Hey! I'm Devan 👋
I'm a California licensed chiropractor — and I passed the CCLE on my very first try. After my TikToks about the exam went up, my DMs have never been the same. Every few months a new wave of students finds me asking: "Do you have any resources?"
So I built this. It's based on my personal study notes, things I corrected from other guides that were circulating, and my own understanding of the material after actually sitting the exam. I organized it by topic instead of random Q&A because I genuinely think you'll learn it better this way.
Check out my TikToks for more context on my experience — especially the day-of vlog if you're nervous. You've got this! 🌸
📋 Disclaimer — Please Read
This is my personal study guide, built from my own notes and used to prepare for the CCLE in 2026. I passed on my first attempt and I'm sharing this freely to help other students. This is not official legal or professional advice, and I am not responsible for any outcomes related to your exam results or professional practice decisions. Laws and regulations change — always verify against the current California Business & Professions Code and the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners regulations before your exam. Use this as a helpful starting point, not a guaranteed or exhaustive source of truth. Good luck! 🌸
01
Critical Timelines
⚠️ Most Tested Area
The exam loves to swap these numbers to trick you. Memorize every single one — especially the difference between 5, 10, 15, and 30 days.
| Timeframe | Situation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Patient wants to view their file | 5 working days to provide access; patient then has up to 5 days to inspect Active patients only |
| 5 days | Submit findings for Worker's Comp | From date of service |
| 10 days | Report a name change to the board | Written statement + legal documentation + $25 fee |
| 10 days | Board requests an inactive patient file | Active files = immediately upon request |
| 15 days | Prepare file when patient requests copies | Copies take longer than just viewing |
| 30 days | Report address change to the board | Include both old AND new address |
| 30 days | Re-evaluate a patient | Focusing on history, diagnosis, and analysis |
| 30 days | Reimburse patient for overbilling | DC is solely responsible |
| Immediately | Board requests an active patient file | Zero delay permitted |
| 12 months | Patient is considered inactive | More than 12 months since last treatment |
| 60 days | License becomes forfeited | 60 days past renewal date; late renewal before 60 days = $500 |
| 2 years | Wait to reapply after denied application or revocation | |
| 90 days | Transfer shares after becoming disqualified | Must go to eligible CA licensed DC only — never unlicensed |
| 6 months | Heirs/trustees dispose of practice after DC dies | Supervised by licensed DC; petition for extension within 4 months |
| 24 hours | Initial report of elderly/dependent adult abuse | By phone; written follow-up within 2 working days |
| 20 calendar days | Board notifies of out-of-state application decision |
Memory trick: Viewing is faster than copying. VIEW = 5 days. COPIES = 15 days. Board wants active = RIGHT NOW. Board wants inactive = 10 days. Address change = 30 days. Name change = 10 days.
02
Fees & Fines
Annual License Renewal
$150
On your birthday
Active and inactive licenses
Inactive → Active Renewal
$250
+ 24 hours CE required
Must complete Inactive to Active Status Application
Late Renewal (before 60 days)
$500
After due date, before forfeiture
Forfeited/Revoked Restoration
2×
Double the annual renewal fee
After 60 days past renewal
Name Change Fee
$25
+ written statement + legal docs
Within 10 days of change
Lost/Stolen/Damaged License
$25
Replacement or re-registration
Corporation Registration
$100
File as corporation with board
Board Application Fee
$100
Collected from all applicants
Child Abuse (Failure to Report)
$1,000
+ up to 6 months county jail
Misdemeanor
False Advertisement
$2,500
+ up to 6 months county jail
Misdemeanor — B&P §17500
Fraudulent Diploma
$2K–$6K
Penalty range
Illegal Referral (Financial Interest)
$5,000
Civil penalty per offense
Also misdemeanor for first offense
Worker's Comp Fraud
3×
3x the amount unlawfully collected
Unlicensed DC Title Use
$100–$750
Using DC title without a license
Fine and/or jail
Excessive Treatment
$100–$600
+ 60–180 days, or both
Misdemeanor
Malpractice Insurance
$1–3M
Gold standard coverage amount
03
Licensing & Renewal
How must your license be displayed?
In a conspicuous place in your primary practice. Cannot be a copy. Satellite offices each need a board-approved satellite license. Mobile practice? Display wherever the patient can see it.
When does a license become forfeited?
60 days past renewal. Between due date and 60 days = pay $500. After 60 days = forfeited; restoration requires double the annual renewal fee.
Minimum age to become a CA chiropractor?
21 years old.
Are there temporary licenses or permits?
No — absolutely none. A DC from another state cannot get a temporary license to see your patients while you're on vacation. No exceptions.
CE requirements for renewal?
