West Virginia Medical License

Table Of Content

Apply for an initial medical license via the Uniform Application (UA) plus the West Virginia-specific addendum.
Graduate from an LCME-accredited (MD) or otherwise approved medical school.
Complete a minimum of 1 year of graduate clinical training (residency) in an ACGME-approved program.
Pass a licensing examination approved by the Board (for example, USMLE).
For international medical graduates:
- Provide ECFMG certification or equivalent.
- Complete at least 2 years of accredited postgraduate training or hold board certification.
Demonstrate English proficiency (for foreign graduates).
Submit evidence of good moral character and physical/mental fitness to practice.
Undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprints.

Complete and submit the Uniform Application + WV Addendum through the WV Board of Medicine.
Provide primary-source verification of:
- Medical school transcripts and diploma
- Residency/postgraduate training verification
The Board may require a personal interview or ask you to attend in person.
The Board may also request an additional competency evaluation (e.g., SPEX or other clinical knowledge exam) if needed.
Once all third-party documentation is in, the Board reviews complete applications at its regular meetings.

If you’re a resident or fellow, you may apply for an educational permit to allow practice within your training program.
Such permits are valid only within the scope of your training; they do not allow independent practice outside training.
After meeting eligibility, you can convert your permit into a full license.

Licenses are valid for 2 years.
To renew, you must:
1. Submit a renewal application on forms provided by the Board.
2. Certify completion of 50 hours of CME in the past two years.
  - CME must include Category I credits per AMA or AAFP (or as approved by the Board).
  - If you have prescribed controlled substances during the cycle, 3 of your CME hours must cover drug diversion / prescribing practices.
3. Pay the renewal fee.
The Board also allows an inactive license. To obtain or return to active status, you must complete the CME requirements.

There is a faculty / limited license available for medical school professors.
The Board may refuse licensure if there are recent practice gaps (≥ 2 years), requiring you to demonstrate skill recency or propose a reentry plan.

The Board only considers complete applications (with all documentation) during its regular meetings; incomplete applications are not reviewed.
If applying via an educational permit, the permit expires upon issuance of a full medical license.

West Virginia Board of Medicine – Physician Licensure Instructions & Application Checklist fsmb.org
West Virginia Licensing & Renewal Rules – Licensure & Inactive Status Justia
West Virginia Code – Medical Practice Act (Renewal, CME, Inactive License) West Virginia Code
WV Continuing Medical Education (CME) Rules (Board Regulations) Justia+1
WV Board of Medicine – CME Passport (Physician) content.cmepassport.org
West Virginia CME Requirements (ACS WV Chapter) acswestvirginia.com
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact – WV Rules on Renewal & Participation West Virginia Code