:
medial forearm/ring/little, T4: nipple, T10: umbilicus, L4: medial leg/big toe, L5: lateral leg/dorsal foot, S1:
lateral foot/little toe. Used in neuro exam.
4. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test positive at 30° indicates:
A. Normal
✓ B. Lumbar disc herniation/nerve root irritation L4-S1
C. Hip pathology
D. SI joint dysfunction
Rationale: SLR/Lasègue: Positive if radicular pain reproduced 30-70° (not hamstring stretch). Indicates
L4-S1 nerve root irritation, often disc herniation. <30° suggests acute/large herniation. >70° less specific.
Crossed SLR: contralateral pain, high specificity.
5. Red flag requiring immediate medical referral:
A. Chronic low back pain
✓ B. Cauda equina syndrome: saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder dysfunction
C. Muscle spasm
Indiana Chiropractic Exam Prep 2026-2027 Page 4