24 hours/year total, including 2 hours Ethics & Law (mandatory) and 4 hours minimum from History Taking & Physical Exam, Chiropractic Adjusting/Manipulation Techniques, or Proper & Ethical Billing and Coding. Must also hold current CPR + Basic Life Support.
How do you reactivate an inactive license?
Complete Inactive to Active Status Application + pay $250 + complete 24 hours of CE, prior to the license expiration date.
What title is required on your business card?
Must say "DC" or "Chiropractor." Cannot use "Dr." alone. "Chiropractic Physician" is not a permitted title.
Can a DC advertise as a physical therapist?
Only if the DC holds a separate physical therapy license. You may offer PT modalities but cannot claim to "perform physical therapy" without it.
04
Patient Records
What must patient records include?
Full name, DOB, gender, height, weight; patient signature; date of every visit; signed written informed consent; patient history, complaint, diagnosis/analysis, and treatment (signed by primary treating DC); relief DC treatment must be signed/initialed by that doctor; x-rays or record of transfer; billing; patient's primary spoken language.
How long must records be kept?
5 years from last treatment. For minors: 1 year after 18th birthday AND at least 5 years — whichever is longer.
Example: 15-year-old → keep until at least age 19
What records are protected from insurance companies?
Protected under communicable disease / doctor-patient confidentiality — NOT released to insurers: HIV, Hepatitis, Drug/Alcohol use.
Note: History of mental illness can be included when insurance requests records.
Note: History of mental illness can be included when insurance requests records.
Can electronic records replace hard copies?
Yes. Hard copies may be destroyed once electronically stored, provided the system has: offsite backup storage, an imaging mechanism that copies signatures, and ensures records are unalterable once entered.
Patient finds an error in their record?
Patient may submit a written addendum — limited to 250 words per alleged error. Becomes part of the permanent record and must be attached whenever that portion is disclosed to any third party.
Can a patient get free copies?
Yes — if needed for a public benefit program appeal (e.g. food stamps, Medi-Cal). One free copy. Records must be transmitted within 30 days of the written request.
05
Advertising Rules
What makes an ad fraudulent?
Makes a scientific claim not substantiated by reliable peer-reviewed studies, or claims professional superiority without objective scientific evidence.
Consequences of false/sensational advertising?
Under Chiro Regs §311: suspension up to 1 year, or probation.
Under B&P §17500: misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.
Under B&P §17500: misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.
Legal vs. illegal — examples
✓ "Chiropractic has been shown to reduce hypertension"
✗ "Adjustments are more effective than flu shots"
✗ "An adjustment can replace a vaccine"
✗ Guaranteeing pain relief
✗ "Best DC in town" without substantiation
✗ "Adjustments are more effective than flu shots"
✗ "An adjustment can replace a vaccine"
✗ Guaranteeing pain relief
✗ "Best DC in town" without substantiation
Free/discounted service promotions?
Allowed — but if additional services are needed beyond the promotion, you must inform the patient of costs before providing them and they must agree to pay.
Can you reward patients for referrals?
No. No money or gifts for referrals. Asking patients to hand out your business card is fine — no monetary value attached.
Before-and-after photos?
Must state what procedures were performed. Using before/after photos without this disclosure = misdemeanor and grounds for revocation or suspension.
06
Scope of Practice
✓ A DC Can Do
- Manipulate bone, joints, muscles, connective tissue
- Use X-ray and thermography — for diagnosis only
- Use diagnostic ultrasound for neuromuscular skeletal diagnoses
- Use FDA-approved laser for pain relief and tissue healing
- Perform PT in conjunction with chiropractic manipulation
- Sign death certificates
- Treat MSK conditions: epicondylitis, radiculopathy, etc.
- Perform myofascial release at a home birth (if requested)
✕ A DC Cannot Do
- Prescribe any medications — ever, no exceptions
- Perform laser ablation, surgical procedures, or treat allergies with laser
- Use X-ray for treatment purposes
- Treat non-MSK conditions (colitis, conjunctivitis, genital warts)
- Claim to "perform physical therapy" without a PT license
- Use techniques not taught at a chiropractic school
- Guarantee pain relief in advertising
What can an unlicensed person do?
✓ Take patient history ✓ Mark/develop x-rays
✗ Heart sounds, consultation, positioning patient, setting up or operating x-ray machine, diagnose, analyze, adjust, write discharge papers
✗ Heart sounds, consultation, positioning patient, setting up or operating x-ray machine, diagnose, analyze, adjust, write discharge papers
Adequate supervision of an unlicensed employee?
DC must: be present 50% of any work week; be available at all other times for advice; initially examine and write a treatment program; re-evaluate every 30 days; record evaluation of patient response to treatment.
