There are two methods of application for taking the SPEX: board-sponsored or self-nominated.

Physicians who take the SPEX at the request and approval of a state licensing board are referred to as "board-sponsored" candidates. Board-sponsored applicants must have held a valid, unrestricted license in a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction. In addition to the SPEX program requirements, board-sponsored applicants must meet eligibility requirements established by the individual licensing boards pursuant to their statutory and regulatory provisions. Individuals wishing to take the examination as a board-sponsored candidate should contact either the licensing authority from which they hold a license or the licensing authority from which they plan to seek a license to determine their eligibility according to the requirements of the jurisdiction. Scores for board-sponsored examinees are reported to both the examinee and the licensing board for which SPEX is taken.

Physicians who hold a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction are eligible to apply for the SPEX as a "self-nominated" candidate, independent of any request or approval from a medical licensing board. Scores for self-nominated examinees are reported only to the examinee.

All physicians must submit a copy of their medical license with their application. Physicians who are unable to submit a copy of their license must provide one of the following:

• A signed, written explanation by the physician of why a copy of the license cannot be provided (e.g., was surrendered to the licensing authority).
• A signed, written explanation by a licensing authority verifying that the physician does have a license. The letter must be on the state medical board's letterhead and must state when the license was issued and whether it is currently in good standing.

The letter should be mailed to:

		Post-Licensure Assessment System (PLAS)
		Federation of State Medical Boards
		P.O. Box 619850
		Dallas, TX 75261-9850