Licensing guide · Nova Scotia

How to Become a Chiropractor in Nova Scotia

Last checked 5 sources checkedNOC 31201

Do you need a licence?

Licence required

You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator to work as a chiropractor in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.

Protected titles
Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“To treat patients located in Nova Scotia, whether it be in person or virtually, all chiropractors and naturopaths must be registered and hold a current Direct Patient Care Practicing license with NSCNR to legally practice and use the professional protected titles.”

From nscnr.ca/registration-licensing, checked October 10, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status
Licence required See the source
Routes
Annual fees
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Provisional Chiro New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Indirect Patient Care Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor: Total Fee: $1,660
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing

Your roadmap

Every route is listed. Follow the one that matches where you trained.

Trained in Canada

  • 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
  • 5 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $8,300

  1. The applicant must graduate from a Canadian-based, CCEC accredited chiropractic educational program.

    Source
    “Graduation From a Canadian based, CCEC accredited Chiropractic educational program*.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  2. The applicant must successfully complete the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board entry-to-practice written and clinical examinations.

    Source
    “Successful completion of Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board entry-to-practice examinations (Written and Clinical Examinations) *”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  3. The applicant creates a user profile and completes the online application, uploading documents such as first aid certification, a vulnerable sector check, photo ID, a passport-style photo and proof of ability to work in Canada.

    Source
    “To become a Registrant of the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator, please Register Here to create a user profile and complete the online application.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  4. The applicant arranges for a Canadian criminal records check, educational transcripts and confirmation of CCEB exam results to be sent directly to the NSCNR.

    Source
    “Completion of a Canadian Criminal Records Check. This may be obtained via CSI https://csiscreening.com/csi-services-personnels/ CSI will forward results directly to NSCNR.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  5. Once the application and all required documentation are accepted, the applicant must successfully complete the Jurisprudence Examination before licensure.

    Source
    “Upon receipt of a completed application form and once all required documentation has been accepted, the applicant will be required to successfully complete the Jurisprudence Examination prior to licensure.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  6. The applicant is notified in writing of the registration decision within 5 business days of completing the jurisprudence exam.

    Source
    “Applicants will be notified in writing of their registration decision within 5 business days of completing the Jurisprudence exam.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  7. If registration is granted, the applicant must confirm professional liability/malpractice insurance and pay the applicable licensing fees before the license is issued.

    Source
    “If successful, confirmation of required Professional Liability/Malpractice Insurance will be required prior to issuing the license.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

Listed fees for this route

2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Annual fees: $8,300 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.

  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Provisional Chiro New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Indirect Patient Care Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor: Total Fee: $1,660
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing

Official page for this route

Licensed in another province

  • 4 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $8,300

  1. The applicant creates a user profile and completes the online application, uploading documents such as first aid certification, a vulnerable sector check, proof of ability to work in Canada, photo ID and a passport-style photo.

    Source
    “To become a Registrant of the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator, please Register Here to create a user profile and complete the online application.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-while-currently-licensed-in-a...

  2. The applicant arranges for a Canadian criminal records check and letters of standing from every jurisdiction where a license has been held to be sent directly to the NSCNR.

    Source
    “Letter(s) standing must be provided to NSCNR from the regulatory organization in all jurisdictions where a license has been held.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-while-currently-licensed-in-a...

  3. Once the application and all required documentation are accepted, the applicant must successfully complete the Jurisprudence Examination before licensure.

    Source
    “Upon receipt of a completed application form and once all required documentation has been accepted, the applicant will be required to successfully complete the Jurisprudence Examination prior to licensure.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-while-currently-licensed-in-a...

  4. If registration is granted, the applicant must confirm professional liability/malpractice insurance and pay the applicable licensing fees before the license is issued.

    Source
    “If successful, payment of applicable licensing fees are required prior to issuing the license. *(These are prorated based on the month in which you are licensed by NSCNR).*”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-while-currently-licensed-in-a...

Listed fees for this route

No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator

4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Annual fees: $8,300 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.

  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Provisional Chiro New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Indirect Patient Care Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor: Total Fee: $1,660
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing

Official page for this route

Trained outside Canada

  • 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
  • 3 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $8,300

  1. The applicant must prove completion of an accredited chiropractic educational program recognized by CCE Canada, a member body of the Councils on Chiropractic Education International, or the CCE-US.

    Source
    “Proof of completion from an accredited chiropractic educational program\* that meets at least one of the following criteria:”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-an-international-applicant...

  2. The applicant must successfully complete the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board entry-to-practice knowledge-based and clinical competency examinations.

    Source
    “Successful Completion\*\* of Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board entry-to-practice examinations (Knowledge – Based and Clinical Competency)\*”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-an-international-applicant...

  3. The applicant creates a user profile and completes the online application.

    Source
    “To become a Registrant of the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator, please Register Here to create a user profile and complete the online application.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-an-international-applicant...

  4. Once the notarized application form and all required documentation are accepted, the applicant must complete a Jurisprudence Examination before licensure.

    Source
    “Upon receipt of the notarized application form and when all required documentation has been successfully accepted, an applicant will be required to complete a Jurisprudence Examination prior to licensure.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-an-international-applicant...

