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State Specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure

 

Alabama

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

4th attempt at USMLE Step 3 following proof of formal training after the 3rd attempt

10 attempts at all USMLE Steps

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year ACGME training for US grads

3 years ACGME training for IMG’s

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to successfully complete all USMLE Steps

No limit on COMLEX (if board certified by one of the ABMS approved boards can complete all parts in 10 years)

 

Alaska

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

2 attempts per USMLE Step

2 attempts per COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

10 years for MD/PhD candidates

7 years to complete COMLEX

 

Arizona Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE if initial licensure

No limit if already licensed

 

Arizona Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Contact the board for information

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

Contact the board for information

 

Arkansas

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts per USMLE Step

3 attempts per COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG unless currently enrolled in training program through University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

 

California Medical

check Limited acceptance of FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

4 attempts at USMLE Step 3

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

Passing scores on a written/computerized exam shall be valid for a period of 10 years from the month of the examination

 

California Osteopathic

check Limited Acceptance of FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Colorado

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

No information available on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years from first sitting to complete USMLE or COMLEX

10 years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates

 

Connecticut

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

 No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

No limit on COMLEX

 

Delaware

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No more than 6 attempts to pass each step

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

 

Washington, DC

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3; After which one additional year of postgraduate training is required.

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE; No limit on COMLEX

 

Florida Medical

check Highly recommends FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on USMLE

Florida Osteopathic

 

check Highly recommends FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Contact the board for information

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year in an AOA-approved program

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Georgia

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts per USMLE Step

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

1 year if IMG is on list

3 years IMG if not on list

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

9 years to complete USMLE if in MD/PhD program

No limit on COMLEX

 

Guam

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No information at this time

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

No information at this time

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No information at this time

 

Hawaii

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

 

Idaho

check Accepts FCVS

check Requires Uniform Application

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Failure to pass USMLE after 2 attempts may lead to Board interview or evaluation

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG (can be licensed after 2 years if in good standing with Idaho residency training program, and has signed an agreement to complete residency in Idaho)

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE: 10 years for MD/PhD candidates

No limit on COMLEX

 

Illinois

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

5 attempts at all USMLE Steps combined

5 attempts at COMLEX Levels combined

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

24 months of training

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

No limit on COMLEX

 

Indiana

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts per USMLE Step

5 attempts per COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE

7 years to complete COMLEX

 

Iowa

check Accepts FCVS

check Utilizes Uniform Application

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

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

3 years of approved postgraduate training required if outside the attempt limit.

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

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

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3+ attempts at USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG (minimum 2 years in an ACGME approved program)

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

 

Kentucky

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Step or Level 1-4 attempts

Step or level 2 CK-4 attempts

Step or level 2 CS-4 attempts

Step or level 3-4 attempts

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

 

Louisiana

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit at USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1

4 attempts each at USMLE Steps 2 and 3 or COMLEX Levels 2 and 3

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

 

Maine Medical

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3. More than 3 attempts requires a request for a waiver.

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

US/Canadian medical school graduates who graduated after July 1, 2004 must complete 3 years of ACGME accredited postgraduate training. (Those who graduated before July 1, 2004 are only required to complete 2 years of ACGME accredited PGT.) IMGs 3 years of ACGME accredited.  

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete exam sequence (NBME, USMLE, and FLEX) More than 7 years requires a waiver.

 

Maine Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each Step/Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year in AOA approved program

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Maryland

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Unlimited attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No time limit. There are additional requirements if an applicant fails an exam 3 or more times (See Health Occupations Article, Section 14-307(g))

 

Massachusetts

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX (See Board Regulations 243 CMR 2.02 (3)(b).)

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

Prior to January 2014, 2 years for domestic graduates and 2 years for IMGs.

After January 2014, 2 years for domestic graduates and 3 years for IMGs.

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX. May request a waiver under specific conditions. (See Board Regulations 243 CMR 2.02 (3)(c)(2).)

 

Michigan Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

Must pass all Steps of the USMLE within 7 years from the date of first passing any Step of the exam.  Must pass Step 3 within 4 years of the first attempt at Step 3 or must complete 1 year of post-graduate training before making additional attempts at Step 3. 

 

Michigan Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

6 attempts total for each examination

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year in AOA approved program

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

Pass all components of the COMLEX-USA within 7 years from the date you first passed any component of the COMLEX-USA

 

Minnesota

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step, 4 attempts allowed if current license in another State and current certification by specialty board of ABMS, AOABPE, RCPSC, CFPC.

All 3 levels of COMLEX must be passed within 6 attempts.

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

USMLE Step 3 must be passed within 5 years of Step 2 or before the end of residency training.

 

Mississippi

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each Step

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

1-3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

No limit on COMLEX

 

Missouri

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3

3 attempts on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE (waived for MD/PhD candidates)

No limit on COMLEX

 

Montana

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE (exceptions possible for MD/PhD candidates)

No limit on COMLEX

 

Nebraska

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

4 attempts+ at each USMLE Step

4 attempts+ at each COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX beginning with date first Step/Level is passed.

