Doctors Who Blog & Use Social Media
This page contains PHYSICIAN and/or PHYSICIAN GROUP blogs, Twitter pages and/or Facebook pages that meet ALL three of these criteria: * blogs are authored by qualified...
State-specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure
U.S. News Published 2010-11 Best Hospitals Rankings
U.S. News Media Group has published its 21st Best Hospital Ranking for year 2010-11 Best Hospitals rankings. This influential annual ranking analysis includes an...
Doctors Using Twitter
A survey released today by the Pew Internet and American Life Project reports that 61 percent of Americans go online for health information, and the majority...
Get the information you need to find out your State’s specific Initial Medical Licensure requirements …
See notes on the left of this chart for key to abbreviations.
| State | Minimum Postgraduate Training Required |
Number of attempts at Licensing Examination | Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence |
| Alabama (334) 242-4116 Application packet $20 Application fee $175 non-refundable Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3+ attempts at USMLE Step 3; 10 attempts at all USMLE Steps; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to successfully complete all USMLE Steps; No limit on COMLEX |
| Alaska (907) 269-8163 Application fee $250, non-refundable, License fee $590 Accepts FCVS |
2 years; 3 years IMG | 2 attempts per USMLE Step; 2 attempts per COMLEX Level | 7 years to complete USMLE; 10 years for MD/PhD candidates; 7 years to complete COMLEX |
| Arizona Medical (480) 551-2700 Application fee $500 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | No limit on USMLE | 7 years to complete USMLE if initial licensure / No limit if already licensed |
| Arizona Osteopathic (480) 657-7703 Application fee $400 Accepts FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Arkansas (501) 296-1802 Application fee $500 Does not accept FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG unless currently enrolled in training program through Univ of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. | 6 attempts per USMLE Step; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; 10 years for MD/PhD candidates; No limit on COMLEX |
| California Medical (916) 263-2382 (800) 633-2322 Licensing fee $805 Application fee $493 non-refundable Limited acceptance of FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 4 attempts at USMLE Step 3 | Passing scores on a written/computerized exam shall be valid for a period of ten (10) years from the month of the examination |
| California Osteopathic (916) 928-8390 Application fee $251 non-refundable Limited Acceptance of FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Colorado (303) 894-7690 Application fee $522 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | No limit on USMLE; No information available on COMLEX | 7 years from first sitting to complete USMLE or COMLEX; 10 years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates |
| Connecticut (860) 509-7603 Application fee $565 Accepts FCVS |
2 years | No limit on USMLE; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; No limit on COMLEX |
| Delaware (302) 744-4500 See chart on website for fees http://dpr.delaware.gov Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | No information at this time | No information at this time |
| Washington, DC (202) 724-4900 Application fee $305 License fee $500 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3; After which one additional year of postgraduate training is required. No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; No limit on COMLEX |
| Florida Medical (850) 245-4131 Application fee $547 Highly recommends FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | No limit on USMLE | No limit on USMLE |
| Florida Osteopathic (850) 245-4161 Call for application fee Highly recommends FCVS |
1 year in an AOA-approved program | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Georgia (404) 656-3913 Application fee $400 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts per USMLE Step; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; 9 years to complete USMLE if in MD/PhD program; No limit on COMLEX |
| Guam (671) 735-7406 (671) 735-7408 Application fee $150 License fee $250 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; Applicants must complete 36 months progressive approved training in US program. | No information at this time | No information at this time |
| Hawaii (808) 586-3000 Call for application and license fee information Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | No limit on USMLE or COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; No limit on COMLEX |
