The California Board of Chiropractic Examiners held a pivotal meeting on August 1, 2025, where the focus was on the development and validation of licensure examinations for chiropractors. The session featured a presentation by Amy Welsh Gandy and Ganesh Kumar from the Office of Professional Examination Services (OPES), highlighting the importance of ensuring that examinations are both fair and relevant to current chiropractic practices.

Welcoming the audience, Gandy outlined OPES's role in developing California-specific licensing exams and evaluating national examinations. She emphasized that all licensure examinations must adhere to the standards set forth in Business and Professions Code Section 139, which mandates that these exams be psychometrically sound and job-related. This ensures that they accurately reflect the skills and knowledge necessary for safe chiropractic practice.

Kumar elaborated on the examination development cycle, which begins with an occupational analysis to identify essential tasks and knowledge for new licensees. This analysis is crucial for creating valid and reliable examinations that protect public safety while ensuring access to the profession. He noted that subject matter experts (SMEs) play a vital role in this process, contributing their insights to ensure the exams reflect current practices.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the announcement that the updated examination outline for the California Chiropractic Law Examination will be implemented in September 2025. This update follows a thorough review process involving SMEs, ensuring that the examination remains relevant and aligned with the evolving standards of the chiropractic profession.

Additionally, the OPES conducted a psychometric evaluation of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examination, concluding that all five sections meet the necessary standards for use in California. Gandy recommended the continued use of the NBCE examination alongside the California Chiropractic Law Examination as part of the licensure requirements.

The meeting underscored the Board's commitment to maintaining high standards in chiropractic licensure, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to serve the public safely and effectively. As the chiropractic field continues to evolve, the Board's proactive approach to examination development will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession in California.