CCEA Competency Based Assessment (chiropractic)

Exam at a glance

Questions

not published

Duration

540 minutes

Pass mark

50 %

Sections

Part 1 written basic competency (3 h), Part 2 written clinical competency (6 h), 50 % per section · Part 3 practical: case viva, manipulative skills, imaging, over 4 days

Exam type

Written and oral/practical

Language

English

Authority

CCEA

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 12 modules · 305 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Anatomy and neuroanatomy24 questions · 7.9 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments
   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Before a lumbar puncture, a student is asked where the adult spinal cord usually terminates. Which level is correct?

   AMid-body of T10BUpper border of L3CLower border of S2DL1–L2 junction

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Biomechanics and movement analysis20 questions · 6.6 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   During an ankle inversion injury, a ligament is loaded beyond its yield point but does not rupture completely. Which statement best describes the behaviour of the tissue?

   AIt has entered the plastic region, so some permanent elongation persists once the load is removedBIt stayed in the elastic region, so it returns fully to its original length once unloadedCIt reached ultimate failure, so it has lost all capacity to resist tensile loadDIt remained in the toe region, so only straightening of collagen crimp has occurredEIt showed stress relaxation, so its stiffness fell at constant deformation over time

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Clinical and neurological examination25 questions · 8.2 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Which deep tendon reflex predominantly tests the S1 nerve root?

   AAnkle (Achilles) reflexBPatellar reflexCMedial hamstring reflexDBiceps reflexEBrachioradialis reflex

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Case history and clinical reasoning21 questions · 6.9 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 38-year-old man has had low back pain for 3 days. Over the last 12 hours he has developed pain down both legs, numbness around his anus and genitals, and difficulty starting urination. What is the most appropriate action?

   APerform a lumbar manipulation with traction and review in 48 hoursBArrange a routine lumbar MRI to be done within the next weekCArrange immediate transfer to the emergency department for urgent assessmentDBegin soft tissue therapy and advise rest with review in 3 days

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Diagnostic imaging and radiation safety24 questions · 7.9 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Which statement best describes the justification of a radiographic exposure?

   AThe dose is kept as low as reasonably achievable once the exposure has been decidedBThe cumulative dose stays below the annual limit set for members of the publicCThe patient has asked for the radiograph and has given consent to the exposureDThe expected benefit to this patient outweighs the radiation risk and the result should affect management

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Management planning, rehabilitation and pain care20 questions · 6.6 % of the bank
7. 07Spinal manipulation and manual techniques20 questions · 6.6 % of the bank
8. 08Musculoskeletal conditions and differential diagnosis69 questions · 22.6 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments
9. 09Physiology and pathology22 questions · 7.2 % of the bank
10. 10Professional practice, ethics and communication22 questions · 7.2 % of the bank
11. 11Red flags, emergencies and referral22 questions · 7.2 % of the bank
12. 12Paediatric, pregnant, older and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Māori patients16 questions · 5.2 % of the bank

What you get

• Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
• Timed mock exams in the real exam format, with score report by topic
• Personal study plan up to your exam date and review of weak topics
• AI tutor that explains any question in plain words
• One account for the app (iPhone, iPad) and the browser
• AI oral examiner for practising the oral or practical part

From registration to licence

The usual steps with CCEA. Details can change; check the current rules with CCEA before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with CCEA and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

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