  5. The applicant is notified in writing of the registration decision within 5 business days of completing the jurisprudence exam, and if successful must confirm insurance and pay licensing fees before the license is issued.

    Source
    “Applicants will be notified in writing of their registration decision within 5 business days of completing the Jurisprudence exam.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-an-international-applicant...

Listed fees for this route

2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Annual fees: $8,300 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.

  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Chiropractor New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad license dues: $755
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Provisional Chiro New Grad: $75
    Source
    “Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor license dues: $1,510
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Legal levy – Indirect Patient Care Chiropractor: $150
    Source
    “Indirect Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | $150.00 | $1660.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor: Total Fee: $1,660
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor | $1510.00 | 150.00 | $1660.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Direct Patient Care Practicing – Chiropractor New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad: Total Fee: $830
    Source
    “| Provisional Direct Patient Care – Chiro New Grad | $755.00 | $75.00 | $830.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing

Official page for this route

Other listed fees

The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.

  • Reinstatement application fee: $500 (for applicants whose license in Nova Scotia was suspended or revoked as a result of a disciplinary proceeding)
    Source
    “Reinstatement | Applicants whose license in Nova Scotia was suspended or revoked as a result of a disciplinary proceeding. | $500.00 | $150.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Re-entry to Practice application fee: $200 (for practitioners previously licensed in good standing with the NSCNR or the former Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors)
    Source
    “RE-Entry to Practice | I was previously licensed in good standing with the NSCNR or the former Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors and wish to be relicensed. | $200.00”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Canadian Educated New Graduate: Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $150 (graduate of a recognized Canadian chiropractic or naturopathic education program and not currently licensed elsewhere in Canada)
    Source
    “| Canadian Educated New Graduate | I am a graduate of a recognized Canadian chiropractic or naturopathic education program and am not currently licensed elsewhere in Canada | $200.00 | $150.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing
  • Internationally educated or licensed: Application Fee: $200 (completed chiropractic / naturopathic education outside of Canada and have not been licensed elsewhere in Canada)
    Source
    “| Internationally educated or licensed | I completed my chiropractic / naturopathic education outside of Canada and have not been licensed elsewhere in Canada | $200.00 | $150.00 |”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing

Requirements

Conditions the regulator sets on top of the roadmap steps.

Education

Police check

  • Applicants must provide proof of completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check obtained within 60 days of the application date via local law enforcement.

    Source
    “Proof of Completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check within 60 days of application date.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  • Applicants must complete a Canadian Criminal Records Check, with results forwarded directly to the NSCNR.

    Source
    “Completion of a Canadian Criminal Records Check. This may be obtained via CSI https://csiscreening.com/csi-services-personnels/ CSI will forward results directly to NSCNR.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

  • Applicants who have lived or worked outside Canada in the past 2 years must also complete an international background check in addition to the Canadian Criminal Record Check.

    Source
    “If you have lived/worked outside of Canada in the past 2 years, an INTERNATIONAL Background check must also be completed in addition to a Canadian Criminal Record Check.”
    nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana...

Insurance

Good character

Other

Already licensed in another province?

Direct transfer

A chiropractor currently licensed in an equivalent category in another Canadian jurisdiction can apply under labour mobility rules with no application fee and no jurisprudence exam fee, and the page does not require retaking an entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment.

Source
“There is no application fee charged to Interprovincial Applicants.”
nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-while-currently-licensed-in-a...

Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator

Check a move between two provinces

Credential assessment

Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator

Exams

Language tests

Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator

Compare scores across provinces and professions

Canadian experience

Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator

Supervised practice

Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator

Demand and pay

Job Bank figures for NOC 31201, Chiropractors. Wages for 2021 in Canadian dollars a year; outlook for 2025-2027.

Job Bank wages and outlook in Nova Scotia and Canada
WhereLowMedianHighOutlook
Nova Scotia — $65,000 — Moderate (3 of 5)
Canada $32,867 $62,000 $138,000 —

Wages by region and job outlook in Nova Scotia

Wages in every province and territory

Chiropractors in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 10 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

Compare chiropractor licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 10, 2026.

  1. Registration & Licensing - Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic RegulatorExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpand nscnr.ca/registration-licensing · fetched October 9, 2026
  2. DC Applying for Registration as a new graduate from a Canadian DC program - Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic RegulatorExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpand nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-a-new-graduate-from-a-cana... · fetched October 9, 2026
  3. DC Apply while currently licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction - Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic RegulatorExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpand nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-while-currently-licensed-in-a... · fetched October 9, 2026
  4. DC Applications from International Graduates or Practitioners - Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic RegulatorExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpand nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/apply-as-an-international-applicant... · fetched October 9, 2026
  5. Jurisprudence / Ethics Exam - Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic RegulatorExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpand nscnr.ca/registration-licensing/jurisprudence-ethics-exam · fetched October 9, 2026

Frequently asked questions

2

Do you need a licence to work as a chiropractor in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Registration with Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator is required to practise in Nova Scotia.

Which exams are required?

Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board entry-to-practice examinations (Written and Clinical Examinations), Jurisprudence Examination, NSCNR Jurisprudence/Ethics exam.

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