A medical license is required to practice medicine in the US. Each state's Medical Board grants licenses independently, though the process is standardized through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Complete medical school — Earn an MD (allopathic) or DO (osteopathic) degree from an accredited medical school (4 years after a bachelor's degree).
- Pass Step 1/Level 1 of licensing exams — USMLE Step 1 (for MDs) or COMLEX Level 1 (for DOs) is typically taken after the second year of medical school. Tests foundational science knowledge.
- Pass Step 2/Level 2 — USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) or COMLEX Level 2 is typically taken in the fourth year. Tests clinical science and patient management.
- Match into residency — Apply for residency through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and participate in the NRMP Match process. Residency training lasts 3-7 years depending on specialty.
- Pass Step 3/Level 3 — USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 is typically taken during the first or second year of residency. Tests independent practice readiness.
- Complete residency training — Most states require at least 2-3 years of accredited postgraduate training for licensure. Complete your full residency and any fellowship training.
- Apply for state medical licensure — Submit your application to the state medical board where you plan to practice. Include medical school transcripts, exam scores, residency verification, reference...
- Undergo credentialing and verification — The state board verifies all education, training, and exam information through primary sources. This process takes 2-6 months.
- Receive your medical license — Once approved, you receive your state medical license authorizing independent practice within your scope.
- Obtain additional credentials — Apply for DEA registration (prescribing controlled substances), hospital privileges, and insurance panel participation.
Common Mistakes
- Not planning for timeline
- Incomplete applications
- Not disclosing required information
- Forgetting to maintain CME
- Not understanding state variations
Pro Tips
- The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) allows qualified physicians t...
- FSMB's FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service) creates a permanent...
- Board certification (through ABMS or AOA specialty boards) is not legally req...
- Telemedicine has created new licensing requirements
- Locum tenens (temporary physician staffing) agencies handle licensing in mult...