Pennsylvania Medical License

Table Of Content

To qualify for a Pennsylvania medical license, applicants must:

Hold an MD or DO degree from a medical school approved by LCME, AOA, or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Complete at least 2 years of ACGME- or AOA-accredited postgraduate training (3 years required for international medical graduates).
Pass one of the following accepted examinations:
- USMLE
- COMLEX
- NBME/NBOME combinations
Hold an active, unencumbered license if applying by endorsement from another state.
Provide official medical school transcripts, diplomas, and postgraduate training verifications sent directly to the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.
Submit license verifications from all states where you have ever held a license.
Complete a state criminal background check (PA) and an FBI background check with fingerprints.
Provide documentation of good moral character, malpractice history, and disciplinary history if applicable.

Create an account and complete the online application through the
Pennsylvania Department of State – Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
Select the appropriate pathway:
- Initial Licensure (Examination)
- Licensure by Endorsement
- Temporary Training License (if applicable)
Pay the required application and processing fees.
Submit all required documents, including:
- Medical school transcripts and diploma
- Postgraduate training forms
- Examination scores (USMLE/COMLEX)
- National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report
- Identification documents
- Background check results
Provide verification of previous licenses directly from each state board.
Wait for Board review, respond to any requests for further documentation, and monitor application progress through PALS.

Physicians in Pennsylvania may prescribe once fully licensed.
To prescribe controlled substances:

Pennsylvania also requires periodic training on opioids and controlled substance prescribing.

To maintain a Pennsylvania medical license, physicians must complete:

100 hours of CME every 2 years
- Minimum 20 hours must be AMA PRA Category 1™
12 hours of opioid-related CME, which counts toward the total, including:
- 2 hours in pain management
- 2 hours in opioid prescribing guidelines

Additional requirements may apply for CSR renewal or disciplinary agreements.

Typical processing time for a Pennsylvania medical license:

Using FCVS may reduce documentation time.