When can a DC perform PT?
In conjunction with chiropractic manipulation. If a patient cannot tolerate manipulation, PT may be performed alone — only if spinal manipulation is still in the treatment plan.
Who determines if treatment is excessive?
The community of fellow licensees (local standard of care). Excessive treatment = unprofessional conduct — misdemeanor, $100–$600 fine and/or 60–180 days imprisonment.
What is "immediate and direct supervision"?
The licensed DC must be on the premises at all times while examinations are being conducted.
07
Chiropractic Corporations & Ownership
What must be in the corporation name?
Name or last name of a present, prospective, or former shareholder + the word "chiropractic" + "corporation" (or abbreviation). Example: "Doyce Family Chiropractic Professional Corporation."
Who can own shares?
Licensed chiropractors (must hold the majority), licensed acupuncturists, and licensed physicians (MDs). Non-chiropractor licensed persons combined cannot exceed 49% of total shares.
What happens to shares when a DC dies?
Shares go to Dr. B AND the corporation — not to the deceased's spouse or unlicensed heirs. Heirs must dispose of the practice within 6 months, supervised by a licensed DC. Petition for extension must be submitted within 4 months of death.
DC becomes disqualified — how long to transfer shares?
90 days (3 months) to transfer to a CA licensed DC only. Never to an unlicensed person.
Who is liable for employee misconduct?
The DC is always responsible for everything that happens in the office — even outside business hours or when not present. If both spouses are shareholders and one commits misconduct, both are liable.
Can you promise a job to a student?
No. Prohibited. Exception: students in preceptorship programs sponsored by chiropractic institutions.
08
Mandated Reporting
Child abuse — what must you do?
Report known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect immediately.
Failure to report = misdemeanor: up to 6 months county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
A homeless child is NOT automatically a victim of child abuse — homelessness alone is not sufficient basis for reporting.
Failure to report = misdemeanor: up to 6 months county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
A homeless child is NOT automatically a victim of child abuse — homelessness alone is not sufficient basis for reporting.
Elderly / dependent adult abuse — what must you do?
Report immediately by telephone to local law enforcement OR via confidential internet reporting tool. If by phone → written follow-up within 2 working days. If no serious bodily injury → phone report within 24 hours. Also notify: local ombudsman, corresponding licensing agency, and local law enforcement.
Can you share info about a reported child abuse case?
No. Sharing with staff or colleagues violates the child's confidentiality — can be charged as a HIPAA violation: up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail.
09
Discipline & Unprofessional Conduct
What counts as unprofessional conduct?
Gross negligence; incompetence; excessive treatment; conviction involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, physical violence, or corruption; DUI; hiring someone to recruit patients.
When is a license automatically suspended?
Upon conviction of any felony involving fraud in conjunction with workers' compensation insurance, or any felony involving Medi-Cal fraud.
Hiring someone to recruit patients — second conviction?
License revoked for 10 years (§1003).
Grounds for revocation or suspension?
False advertisement; felony conviction; fraudulent diploma/false ID; drug/controlled substance violations; moral turpitude, dishonesty, corruption; impersonating an applicant at a board exam; false statements on license application; fraud in workers' comp or Medi-Cal.
How is a citation issued?
Must be served in person, signed by the Executive Officer, and reference the specific law or code violated.
Conditions for reinstating a revoked/suspended license?
Board may require: additional training + passing an exam; oral/written/practical/clinical exam; diagnostic exam by physicians or psychologists; continuing treatment; or restricting the scope of practice.
10
The California Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Who comprises the board?
7 members: 2 public members + 5 licensed DCs (min. 5 years CA licensure). All U.S. citizens. Appointed by the Governor. No more than 2 from one school or county. Appointments last 4 years. Quorum required. Board proceedings open to the public.
What are the board's powers?
Write and enforce rules; examine applicants and issue/revoke licenses; set requirements for teachers; approve schools; collect $100 fee from applicants; set educational requirements (overall 75%; at least 75% on all practical tests; no more than 2 subjects below 60%).
Who sends the Letter of Admonishment?
The Executive Officer of the board.
What must a referral service do to operate legally?
Register with the Board providing name and address + file a copy of the standard form contract. Operating without registering = misdemeanor.
When is it illegal to refer to a facility?
When you have a financial interest — includes businesses owned by your spouse, children, or their spouses. Must disclose in writing at time of referral. First offense = misdemeanor + $5,000 civil fine.
Distance rule for financially-interested referrals?
Alternative provider must be more than 25 miles or 40 minutes driving time away AND patient must be informed in writing. If a new practitioner moves within that zone, you have 6 months to stop referring to the related facility.