Massachusetts Medical License

Table Of Content

Eligibility Requirements

Education
• Graduate from an accredited medical (MD) or osteopathic (DO) school.
• International medical graduates must hold valid ECFMG certification.
Postgraduate Training
• Completion of at least 2 years of ACGME- or AOA-accredited postgraduate training.
• IMGs must complete 3 years of accredited postgraduate training unless eligible for specific exemptions.
Good Moral Character
• Must meet the Massachusetts Board’s standards of good moral character and professional conduct.
Examination Requirements
• Pass a Board-approved exam: USMLE, COMLEX-USA, LMCC, or other Board-recognized equivalents.
• All exam components must meet the Board’s time-limit and attempt requirements.

Application Process

Apply through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine (BORIM) online system.
Choose the correct application type:
• Full License (by Examination or by Endorsement)
• Limited License (training/residency)
• Temporary License (short-term practice)
Submit Required Documentation:
• Medical school diploma & transcript
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
• Postgraduate training verification (ACGME/AOA program)
• Exam score reports (USMLE/COMLEX/LMCC)
• Two reference evaluation forms
• Employment/Practice history
• Disciplinary, malpractice, and professional history forms
Background Check Requirements:
• Complete CORI (state background check)
• Submit fingerprints for FBI national criminal history check
Credential Verification
• Massachusetts uses FCVS (strongly recommended) to verify core credentials.
Board Review & Approval
• Once all documents are submitted and verified, the Board conducts a final review before issuing a license number.

Special / Limited Licenses

Limited License (Training License)
• Required for residents, fellows, and interns in Massachusetts.
• Must be sponsored by an accredited teaching hospital.
Temporary License
• For physicians coming to Massachusetts for training, teaching, or short-term clinical assignments.
• Practice is limited and must be supervised.
Volunteer License
• Allows retired or inactive physicians to provide free medical services under approved programs.

Continuing Education Requirements

Physicians must complete 50 CME credits every 2 years.
– At least 40 credits must be AMA PRA Category 1 or equivalent.

Mandatory CME Topics:
• 2 credits in End-of-Life Care
• 3 credits in Opioid & Pain Management (if prescribing)
• 1 credit in Ethics or Professionalism
• Training in Domestic & Sexual Violence (1-time requirement)
• Implicit Bias Training (mandatory)

Expiration & Renewal

Massachusetts medical licenses are renewed every 2 years.
Renewal is completed via the BORIM online system.
Physicians must attest to CME completion; proof is required only if audited.
Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR) must be renewed separately.

Expedited Licensure (License by Reciprocity / Endorsement)

Applicants already licensed in another state may qualify if they:

Hold an active, unrestricted license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
Have no disciplinary, malpractice, or competency concerns.
Have practiced for at least 2–3 years post-residency (as determined by the Board).
Hold ABMS or AOA board certification, or have valid ECFMG certification (if applicable).
Provide two professional recommendations from supervisors, department chairs, or attending physicians.
Complete a Massachusetts and FBI background check (CORI & national fingerprinting).

Processing Time

Standard processing typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on:
– FCVS processing
– Background check and fingerprint clearance
– Training and exam verification
Delays often occur due to incomplete forms, missing malpractice information, or unverified training documents.

Helpful Links

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine (BORIM)
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-medicine
Physician Licensing Portalhttps://madocs.mass.gov/
FCVS – Federation Credentials Verification Servicehttps://www.fsmb.org/fcvs/
Massachusetts Continuing Education Requirementshttps://www.mass.gov/info-details/physician-continuing-education-requirements
Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR)https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-controlled-substances-registration-csr