| Idaho (208) 327-7000 Licensure fee $400 by endorsement; Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 2 attempts per USMLE Step; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE (10 years for MD/PhD candidates); No limit on COMLEX |
| Illinois (217) 782-8556 Application fee $300 Accepts FCVS |
2 years | 5 attempts at all USMLE Steps combined; 5 attempts at COMLEX Levels combined | 7 years to complete USMLE; No limit on COMLEX |
| Indiana (317) 234-2060 Application fee $250 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 3 attempts per USMLE Step; 5 attempts per COMLEX Level | 10 years to complete USMLE; 7 years to complete COMLEX |
| Iowa (515) 281-5171 Licensure fee $505 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 6 attempts at both USMLE Step 1 and 2; 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3; 6 attempts at both COMLEX Levels 1 and 2; 3 attempts at COMLEX Level 3. Three years of approved postgraduate training required if outside the attempt limit. | 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX; 10 years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates. Note: Board certification by ABMS or AOA is required if the applicant has not met the specified time period. |
| Kansas (785) 296-7413 Application fee $300 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG (minimum 2 years must have been in US program) | 3+ attempts at USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 | 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX |
| Kentucky (502) 429-7150 Application fee $300 Requires FCVS |
2 years | 4 attempts per USMLE Step; 4 attempts per COMLEX Level | No limit on USMLE or COMLEX |
| Louisiana (504) 568-6820 License fee $382 non-refundable Requires FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | No limit at USMLE Step 1or COMLEX Level 1; 4 attempts each at USMLE Steps 2 and 3 or COMLEX Levels 2 and 3 | 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX |
| Maine Medical (207) 287-3601 Licensure & registration $700 Requires FCVS |
US/Canadian medical school graduates who graduated after 7/1/04 must complete 3 years of postgraduate training. (Those who graduated before 7/1/04 are only required to complete 2 years of PGT.) IMGs 3 years. | 3+ attempts at USMLE Step 3. More than 3 attempts requires a request for a waiver. | 7 years to complete USMLE. More than 7 years requires a request for a waiver. |
| Maine Osteopathic (207) 287-2480 Application fee $350 by endorsement Accepts FCVS |
1 year in AOA approved program | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Maryland (800) 492-6836 Licensure $816 US/$916 IMG Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 4 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level | 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX |
| Massachusetts (800) 377-0550 Licensure $600 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 6 attempts at USMLE Step 3; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE with exceptions for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates; No limit on COMLEX |
| Michigan Medical (517) 335-0918 Professional license $150 Controlled substance license $85 The fee for both $235 Accepts FCVS |
2 years | No limit on USMLE | 5 years to pass USMLE Step 3 |
| Michigan Osteopathic (517) 335-0918 Professional license $150 Controlled substance license $85 The fee for both $235 Accepts FCVS |
1 year in AOA approved program | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Minnesota (612) 617-2130; Hearing impaired (800) 627-3529 Licensure fee $392 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 3 attempts at each USMLE Step; No limit on COMLEX. Effective 04/11/08, 4 attempts allowed if current license in another state and current certification by specialty board of ABMS, AOABPE, RCPSC, CFPC. | Beginning 8/1/07 USMLE Step 3 must be passed within five years of Step 2 or before the end of residency training. |
| Mississippi (601) 987-3079 Online application fee $550 Paper application fee $600 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 1-3 years IMG | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; No limit on COMLEX |
| Missouri (573) 751-0098 By examination $300 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3; 3 attempts on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE (waived for MD/PhD candidates); No limit on COMLEX |
| Montana (406) 841-2364 (406) 841-2361 Licensure fee $325 Accepts FCVS |
2 years; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3; No limit on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE (exceptions possible for MD/PhD candidates); No limit on COMLEX |
