Part I — Information & Free Practice
US · Examination information
307 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required
Part I
- Provider
- Prometric
- Format
- Computer-based examination; items are presented grouped by domain with one timer for all six domains, an optional break halfway through, and forward-only navigation. The NBCE grades across all six domains and reports one Part I score; individual domains are not scored.
- Exam questions
- 255 items
- Passing score
- 375
Examination outline
General Anatomy (20%)
- Topographical Anatomy - 11% of the General Anatomy domain
- Topographical Anatomy: Planes of the body and anatomical terminology
- Topographical Anatomy: Head and neck
- Topographical Anatomy: Back and thorax
- Topographical Anatomy: Abdomen, pelvis and perineum
- Topographical Anatomy: Upper and lower limbs
- Topographical Anatomy: Integument (including histology)
- Osteology of the Appendicular Skeleton - 13% of the General Anatomy domain
- Osteology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Upper limb and shoulder girdle
- Osteology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Lower limb and pelvis
- Osteology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Development
- Osteology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Histology
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Appendicular Skeleton - 11% of the General Anatomy domain
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Classification of joints
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Articulations of the appendicular skeleton
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Biomechanics
- Myology of the Appendicular Skeleton - 12% of the General Anatomy domain
- Myology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Upper limb and shoulder (including innervation)
- Myology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Lower limb and pelvic girdle (including innervation)
- Myology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Development
- Myology of the Appendicular Skeleton: Structure and histology
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems - 11% of the General Anatomy domain
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Heart
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Arteries
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Veins
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissue (including spleen and thymus)
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Development
- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems: Histology
- Digestive System - 11% of the General Anatomy domain
- Digestive System: Oral cavity and pharynx
- Digestive System: Digestive viscera
- Digestive System: Development
- Digestive System: Histology
- Respiratory System - 11% of the General Anatomy domain
- Respiratory System: Nose and sinuses
- Respiratory System: Larynx, trachea and bronchi
- Respiratory System: Lungs, pleura and mediastinum
- Respiratory System: Development
- Respiratory System: Histology
- Urogenital System - 10% of the General Anatomy domain
- Urogenital System: Urinary organs
- Urogenital System: Male reproductive organs
- Urogenital System: Female reproductive organs
- Urogenital System: Development
- Urogenital System: Histology
- Endocrine System - 10% of the General Anatomy domain
- Endocrine System: Endocrine glands and tissues
- Endocrine System: Development
- Endocrine System: Histology
Spinal Anatomy (22%)
- Osteology of the Axial Skeleton - 18% of the Spinal Anatomy domain
- Osteology of the Axial Skeleton: Skull
- Osteology of the Axial Skeleton: Vertebral column
- Osteology of the Axial Skeleton: Ribs and sternum
- Osteology of the Axial Skeleton: Development
- Myology of the Axial Skeleton - 17% of the Spinal Anatomy domain
- Myology of the Axial Skeleton: Face and head
- Myology of the Axial Skeleton: Back and neck
- Myology of the Axial Skeleton: Thorax and abdomen
- Myology of the Axial Skeleton: Pelvis and perineum
- Myology of the Axial Skeleton: Development
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Axial Skeleton - 14% of the Spinal Anatomy domain
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Axial Skeleton: Classification of joints
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Axial Skeleton: Articulations of the axial skeleton
- Arthrology and Syndesmology of the Axial Skeleton: Biomechanics
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures - 18% of the Spinal Anatomy domain
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Cerebrum
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Brainstem and cerebellum
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Spinal cord and meninges
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Vascular supply and relationships
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Development
- Anatomy of the Central Nervous System and Related Structures: Histology
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System - 19% of the Spinal Anatomy domain
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System: Spinal nerves, plexuses, and branches
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System: Cranial nerves
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System: Visceral innervation
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System: Cutaneous innervation
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System: Development
- Anatomy of the Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System: Histology
- Organs of Special Senses - 14% of the Spinal Anatomy domain
- Organs of Special Senses: Vision
- Organs of Special Senses: Audition and equilibrium
- Organs of Special Senses: Olfaction
- Organs of Special Senses: Gustation
- Organs of Special Senses: Development
- Organs of Special Senses: Histology
