Examination Content Blueprint 7th Edition

Since its inception in 1993, the Job Analysis for Chiropractic Orthopedics has been reviewed and updated in 5-year cycles. The reviews rely upon evidence-based advances in the fundamental knowledge, skill sets, and related academic content defining chiropractic orthopedics/ neuromusculoskeletal medicine.
In 2019, the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists transformed into the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (IANM) and retitled the Job Analysis to the IANM Pillars of Practice for Nonsurgical Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Specialist (AKA IANM Pillars of Practice). ©
Since the IANM is the singular and ultimate credentialing body for chiropractic orthopedics and neuromusculoskeletal medicine, IANM Pillars of Practice © is an essential element in 1.) defining a certified specialist and 2.) preparing candidates for successful certification examinations.
Pillars of Practice Development 2025-2030
The IANM is currently undergoing its updating of the Pillars of Practice to encompass updates from the prior pillars to span the 2025-2030 time frame. This process will take longer than past work. The IANM includes the 7 subspecialties as a compendium to the document’s main body. This requires each sub-specialty to produce a focused job analysis to complement the overall document.
- Forensics
- Concussion Management
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Injection Therapy
- Advanced Practice (DC-PCP)
- Geriatrics
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia
- Others under consideration
Please Click PDF to view the IANM Pillars of Practice.
Why It’s Time for a Name Change
The evolution of the name “chiropractic orthopedist” began in the 1950s. Initially, this was a localized phenomenon only in California. This postgraduate educational program began to spread in the 1960s nationwide.
Apply to Take the IANM Certification Examination
Please click here to register for the examination
The application fee is $150.00 USD.
Board-certified doctors are having more opportunities to advance their current knowledge, diagnostic, and management skills
Candidates who have completed the eligibility requirements for the IANM certification examination may apply to sit for the Part I online written examination. The Part I examination fee is $1,350.00 USD. The upcoming examination dates are listed below. All times are United States Eastern Time zone.
Part I Payment
The candidate must take the examinations within one year from the date the application process is received by the IANM. After that one-year period, the candidate is no longer “board registered.” The re-application fee is $100 USD.
IANM Part I Examination:
Three hours are allotted to take the Part I online examination during one of the following test window dates:
IANM Part I Examination Dates: 2025
February2-7-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST March3-15-25Saturday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT April4-18-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT May5-17-25Saturday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT June6-13-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT July7-12-25Saturday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT August8-15-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT September9-13-25Saturday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT October10-10-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT NovemberDark DecemberDark JanuaryDarkIANM Part II Examination:
The Part II test will be a timed examination consisting of three OSCE modules in a four-hour period. Successful completion of the IANM Part I examination is required. The Part II examination fee is $1,350.00 USD
IANM Part II Examination Dates: 2025
March3-15-25Saturday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT May5-17-25Saturday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT August8-15-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT November11-14-25Friday9:00 AM to 12:00 PM ESTPlease contact the Academy as soon as you can with your notice of intent to sit the Academy Board examination.
- Note that the times shown represent your chosen start time. You can begin the exam at any time between 9:00 am and 12:00 Pm.
- International candidates will have their start times converted to their local timezone.
Appeals Process
Requests for re-scoring must be received in writing to the Academy office. Re-scoring is accomplished by submitting the request with a payment of $400 (USD).
Receiving this fee will institute a formal appeals process. Any request about the examination grade must be in writing, with detailed explanation of why the appeal is requested.
The information will be referred to the Appeals Committee, composed of certified chiropractic orthopedists and neuromusculoskeletal specialists, for review of the appealing candidate’s letter. The Committee reviews all records pertinent to the candidate’s examination. This process may take up to 6 weeks to complete.