Postgraduate Training License
Trainees enrolled in an ACGME accredited postgraduate training program in California must obtain a Postgraduate Training License (PTL) to practice medicine within their training program. The PTL should be secured within 180 days of program enrollment and does not need to be renewed. Applicants are advised to apply at least 6 months before the required deadline for the license.
Instructions for Transition from PTL to Physician's and Surgeon's License
Applicants with a current PTL can transition to a Physician and Surgeon License. Apply at least six months before the PTL expires.
Eligibility Requirements:
- ACGME Training
- U.S. and Canadian Medical School Graduates - Complete 12 months of ACGME training
- International Medical School Graduates - Complete 24 months of ACGME training
- Examinations - Provide proof of passing USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3.
- Additional Training - Show completion of 36 months of ACGME training at the time of the first license renewal.
Notice: D.O. interns must wait until after officially completing 12 months of training on June 30th to submit their license application. The OMBC will not accept applications submitted before this date.
Initial Physician and Surgeon's License Instructions
Applicants without a PTL can apply if they have completed at least 12 months of ACGME training for U.S. and Canadian graduates or 24 months for international graduates, and passed USMLE Step 3/COMLEX Level 3. Apply at least six months before the license is needed.
Eligible applicants have 180 days from the start of their ACGME training in California to obtain a medical license. It's recommended to apply at least 6 months before the deadline.