Physiology (18%)
- Neurophysiology - 12% of the Physiology domain
- Neurophysiology: Membrane potentials, action potentials, and synaptic transmission
- Neurophysiology: Motor function
- Neurophysiology: Sensory function
- Neurophysiology: Autonomic function
- Neurophysiology: Higher cortical function
- Neurophysiology: Special senses
- Muscle Physiology - 12% of the Physiology domain
- Muscle Physiology: Cardiac muscle
- Muscle Physiology: Skeletal muscle
- Muscle Physiology: Smooth muscle
- Cardiovascular Physiology - 12% of the Physiology domain
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Cardiac pump
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Electrophysiology of the heart
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Hemodynamics
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Regulation of circulation
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Circulation in organs
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Lymphatics
- Cardiovascular Physiology: Hematology and immunity
- Respiratory Physiology - 11% of the Physiology domain
- Respiratory Physiology: Mechanics of breathing
- Respiratory Physiology: Ventilation, lung volumes and capacities
- Respiratory Physiology: Regulation of respiration
- Respiratory Physiology: O2 and CO2 transport
- Respiratory Physiology: Gas exchange
- Body Fluids and Renal Physiology - 11% of the Physiology domain
- Body Fluids and Renal Physiology: Regulation of body fluids/micturition
- Body Fluids and Renal Physiology: Glomerular filtration
- Body Fluids and Renal Physiology: Tubular exchange
- Body Fluids and Renal Physiology: Acid-base balance
- Gastrointestinal Physiology - 10% of the Physiology domain
- Gastrointestinal Physiology: Ingestion/motility
- Gastrointestinal Physiology: Digestion/secretion
- Gastrointestinal Physiology: Absorption
- Gastrointestinal Physiology: Regulation of GI function
- Reproductive Physiology - 10% of the Physiology domain
- Endocrine Physiology - 12% of the Physiology domain
- Endocrine Physiology: Secretion of hormones
- Endocrine Physiology: Action of hormones
- Endocrine Physiology: Regulation
- Exercise and Sports Physiology - 10% of the Physiology domain
Chemistry (13%)
- Carbohydrates - 13% of the Chemistry domain
- Carbohydrates: Metabolism
- Carbohydrates: Metabolism: Catabolic pathways
- Carbohydrates: Metabolism: Anabolic pathways
- Carbohydrates: Chemistry
- Carbohydrates: Chemistry: Structure
- Carbohydrates: Chemistry: Properties
- Carbohydrates: Chemistry: Function
- Carbohydrates: Nutritional concepts
- Carbohydrates: Nutritional concepts: Food sources
- Carbohydrates: Nutritional concepts: Digestion
- Lipids - 12% of the Chemistry domain
- Lipids: Metabolism
- Lipids: Metabolism: Catabolic pathways
- Lipids: Metabolism: Anabolic pathways
- Lipids: Chemistry
- Lipids: Chemistry: Structure
- Lipids: Chemistry: Properties
- Lipids: Chemistry: Function
- Lipids: Chemistry: Transport
- Lipids: Nutritional concepts
- Lipids: Nutritional concepts: Food sources
- Lipids: Nutritional concepts: Digestion
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides - 13% of the Chemistry domain
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Amino acid metabolism
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Amino acid metabolism: Catabolic pathways
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Amino acid metabolism: Anabolic pathways
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Chemistry
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Chemistry: Structure
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Chemistry: Properties
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Chemistry: Function
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Nutritional concepts
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Nutritional concepts: Food sources
- Proteins, Amino Acids and Peptides: Nutritional concepts: Digestion
- Enzymes - 12% of the Chemistry domain
- Enzymes: Classification and function
- Enzymes: Kinetics and regulation
- Hormones - 13% of the Chemistry domain
- Hormones: Metabolic effects of specific hormones
- Hormones: Metabolic effects of specific hormones: Carbohydrate metabolism
- Hormones: Metabolic effects of specific hormones: Lipid metabolism
- Hormones: Metabolic effects of specific hormones: Protein metabolism
- Hormones: General properties
- Hormones: General properties: Chemistry
- Hormones: General properties: Mechanism of action
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids - 12% of the Chemistry domain
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: Metabolism of purines and pyrimidines
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry: Structure
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry: Properties
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry: Function
- Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids: DNA, RNA and protein synthesis
- Vitamins and Minerals - 13% of the Chemistry domain
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chemistry
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chemistry: Structure
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chemistry: Properties
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chemistry: Function
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chemistry: Coenzyme precursors
- Vitamins and Minerals: Nutritional concepts
- Vitamins and Minerals: Nutritional concepts: Food sources
- Vitamins and Minerals: Nutritional concepts: Absorption and metabolism
- Vitamins and Minerals: Nutritional concepts: Storage
- Biochemical Energetics - 12% of the Chemistry domain
- Biochemical Energetics: Basic Concepts
- Biochemical Energetics: Basic Concepts: High-energy phosphate compounds
- Biochemical Energetics: Basic Concepts: Oxidation-reduction reactions