| Nebraska (402) 471-2118 Licensure by examination $300 Licensure by reciprocity $300 Does not accept FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 4 attempts+ at each USMLE Step; 4 attempts+ at each COMLEX Level | 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX beginning with date 1st Step/Level is passed. |
| Nevada (775) 688-2559 For specific fee information please contact the board or check www.medboard.nv.gov Accepts FCVS |
3 years | Must pass all 3 Steps of USMLE in not more than a total of 9 attempts and must pass Step 3 in not more than a total of 3 attempts | MD must pass all Steps of the exam within 7 years after the date on which the applicant first passes any Step of the exam; PhD must pass all Steps of the exam within 10 years after the date on which the applicant first passes any Step of the exam |
| Nevada Osteopathic (702) 732-2147 Application and initial licensure fee $650 Requires FCVS |
3 years for full license OR 2 years if resident signs commitment to practice in NV | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| New Hampshire (603) 271-1203 Application fee $250 Requires FCVS |
2 years | 3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level | No limit on USMLE or COMLEX |
| New Jersey (609) 826-7100 Contact the state board for licensure information and fees Accepts FCVS |
US and IMG graduates who graduated after 7/1/03 must complete 2 years of postgraduate training and have signed a contract for a 3rd year in an accredited program. At least 2 of the years must be in the same field. Graduates prior to 7/1/03: 1 year; 3 years IMG. | 5 attempts at USMLE Step 3; No information available on COMLEX | 7 years to complete USMLE; No information available on COMLEX |
| New Mexico Medical 505-476-7220 Contact the board for specific fee information or check www.nmmb.state.nm.us Highly recommends FCVS |
2 years | 6 attempts per USMLE Step | 7 years to complete USMLE; 10 years for MD/PhD candidates |
| New Mexico Osteopathic (505) 476-4950 Contact the state board for licensure and fee information Highly recommends FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| New York (518) 474-3817 Ext. 560 The fee for licensure is $735 Highly recommends FCVS for domestic graduates. IMGs-FCVS required |
1 year; 3 years IMG | No limit on USMLE or COMLEX | No limit on USMLE or COMLEX |
| North Carolina (919) 326-1100 Full licensure fee $350 Requires FCVS (Sub’s) |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 6 attempts per USMLE Step; No limit on COMLEX | USMLE Step 3 shall be passed within seven years of the date of passing Step 1 OR within 10 years if the reason for the delay is based on applicant obtaining an MD/PhD degree |
| North Dakota (701) 328-6500 Application fee $200 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level | 7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX |
| Northern Mariana Islands (670) 664-4811 Contact the State Board for licensure or fee information Does not accept FCVS |
No information available at this time | No information available at this time | No information available at this time |
| Ohio (614) 466-3934 Contact State Board for licensure or fee information Requires FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | Four attempt limit on each Step or Level on USMLE or COMLEX | Ten years to complete USMLE or COMLEX (possible waiver good cause if over ten years) |
| Oklahoma Medical (800) 381-4519 Application fee $400 Temporary approved $200 Resident $200 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | 3 attempts at each USMLE Step (Step 2 = CK & CS) |
10 years to complete USMLE |
| Oklahoma Osteopathic (405) 528-8625 Application fee $575 Accepts FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Oregon (971) 673-2700 License application fee $375 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts + 1 year postgraduate training at USMLE Step 3; 3 attempts + 1 year postgraduate training at COMLEX Level 3 (waiver of 1 year postgraduate training + 4th attempt if ABMS /AOA certified). | 7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX (possible waiver for dual degree candidates; individuals with personal illness; current certification by ABMS or AOA; or completion of postgraduate training equivalent to number of years to a dual degree program). |
| Pennsylvania Medical (717) 787-2381 Application fee accredited medical college $35 Unaccredited medical college $85 Accepts FCVS |
2 years; 3 years IMG | No limit | No limit |
| Pennsylvania Osteopathic (717) 783-4858 License/exam fee $215 Application fee $45 Does not accept FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Puerto Rico (787) 782-8928 Contact the state board for licensure or fee information Does not accept FCVS |
