License Requirements
Examinations
All applicants for ND licensure must pass the Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examination (NPLEX). The NPLEX is a two-part examination, the purpose of which is to ensure a licensure candidate (“candidate”) is minimally competent in their medical knowledge to safely practice naturopathic medicine.
Part I of the exam covers the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and pathology. It is a 5-hour exam, consisting of 200 questions, that is completed in two 2 ½-hour sessions – 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon.
Part II is the case-based clinical science exam, covering all areas of diagnosis, materia medica of botanical medicine and homeopathy, nutrition, physical medicine, health psychology, research, and medical interventions including emergency medicine, medical procedures, public health, and pharmacology. This 10 ½-hour exam, which consists of approximately 80 cases with 400 integrated questions, is given in 3 sessions over the course of 3 days.
Part II also has three 1 ½-hour clinical elective exams required by some licensing jurisdictions. However, any candidate may choose to take some or all of these exams. Two are case-based (acupuncture and minor surgery, each having 15-20 clinical summaries, with multiple questions for each summary), and the third is a 75-question pharmacology exam.
California does not require the elective exams, but highly encourages the pharmacology and minor office procedures.
Passing these NPLEX exams is one step towards licensure, but is not a guarantee of license receipt.
You may find more information about the NPLEX by visiting their website at the following link https://www.nabne.org/.
WHERE TO SEND NPLEX SCORES
NPLEX SCORES should be sent to our agency directly from NABNE at the address below:
California Board of Naturopathic Medicine
1747 N Market Blvd., Suite 240
Sacramento, CA 95834