What certifications do Chiropractors need to practice?

Chiropractors must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams and obtain state licensure. Requirements may vary by region but typically include Parts I?IV and a physiotherapy exam.

Are there certifications for specialty areas in Chiropractic care?

Yes. Chiropractors can earn post-graduate certifications in areas like sports chiropractic (CCSP), pediatrics, orthopedics, or rehabilitation to expand their practice and serve niche populations.

Is certification in acupuncture or dry needling beneficial?

Many Chiropractors pursue certification in acupuncture or dry needling to offer complementary therapies. These credentials enhance patient outcomes and expand treatment options.

Can Chiropractors become certified in functional medicine?

Yes. Functional medicine certification enables Chiropractors to address systemic health issues, providing a more holistic, root-cause-based approach to chronic pain and wellness.

Are continuing education certifications required?

Most states require continuing education (CE) credits to maintain licensure. These CE courses help Chiropractors stay up to date with evolving practices and technologies.

What types of providers do Chiropractors typically work with?

Chiropractors frequently collaborate with primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, neurologists, and massage therapists to optimize treatment outcomes.

What skills help Chiropractors perform under pressure?

Key skills include emotional regulation, time management, communication, adaptability, and fast but accurate clinical decision-making, especially during acute care situations.

Top Certifications for Aspiring Chiropractors

Becoming a successful Chiropractor requires more than just earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. To stand out in today’s competitive healthcare landscape, many Chiropractors pursue additional certifications that deepen their expertise, enhance credibility, and expand their treatment capabilities. These certifications signal advanced training in specialized areas of chiropractic care — from sports medicine to pediatric treatment — and can significantly boost both clinical proficiency and career opportunities.

1. National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Certification

Required for licensure in most U.S. states, NBCE exams are the foundational certifications for aspiring Chiropractors. They include:

Part I ? Basic Sciences
Part II ? Clinical Sciences
Part III ? Clinical Competency
Part IV ? Practical Application (including X-ray, physical exams, etc.)
Physiotherapy Exam (optional, but often required by states)

Passing these exams is essential for earning licensure and legally practicing chiropractic care.

2. Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP)

Offered by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP), the CCSP certification is ideal for those working with athletes or in sports performance settings. It covers:

Sports injury prevention and management
Advanced soft tissue techniques
Emergency procedures and sideline management

It requires 100 hours of coursework and passing a board exam, and is a stepping stone to the Diplomate (DACBSP) certification.

3. Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists (DABCO)

This advanced certification focuses on non-surgical orthopedic diagnosis and treatment. Topics include:

Musculoskeletal pathology
Advanced orthopedic assessment
Rehabilitation and patient management

It involves 300+ hours of postgraduate study and passing a rigorous examination.

4. Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP)

Chiropractors often work beyond the spine — the CCEP certification trains professionals in treating:

Joints of the arms, legs, hands, and feet
Sports-related extremity injuries
Functional movement assessments

This certification is valuable for practitioners treating athletes or active populations.

5. Pediatric Chiropractic Certification (CACCP or DACCP)

Administered by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), these certifications are ideal for Chiropractors working with children, infants, and expecting mothers. Training includes:

Child development and safety in adjustments
Prenatal and postnatal care
Family-centered wellness plans

The Certified Advanced Chiropractic Pediatric Practitioner (CACCP) is the initial level, while DACCP is the diplomate-level credential.

6. Chiropractic Neurology (DACNB)

This certification is ideal for Chiropractors focusing on neurological conditions, concussions, or chronic pain. Topics include:

Functional neurology principles
Vestibular rehabilitation
Post-concussion protocols

Administered by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB), it requires extensive coursework and examination.

7. Functional Medicine and Nutrition Certifications

As more patients seek holistic care, certifications in functional medicine or clinical nutrition are increasingly valuable. These programs may cover:

Gut-brain health and inflammation
Micronutrient deficiencies
Personalized diet and lifestyle planning

Organizations like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) offer recognized programs.

Choosing the Right Certification

Your certification path should align with:

Your clinical interests (e.g., sports, pediatrics, neurology)
Your ideal patient demographic
Legal and licensing requirements in your region
Your long-term career goals — whether clinical, academic, or entrepreneurial

Conclusion

For aspiring Chiropractors, certifications offer a pathway to deepen expertise, differentiate your practice, and deliver higher-quality patient care. Whether you're interested in sports performance, pediatric health, or functional neurology, the right credential can open doors to specialization and leadership within the chiropractic field. Continuous learning is not just a professional advantage — it’s a commitment to excellence in patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What certifications do Chiropractors need to practice?: Chiropractors must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams and obtain state licensure. Requirements may vary by region but typically include Parts I?IV and a physiotherapy exam.
Are there certifications for specialty areas in Chiropractic care?: Yes. Chiropractors can earn post-graduate certifications in areas like sports chiropractic (CCSP), pediatrics, orthopedics, or rehabilitation to expand their practice and serve niche populations.
Is certification in acupuncture or dry needling beneficial?: Many Chiropractors pursue certification in acupuncture or dry needling to offer complementary therapies. These credentials enhance patient outcomes and expand treatment options.
What types of providers do Chiropractors typically work with?: Chiropractors frequently collaborate with primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, neurologists, and massage therapists to optimize treatment outcomes. Learn more on our How Chiropractors Work With Other Providers page.
What skills help Chiropractors perform under pressure?: Key skills include emotional regulation, time management, communication, adaptability, and fast but accurate clinical decision-making, especially during acute care situations. Learn more on our Skills Chiropractors Need Under Pressure page.