North Carolina Medical License Application

How long will the process take?

Allow three to four months. It could be less.

How quickly can I obtain my license?

Using our expedited service, we can have your application and verifications out the door to you within five business days. The vast majority of applicants, however, are approved by the Board and licensed within 60 to 90 days of receipt of their application materials. North Carolina accepts the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) application.

As an IMG, what are some of the requirements?

If you are a graduate of a medical school other than these approved by LCME, COCA or CACMS, you must have the following: Current valid certification of the ECFMG or completed an approved Fifth Pathway Program; three years of graduate medical education approved by ACGME, CFPC, RCPSC, or AOA; passed a state board licensing examinations (the North Carolina Board does not accept the Puerto Rico state board written examination) and each step of the USMLE and COMLEX must be passed with three attempts. However, the Board shall waive this requirement if the applicant has been certified or recertified by an ABMS, CCFP, FRCP, FRCS or AOA approved specialty board within the past 10 years; has a minimum of 130 weeks of medical school (the Board will waive this requirement if the applicant has been certified or recertified by an approved specialty board within the past 10 years); submit proof of one of the following qualifications within the past 10 years: USMLE, MCCQE, NBOME or COMLEX; SPEX examination with a score of at least 75; COMVEX; certification or recertification of CAQ by a specialty board recognized by the ABMS, AOA, CCFP, FRCP, and FRCS; completion of graduate medical education approved by ACGME, AOA, CFPC or RCPSC. If you have not met one of the seven qualifications above, you must submit documentation of 60 hours of practice relevant CME obtained in the past three years. The 60 hours shall be educational provider-initiated.

Am I required to be board certified?

Yes, North Carolina does require Board Certification or you must submit proof of one of the following qualifications within the past 10 years: USMLE, MCCQE, NBOME or COMLEX, SPEX, COMVEX.

State Specific Licensing Information