1 year | No limit on USMLE | USMLE Step 3 shall be passed within 7 years of the date of passing Step 1. |
| Rhode Island (401) 222-3855 / Fax:(401) 222-2158 Application fee $570 Controlled substance registration $140 Requires FCVS |
2 years; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at each USMLE Step; 3 attempts at each COMLEX Level | 7 years to complete USMLE; No information available on COMLEX |
| American Samoa | No information available at this time | No information available at this time | No information available at this time |
| South Carolina (803) 896-4500 Application fee $600 Requires FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 4 attempts per USMLE Step and COMLEX Level | 10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX |
| South Dakota (605) 367-7781 Application fee $200 Highly recommends FCVS |
Successful completion of residency program | 3 attempts per USMLE Step and COMLEX Level | 7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX |
| Tennessee Medical (615) 532-4384 Application fee $410 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | No limit on USMLE | 7 years to complete USMLE |
| Tennessee Osteopathic (615) 532-4384 Application fee $410 Accepts FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Texas (512) 305-7030 Application fee $885 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level. (Exceptions may apply – see TMB website for more information www.tmb.state.tx.us) | 7 years+ to complete the USMLE or COMLEX. (Exceptions may apply – see TMB website for more information www.tmb.state.tx.us) |
| Utah Medical (801) 530-6628 Application fee $200 Requires FCVS |
2 years | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3 | 7 years to complete USMLE; 10 years for MD/PhD candidates |
| Utah Osteopathic (801) 530-6628 Application fee $200 Requires FCVS |
2 years | 3 attempts at each COMLEX Level | 7 years to complete COMLEX; 10 years for DO/PhD candidates |
| Vermont Medical (802) 657-4220 Licensure fee $500 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3 | 7 years to complete USMLE |
| Vermont Osteopathic (802) 828-2373 Licensure fee $400 Accepts FCVS |
1 year rotating internship or 3 year residency program | No information available at this time | No information available at this time |
| Virgin Islands (340) 774-0117 SPEX Exam fee $800 Requires FCVS |
6 months required after 2 attempts for SPEX exam | Must take SPEX (only given in May and November) and an oral exam. 2 attempts | 3 years to pass the 2 attempts allowed re-examinations. 1 year limitation to take the oral exam after passing written. |
| Virginia (804) 662-9908 Licensure fee $302 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 2 years IMG | No limit on USMLE | 10 years to complete USMLE; Greater than 10 years if candidate is ABMS certified. |
| Washington Medical (360) 236-2750 Application fee $325 Accepts FCVS |
2 years | 3 attempts at USMLE Step 3 | 7 years+ to complete USMLE |
| Washington Osteopathic (360) 236-4945 Licensure fee $825 Accepts FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| West Virginia Medical (304) 558-2921 ext. 221 Licensure fee $300 Accepts FCVS |
1 year; 3 years IMG | 3 attempts per USMLE Step | 10 years to complete USMLE |
| West Virginia Osteopathic (304) 723-4638 Reciprocity or Endorsement $200 Does not accept FCVS |
1 year | No limit on COMLEX | No limit on COMLEX |
| Wisconsin (608) 266-2112 Initial fee $125 Accepts FCVS |
1 year | 3+ attempts per USMLE Step; N/A on COMLEX | USMLE Step 3 shall be passed within 10 years of the date of passing Step 1; N/A on COMLEX |
| Wyoming (307) 778-7053 Licensure fee $400 Temporary license $200 Requires FCVS Web page: http://wyomedboard.state.wy.us |
1 year | Seven total attempts on USMLE or COMLEX | Seven years (eight years if in combined DO or MD/PhD program) |
Abbreviations Key
IMG – International medical school graduates
NA – Not Applicable
NL – No Limit
COMLEX – Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (Levels 1, 2, 3)
USMLE – United States Medical Licensing Examination (Steps 1, 2, 3)
Attempt Limits – unless otherwise indicated these represent allowable attempts at Step 3
+ – indicates more attempts allowed on conditional basis with board approval or a longer time frame is considered for completion of licensing exam sequence, e.g., extended time for MD/PhD candidates.
* – The Maryland board allows 4 attempts at each USMLE Step. However, after the 3 rd failed attempt at a Step, an individual would be required to complete an additional year of post-graduate training beyond what is listed on the chart.
No comments
Be the first one to leave a comment.