- Biochemical Energetics: Citric acid cycle
- Biochemical Energetics: Oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport system
Pathology (16%)
- Fundamentals of Pathology - 15% of the Pathology domain
- Fundamentals of Pathology: Disease at the cellular level
- Fundamentals of Pathology: Inflammation and repair
- Fundamentals of Pathology: Neoplasia
- Fundamentals of Pathology: Hemodynamic disorders
- Genetic and Congenital Disorders - 10% of the Pathology domain
- Genetic and Congenital Disorders: Chromosomal disorders
- Genetic and Congenital Disorders: Inborn errors of metabolism
- Genetic and Congenital Disorders: Congenital disorders
- Disorders of the Immune System - 14% of the Pathology domain
- Disorders of the Immune System: Hypersensitivity reactions
- Disorders of the Immune System: Autoimmune diseases
- Disorders of the Immune System: Immunologic deficiencies
- Environmental and Nutritional Diseases - 13% of the Pathology domain
- Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System - 16% of the Pathology domain
- Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System: Bone
- Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System: Joint
- Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System: Muscle
- Disorders of the Nervous System - 16% of the Pathology domain
- Disorders of the Nervous System: Central nervous system
- Disorders of the Nervous System: Peripheral nervous system
- Diseases of the Organ Systems - 16% of the Pathology domain
- Diseases of the Organ Systems: Cardiovascular
- Diseases of the Organ Systems: Gastrointestinal
- Diseases of the Organ Systems: Respiratory
- Diseases of the Organ Systems: Genitourinary
- Diseases of the Organ Systems: Endocrine
- Diseases of the Organ Systems: Blood and lymphatics
Microbiology (11%)
- Immunology - 18% of the Microbiology domain
- Immunology: Cells of the immune system
- Immunology: Antigens, antibodies and complement
- Immunology: Hypersensitivities and immunopathologies
- Immunology: Immunization/vaccination
- Immunology: Assessment of immune responses/serology
- Bacteria - 18% of the Microbiology domain
- Bacteria: Structure and biochemical characteristics
- Bacteria: Resistance, genetics, antigenicity, and pathogenicity
- Bacteria: Communicable and infectious diseases
- Bacteria: Reservoirs of infection and modes of transmission
- Viruses and Prions - 18% of the Microbiology domain
- Viruses and Prions: Structure and biochemical characteristics
- Viruses and Prions: Resistance, genetics, antigenicity, and pathogenicity
- Viruses and Prions: Communicable and infectious diseases
- Viruses and Prions: Reservoirs of infection and modes of transmission
- Fungi - 15% of the Microbiology domain
- Fungi: Structure and biochemical characteristics
- Fungi: Resistance, genetics, antigenicity, and pathogenicity
- Fungi: Communicable and infectious diseases
- Fungi: Reservoirs of infection and modes of transmission
- Parasites - 15% of the Microbiology domain
- Parasites: Structure and biochemical characteristics
- Parasites: Resistance, genetics, antigenicity, and pathogenicity
- Parasites: Communicable and infectious diseases
- Parasites: Reservoirs of infection and modes of transmission
- Epidemiology and Disease Control - 16% of the Microbiology domain
- Epidemiology and Disease Control: Health agencies and reporting/monitoring
- Epidemiology and Disease Control: Prevention, identification and control methods for communicable diseases
- Epidemiology and Disease Control: Population health assessments
- Epidemiology and Disease Control: Emerging diseases
Examination sources
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
2024 Part I Test Plan, page 1 title
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
I test plan page 1, domain heading
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
I test plan page 2, domain heading
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
I test plan page 3, domain heading
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
I test plan page 4, domain heading
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
I test plan page 5, domain heading
- NBCE 2024 Part I Test Plan
I test plan page 6, domain heading
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 1, document title
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 2, "Where can I find the new test plans?" answer
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 2, "How should students prepare for the changes to the Part I and Part II?" answer
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 2, "Would the number of items or questions per domain change?" answer
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 2, Test Plans and Content, forward-only paragraph, third sentence
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 1, Retakes, first answer, second sentence
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 1, Retakes, third bullet
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 1, Scoring Process answer
- NBCE announcement - Computer-Based Testing Advancement and Development (CBT) and Part IV Advancement and Development (PAD)
CBT Advancement and Development, Proposed Solution paragraph
- NBCE home page (www.nbce.org)
NBCE home page, EXAMINEES / MyNBCE.ORG menu, first item
- NBCE - Links to NBCE Exams
Links to NBCE Exams, Parts I, II, III, and Physiotherapy Exams heading paragraph
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 3, Applications and Scheduling, "What will scheduling look like from the student perspective?"
- NBCE - Changes to Computer-Based Testing to be Implemented in August 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ page 1, Release of Scores answer
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This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.
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