Your State Requirements

Type In Your State 

 

Alabama

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: May be required by Board order if written licensure or board certification exam hasn’t been taken in the last ten years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit on Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Alaska

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: To restore retired license. 
USLME Attempt Limit: One attempt for both Steps I and II. Two attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing the Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years (1 Year if completed Med School before January of 1995). 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Arizona

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board (for MD). May be required if written licensure or board certification exam hasn’t been taken in the last seven years (for DO). 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing the Step I. If you hold a medical license in another state, no time limit for Step III. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Arkansas

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Six attempts for Steps I and II. Six attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing the Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years (1 year if you are currently enrolled in MED SCI program at University of Arkansas) 

California

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if written licensure or board certification exam hasn’t been taken in the last ten years (for MD). 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Four attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing the Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year (includes four months of general medicine) 
PGT International: 2 Years (including four months of general medicine) 

Colorado

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Connecticut

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: May be required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Delaware

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Not required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Florida

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: May be required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Georgia

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 9 years for MD/PhD 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Hawaii

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if MD took a state licensing exam. Not required for DO. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Idaho

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Two attempts for Steps I and II. Two attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Illinois

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action; if not been practicing for a few years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Five attempts for Steps I and II. Five attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years (1 year if entered GME before Janurary 1988). 
PGT International: 1 Year (if entered GME pre-1988) 2 years (if entered GME post 1988). 

Indiana

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not been practice; by board order. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Five attempts for Steps I and II. Five attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Iowa

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board 
USLME Attempt Limit: Six attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Kansas

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Kentucky

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Four attempts for Steps I and II. Four attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Louisiana

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required unless board certified or re-certified by a specialty board or taken an exam within a 10 year period prior to making application. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Step I. Four attempts for Step II. Four attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years (Fifth Pathway can count as one year). 

Maine

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not practicing for > 1 year 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 3 Years (for those graduating after July 1st, 2004). 
PGT International: 3 Years (for those graduating after July 1st, 2004). 

Maryland

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not practicing within the last 10 years to assess competence if written licensure exam or board certified exam has not been taken within 15 years (licensure exam), 10 years (ABMS exam) or no lifetime certification. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Four attempts for Steps I and II. Four attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Massachusetts

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Not Required 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempts limit for Steps I and II. Six attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Michigan

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit, but after 5 years of first attempt additional GME is required 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Minnesota

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action and to assess competence if written licensure exam or board certified exam has not been taken within 10 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Mississippi

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action and to assess competence if written licensure exam or board certified exam has not been taken within 10 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years (or 1 year plus ABMS certification). 

Missouri

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action and to assess competence. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Montana

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not practicing or inactive Montana license for the last 2 years or to assess competence if written licensure exam or board certified exam has not been taken within 2 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years 
PGT International: 3 Years (or ABMS of AOA certification). 

Nebraska

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to assess competence. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Four attempts for Steps I and II. Four attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 3 Years 

Nevada

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to meet the 10 year rule or to assess competence if written licensure exam or board certified exam has not been taken within 10 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III (limited to 9 total attempts for all steps) 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 3 years 
PGT International: 3 Years 

New Hampshire

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 years 
PGT International: 2 years 

New Jersey

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Not Required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Five attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year (if graduated before July 1st, 2003). 2 years and contract for Year 3 if graduated after July 1st, 2003. 
PGT International: 3 years (1 year if graduated before July 1st, 1985). 2 years and contract for Year 3 if graduated after July 1st, 2003. 

New Mexico

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action; if not practicing for several years. DO is determined on individual basis. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Six attempts for Steps I and II. Six attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 years (for MD) 1 year (for DO) 
PGT International: 2 years 

New York

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Determined on an individual basis. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years 

North Carolina

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Determined on individual basis. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Six attempts for Steps I and II. Six attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years 

North Dakota

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required under special conditions. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years (or board may confer eligibility after 1 year of US GME and other professional experience). 

Ohio

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required of not practicing for 2 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 2 years 

Oklahoma

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Determined on individual basis for MD. DO if board ordered. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 2 years 

Oregon

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not practicing for 1 year or no training or ABMS cert. for 10 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Four attempts for Step III (must complete 1 year of GME after three failed Step III attempts). 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years 

Pennsylvania

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action or if not practicing for several years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: No time limit. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 years (1 year with GME in US before July 1987). 
PGT International: 3 years (Fifth Pathway can count as 1 year). 

Rhode Island

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Not Required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 years 
PGT International: 3 years 

South Carolina

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action or if not practicing for 2 years. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Four attempts for Steps I and II. Four attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 10 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years (must also have ABMS/AOA board cert. if completed the Fifth Pathway program). 

South Dakota

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Not Required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: Completion of residency program. 
PGT International: Completion of residency program or 1 year GME if taken before July 1987. 

Tennessee

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license after disciplinary action; if retired license > 5 years. For DO not required. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years 

Texas

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if written licensure or board certification exam hasn’t been taken in the last ten years (for MD). 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years 

Utah

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not practicing for several years or to restore license after disciplinary action. Required if written licensure or board certification exam hasn’t been taken in the last ten years (DO only). 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 years 
PGT International: 2 years 

Vermont

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Not Required for MDs. Required for DOs to restore license if not practicing for > 1 year. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years 

Virginia

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to asses competence. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 Year 
PGT International: 2 Years 

Washington

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to restore license if not practicing for > 3 year. Required after disciplinary action (MD only). 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 years MD (1 year if med school completed before July 28th, 1985). 1 year DO. 
PGT International: 2 years (1 year if med school completed before July 28th, 1985). 

Washington DC

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Necessary to assess competence if ordered by Board 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III (after three failed Step III attempts, 1 additional year GME required). 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 2 Years 
PGT International: 3 Years 

West Virginia

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required to assess competence. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. No attempt limit for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I, within 10 years for MD/PhD. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 3 years (or 1 year plus ABMS certification). 

Wisconsin

SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Determined on an individual basis. 
USLME Attempt Limit: Three attempts for Steps I and II. Three attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 1 year 

Wyoming


SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Determined on an individual basis. 
USLME Attempt Limit: No attempt limit for Steps I and II. Two attempts for Step III. 
USLME Time Limit: Must complete all three Steps within 7 years of passing Step I. 
PGT US/Canada: 1 year 
PGT International: 2 years 

 

*Disclaimer: the above information is provided solely for the convenience of the physician and is not guaranteed by Healthmark Medical Licensing, LLC to be current or accurate, and is subject to change without notice. For more information, see the official websites of the specific state medical boards.