Postgraduate Training License

A PTL will be required for all trainees participating in an ACGME accredited postgraduate training program in California in order to practice medicine as part of their training program. A PTL must be obtained within 180 days after enrollment in the program and will not be required to be renewed. It is recommended for an applicant to apply at least 6 months prior to the deadline the license is needed. 

Checklist

Transition from PTL to Physician's and Surgeon's License 

Applicants who hold a current PTL can apply to transition to a Physician and Surgeon License.  Applicants should apply at least 6 months prior to when the PTL expires or deadline the license is needed.

Eligibility:

  • Complete 12 months of ACGME training for graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada or 24 months of ACGME training for graduates of international medical schools
  • Proof of passing USMLE Step 3/COMLEX Level 3.
  • Demonstrate completion of 36 months of ACGME training at the time of the first license renewal.

Note: Interns who are D.O.'s must wait until after officially completing 12 months of training on June 30th to submit the license application. OMBC will not accept the license application before then.

Checklist

Initial Physician's and Surgeon's License

Applicants who does not hold a PTL can apply for a Physician and Surgeon License if the following are met:

  • Have completed at least 12 months of ACGME training for graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada or 24 months of ACGME training for graduates of international medical schools
  • Proof of passing USMLE Step/COMLEX Level 3. 
  • Demonstrate completion of 36 months of ACGME training at the time of the first license renewal.

An applicant eligible for a full medical license has 180 days after beginning an ACGME training program in California to obtain a physician's and surgeon's license to practice medicine in California.  An applicant should apply at least 6 months prior to deadline the license is needed.

Checklist

Initial License Renewal Forms

FAQs

Other Resources