 

Nevada Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

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

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

3 years. An unlimited license may be granted to currently enrolled residents in a post graduate training program in the U.S. or Canada, that have completed at least 24 months of progressive post graduate training and meet all requirements for an unlimited license in the state of Nevada, including having passed all 3 steps of USMLE within the time period allowed by NAC 630.080 and commit in writing to the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners that they will complete the program and provide satisfactory completion of the program within 60 days after the scheduled completion of the program.

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

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

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

3 years for full license OR 2 years if resident signs commitment to practice in NV

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

New Hampshire

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

 

New Jersey

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

5 attempts at USMLE Step 3

No information available on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

US and IMG graduates who graduated after July 1, 2003 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 July 1, 2003: 1 year; 3 years IMG.

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

No information available on COMLEX

 

New Mexico Medical

check Highly recommends FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

6 attempts per USMLE Step

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

10 years for MD/PhD candidates

 

New Mexico Osteopathic

check Highly recommends FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

Within 7 years of having passed the first level

 

New York

check Accepts FCVS for domestic graduates

check IMGs-FCVS required

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

Domestic 1 year

IMG 3 years 

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on USMLE or COMLEX

 

North Carolina

check Doesn’t require FCVS unless previously established a profile

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts per USMLE Step

3 attempts per COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No time limit for passing all 3 steps

 

North Dakota

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

30 months IMG of ACGME accredited training

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

 

Northern Mariana Islands

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No information available at this time

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

No information available at this time

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No information available at this time

 

Ohio

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

An applicant for licensure has a total of 5 attempts (or 5 times to fail) a USMLE Step or COMLEX Level. The applicant must have passed on the 6th attempt. 

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX (possible waiver good cause if over 10 years)

 

Oklahoma Medical

check Accept FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step (Step 2 = CK & CS)

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE

 

Oklahoma Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Contact the board for information

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Oregon

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE step 3/COMLEX level 3. 4th attempt after additional 1 year postgraduate training. Waiver of attempt requirement may be available if ABMS/AOA certified.

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

 

Pennsylvania Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

 

Pennsylvania Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Puerto Rico

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

USMLE Step 3 shall be passed within 7 years of the date of passing Step 1.

 

Rhode Island

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step

3 attempts at each COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

No information available on COMLEX

 

American Samoa

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No information available at this time

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

No information available at this time 

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No information available at this time

 

South Carolina

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

4 attempts per USMLE Step and COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

 

South Dakota

check Highly recommends FCVS for International Medical Graduates only

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Allowed 3 attempts, must pass on third, for the USMLE or COMLEX examination

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

Successful completion of residency program

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE or COMLEX

10 years for Dual Program Degree MD-PhD Applicant

 

Tennessee Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Applicants who fails any step of the USMLE or FLEX more than (3) times must show ABMS board certification & proof of meeting requirements for Maintenance of Certification to be considered for licensure. 

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

All three steps must be taken and passed within ten (10) years of the first successful step, unless you qualify under an exception.

 

Tennessee Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Texas

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE Step or COMLEX Level. (Exceptions may apply for applicants who held a Texas Physician in Training permit on or before September 1, 2005 or who have been licensed in good standing in another state for 5 years. See TMB website for more information.)

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years+ to complete the USMLE or COMLEX. (Exceptions may apply for applicants who are especially board certified or who completed combined MD/PhD programs, or who exceed the time limit but are willing to accept a limited license to practice exclusively in an MUA or HPSA. See TMB website for more information.)

 

Utah Medical

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years completed - OR - 1 year of training complete, with a second year in the state of Utah in progress

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

10 years for MD/PhD candidates

 

Utah Osteopathic

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each COMLEX Level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years completed OR 1 year of training complete, with a second year in the state of Utah in progress

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete COMLEX

10 years for DO/PhD candidates

 

Vermont Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years to complete USMLE

 

Vermont Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No information available at this time

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year rotating internship or 3 year residency program

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No information available at this time

 

Virgin Islands

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

Must take SPEX (only given in May and November) and an oral exam. 2 attempts

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

6 months required after 2 attempts for SPEX exam

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

3 years to pass the 2 attempts allowed for re-examination. 1 year limitation to take the oral exam after passing written.

 

 

Virginia

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on USMLE

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

2 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE; Greater than 10 years if candidate is ABMS certified.

 

Washington Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at USMLE Step 3

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years+ to complete USMLE

 

Washington Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

West Virginia Medical

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

6 attempts per USMLE Step or Step component

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

3 years IMG

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

10 years to complete USMLE

 

West Virginia Osteopathic

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

No limit on COMLEX

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

1 year

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

No limit on COMLEX

 

Wisconsin

check Accepts FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

3 attempts at each USMLE step/COMLEX level

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

USMLE Step 3 shall be passed within 10 years of the date of passing Step 1

N/A on COMLEX

 

Wyoming

check Requires FCVS

Number of attempts at Licensing Exam

7 total attempts on USMLE or COMLEX in 7 years

Minimum Postgraduate Training Required

2 years (1 year if applicant has current certification by an ABMS or AOABOS/BOC specialty board, or continuous licensure in good standing in 1 or more states and/or D.C. for the preceding 5 years.)

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence

7 years (8 years if in combined DO or MD/PhD program)

Licensing & Exams

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