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State-specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure
 
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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.

 State-specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure

Updated June 2009

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 $450
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)


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