The Ultimate Guide to State Medical Licensing Requirements - Fusion Healthcare Staffing

The medical industry is a great field for those who like to travel or move frequently. After all, we need healthcare everywhere, and with physician shortages and locum tenens opportunities popping up all around the country, it’s never been easier to relocate.

Often, the only obstacle between you and that job in the city or near the beaches you’re dreaming of is a state license. Each state has a slightly difficult approach to medical licensing, and this can become frustrating for physicians trying to work in new environments. That’s why we want to give you the knowledge on medical licensing requirements you’re looking for here, in a consolidated form.

If you have any further questions, you can also reach out to our expert credentialing team at Fusion Healthcare Staffing. If you choose to work with us, we’ll help you through every step of the process and cover all fees. Call 855-537-8353 to learn more.

StateUSMLE/NBOMEPost-Graduate TrainingSPEXProcessing TimeFees
AlabamaMust complete steps I, II, and II within 10 years of passing the first step; no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 yearsMinimum of 8 weeks$20 application packet, $175 application, $65 criminal background check
AlaskaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; 2 attempts per step2 years (1 year if completed before 1/1/95) for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required8-12 weeks$200 application, $300 license
Arizona MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I, unless first licensed by a state that doesn’t have a 7-year limit; no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required120 days$500 application
Arizona OsteopathicNo limits1 yearRequired unless lifetime certified, board certified, or re-certified in the last 7 years90 days for initial review
$400 application
ArkansasMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; 6 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduates (1 year if enrolled at the University of Arkansas)Not requiredMinimum of 6 weeks$500 application
California MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; no attempt limit on steps I and II, 4 attempts on step III1 year (including 4 months General Med.) for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years (including 4 months General Med.) for foreign graduatesNot requiredInitial review completed within 60 days$805 licensing, $493 application
California OsteopathicNo limits
1 yearNot requiredWithin 30 days$249 application
ColoradoMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if MD/PhD); no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required60-90 days$522 application
ConnecticutMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit2 yearsNot required1-3 months$565 application
DelawareNo time limit; no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot requiredVariableVariable
D.C.Must complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit for steps I and II, additional year of PGT required if 4 failed attempts on step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required2-4 weeks$305 application, $500 license
Florida MedicalNo time limit; no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required3-6 months$547 application
Florida OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required3-6 monthsVariable
GeorgiaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step 1 (9 years if MD/PhD); No attempt limit on steps I and II, 3 attempts on step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years (1 year if graduated before July 1985) for foreign graduatesNot required6-8 weeks$500 application
Hawaii MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step 1 (10 years if MD/PhD); no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot requiredMinimum of 6-8 weeks$170-$290 application
Hawaii OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required3-4 weeksVariable
IdahoMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step 1 (10 years if MD/PhD); 2 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required8-12 weeks$500 licensure
IllinoisMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step 1; no more than 5 failed attempts2 years (1 year if completed before 1988)Not required12-18 weeks$700 application
IndianaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step 1; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required10-12 weeks$250 application
IowaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step 1 (10 years if MD/PhD); 6 attempts for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required2-3 months$505 licensure
KansasMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step 1; no attempt limit on steps I and II, 3 attempts on step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot requiredMinimum of 12-16 weeks$300 application
KentuckyNo time limit; 4 attempts per step2 yearsNot required60-90 days$300 application, $39.75 background check
LouisianaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step 1; no attempt limit on step 1, 4 attempts on steps II and III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years4-6 months$382 license
Maine MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit on steps I and II, 3 attempts on step III2 years (3 years if graduated after 7/2004) for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required90 days$700 application
Maine OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required12-16 weeks$350 application
MarylandMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step1 year (2 if any USMLE step failed 3 times) for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless lifetime certified, board certified, or re-certified in the last 10 years or passed a licensing exam in the last 15 years4 months minimum$790 licensure for US/Canadian graduates, $890 for graduates of international medical schools
MassachusettsMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit for steps I and II, 6 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required12-16 weeks minimum$600 application
MichiganNo time limit for steps I and II, but must complete step III within 5 years of first attempt on step II; no attempt limit2 years for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years (3 if completed before 1984) for foreign graduatesNot required6-8 weeks minimum$150 professional license, $85 controlled substance license
MinnesotaNo time limit for steps I and II, but must complete step III within 5 years of passing step II; 3 attempts per step with 4 attempts for step III if board certified1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years12 weeks minimum$431.20 application
MississippiMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years (1 year if board certified) for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years8-12 weeks minimum$551.65 application
MissouriMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required8-12 weeks minimum$300 application
MontanaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III2 years for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required3-4 months minimum$325 application
NebraskaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if MD/PhD); no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required8-12 weeks minimum$300 application, $38 background check
Nevada MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if MD/PhD); no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III3 yearsRequired unless lifetime certified, board certified, or re-certified in the last 10 years14-60 days$1475 application
Nevada OsteopathicNo limit3 years (1 year if graduated before 1/1/95)Required unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years14-60 days$370 application and initial licensure (additional $300 between January 1 and June 30)
New HampshireNo time limit; 3 attempts per step2 yearsNot required8 weeks minimum$300 application, $55.25 background check
New JerseyMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit for steps I and II, 5 attempts for step III3 years (1 year if graduated before 7/1/85)Not required6-9 months$325 application, $805 registration, $66.30 background check
New Mexico MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if MD/PhD); 6 attempts per step2 yearsNot required3 months minimum$436 application
New Mexico OsteopathicNo limits2 yearsNot required6-12 weeks minimum$400 application
New YorkNo time limit; no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesRequired if state board exam was taken before 19688 weeks minimum$735 application
North CarolinaNo time limit; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless completed USMLE, COMLEX, or MCCQE within the past 10 years; board certified or re-certified within the past 10 years by ABMS, AOA, CCFP, FRCP, or FRCS; completed ACGME, CFPC, RCPSC, or AOA approved training within the past 10 years; or does not have 60 hours of category 1 continuing medical education within the past 3 years4-5 months minimum$404 application
North DakotaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required4-8 weeks minimum$247.25 application
OhioMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; 4 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required10-12 weeks minimum$335 application, $46 background check
Oklahoma MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required6-8 weeks minimum$500 application, $22.49 background check
Oklahoma OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required3-4 months minimum$575 application
OregonMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if MD/PhD); no attempt limits for steps I and II, 4 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 1 year (3 years if med school is non-approved) for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years or state board exam was taken before 196812-16 weeks minimum$813 application/registration
Pennsylvania MedicalNo time limit; no attempt limit2 years (1 year if completed before 7/87) for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years (1 year if completed before 7/87) for foreign graduatesNot required8-12 weeks minimum$35 (AMG)/$85 (IMG) application
Pennsylvania OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required6-8 weeks minimum$215 application fee
Rhode IslandMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step2 years for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required12-16 weeks minimum$1090 application, $200 controlled substance registration
South CarolinaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years (will waive exam if 150 CME hours in the last 3 years)3-4 months minimum$580 application, $54.25 background check
South DakotaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if MD/PhD); 3 attempts per stepCompletion of residency programNot required6-8 weeks minimum$200 application, $43.25 background check
Tennessee MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I; no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required8 weeks minimum$410 application, $60 background check
Tennessee OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required6-8 weeks minimum$410 application fee
TexasMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years if ABMS or BOS board certified or have practiced under a Texas FLT for 1 year, and have been recommended for licensure by the institution at which the FTL was used); 3 attempts per step (4 attempts on one part only if licensed in good standing in another state for at least 5 years, 6 attempts on one part only if ABMS or BOS board certified with additional 2 years of residency training in Texas)1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesRequired unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years4-6 months minimum$1002 application and registration, $44.20 background check
UtahMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years for MD/PhD); 3 attempts per step2 yearsRequired only for DO’s unless board certified or re-certified in the last 10 years12-16 weeks minimum$200 application ($300 with CSR)
Vermont MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years for MD/PhD); no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years for foreign graduatesNot required12-16 weeks minimum$625 application
Vermont OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required12-16 weeks minimum$500 application
VirginiaMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; no attempt limit1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required12 weeks minimum
$302 application
Washington MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 7 years of passing step I (10 years for MD/PhD); no attempt limit for steps I and II, 3 attempts for step III2 years (1 if graduated before 7/28/85)Not required12-16 weeks minimum$500 application, $35.25 background check
Washington OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot required8-12 weeks minimum$825 application
West Virginia MedicalMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I; 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 3 years (1 year if board certified) for foreign graduatesNot required3-6 months$400 application
West Virginia OsteopathicNo limits1 yearNot requiredVariable$400 application
WisconsinMust complete steps I, II, and III within 10 years of passing step I (12 years if MD/PhD); 3 attempts per step1 year for US/Canadian graduates; 2 years for foreign graduatesNot required12-16 weeks minimum$150 application ($165 if took state exam/$125 if needs to take USMLE III)
WyomingNo time limit; no attempt limit1 yearNot required12-16 weeks minimum$600 application

The Ultimate Guide to State Medical Licensing Requirements