Education
Graduate from an accredited medical school (MD or DO).
International medical graduates (IMGs) must provide ECFMG certification.
Postgraduate Training
U.S./Canadian graduates: Minimum 1 year of ACGME- or AOA-accredited postgraduate training.
International graduates: Minimum 2 years of accredited postgraduate training.
Examination Requirements
Applicants must pass one of the following:
USMLE (Steps 1–3)
COMLEX-USA (Levels 1–3) for DOs
NBME/FLEX combinations accepted if meeting NH criteria
Exam Rules
Maximum 3 attempts per USMLE Step (exceptions may be reviewed).
Steps must typically be completed within a 7-year timeframe (MD/PhD programs may qualify for extensions).
Passing all parts of the required exam series is mandatory for licensure.
Moral Character & Fitness
Must demonstrate ethical conduct, professional competence, and mental/physical fitness to practice.
Criminal Background Check
Required state and FBI fingerprint-based background checks.
Conducted through New Hampshire’s approved fingerprinting vendor or local law enforcement.
1. Apply Through the New Hampshire Board of Medicine Online Portal
Select the correct application type:
Initial license
Endorsement/Reciprocity
IMLC expedited license
Training license (residents/fellows)
2. Submit Required Documents
Medical school diploma
Official transcripts
Postgraduate training verification
USMLE/COMLEX score reports
ECFMG certificate (if IMG)
Chronological CV (no gaps)
Malpractice claims history for 10 years
Two professional references (varies by route)
3. Background Check
Complete NH and FBI fingerprinting
Must use approved providers as listed by the Board
4. Credential Verification
FCVS profile strongly recommended
(Required for many applicants, especially those trained outside the U.S. or with complex histories.)
5. Board Review
The New Hampshire Board of Medicine reviews all documents and verifies competency and history.
Additional information may be requested.
6. License Issuance
Upon approval, the license is issued and available via the online portal.
Training License
Required for residents and fellows in NH ACGME-/AOA-approved programs.
Limited Temporary License
Granted in special circumstances, often while full licensure is in progress.
Academic License
For physicians appointed to faculty positions in NH academic medical centers.
Volunteer License
For retired physicians providing free medical services.
100 CME hours every 2 years
At least 40 hours must be Category 1
The remaining may be Category 2
3 hours in opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance misuse (required per cycle)
Physicians with DEA registration must comply with federal opioid CME expectations
New Hampshire medical licenses renew every 2 years.
Renewal is completed through the online renewal system.
Physicians must attest to CME completion and may be audited for proof.
License by Endorsement (Reciprocity)
Physicians already licensed in another U.S. state may qualify if:
Current license is active and unrestricted
No disciplinary history
Postgraduate training and exam requirements are met
Credentials are verified through FCVS or direct primary source verification
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
New Hampshire participates in the IMLC, allowing eligible physicians to obtain an expedited license.
Requirements include:
Clean background and disciplinary record
Board certification in most cases
Primary state of licensure must verify eligibility
Typical processing time: 6–10 weeks, depending on:
Background check completion
Speed of verification from training programs and institutions
Completeness of application
IMLC applicants may receive licensure faster if all eligibility criteria are met.
New Hampshire Board of Medicine
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-medicine
Online Licensing Portal (NH OPLC)
https://login.oplc.nh.gov
Fingerprinting / Background Check Information
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/fingerprinting
CME Requirements (CME Passport)
https://content.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/new-hampshire
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
https://www.imlcc.org
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