Overview
CCE and chiropractic education
The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) is the recognized accreditor of Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) programs in the United States. CHEA-recognized.
The Gate
CCE accreditation, the NBCE, and licensure
To be licensed as a chiropractor, you must graduate from a CCE-accredited DC program and pass the NBCE (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners) exam series, plus your state’s requirements. Chiropractic is licensed in all states, and a CCE-accredited degree is the standard route to eligibility.
A 2026 Nuance
Recognition vs. role
Like several programmatic accreditors, the CCE withdrew from U.S. Department of Education recognition in 2026, concluding that federal recognition’s burden outweighed its benefit. This did not change its role: CCE accreditation is still what state chiropractic boards require. It is another clean example that federal-recognition status and field requirement are separate — see the recognition page.
Do It Yourself
Verify a chiropractic program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits chiropractic programs? The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the recognized accreditor of Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) programs. It is CHEA-recognized.
- Do I need a CCE-accredited program to become a chiropractor? Yes. You must graduate from a CCE-accredited DC program and pass the NBCE exams to be eligible for licensure, which all states require.
- What is the NBCE? The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam series, required for chiropractic licensure.
- Did the CCE lose its recognition? The CCE withdrew from U.S. Department of Education recognition in 2026, as several programmatic accreditors did. That did not change its role as the required accreditor for chiropractic.
- Is CCE accreditation still required? Yes. State chiropractic boards still require a CCE-accredited degree, regardless of the CCE's federal-recognition status.
- Is chiropractic a licensed profession? Yes. All states license chiropractors, and a CCE-accredited DC plus the NBCE exams is the standard route.
- Is CCE recognized by CHEA? Yes, CCE is CHEA-recognized. It is no longer USDE-recognized following its 2026 withdrawal.
- How do I verify a chiropractic program? Search the CCE list of accredited programs and confirm licensure steps with the NBCE and your state board.