Education
Graduate from an accredited medical school (MD or DO).
International medical graduates must hold 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 Board-approved exams:
USMLE (Steps 1–3)
COMLEX-USA (Levels 1–3) for DO applicants
Combination exams (NBME, FLEX, LMCC) are accepted if meeting Maryland’s criteria.
Attempt limits:
Maximum 6 attempts per USMLE Step.
Step sequence and 7-year completion rules apply (exceptions for MD/PhD candidates).
Good Moral Character
Must demonstrate professionalism and no conduct violations.
Criminal Background Check
Mandatory state and FBI fingerprint-based background check through an approved provider.
1. Start Online Application
Submit the application through the Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP) online portal.
2. Provide Required Documentation
Medical school diploma & transcript
Postgraduate training verification
Exam score reports
ECFMG certification (if applicable)
Malpractice claims history
Work history (chronological)
Name change documents (if applicable)
FCVS profile (required for most physicians)
3. Complete Background Check
Fingerprint-based state & federal check
Use Maryland’s approved fingerprinting vendors
4. Verification & Board Review
MBP reviews all credentials, background information, and verifications.
Additional documents may be requested if inconsistencies arise.
5. License Issuance
Once approved, the license will be issued and available through the portal.
Training License
Required for residents and fellows in Maryland training programs.
Temporary License
May be granted while the full license is under review (case-by-case basis).
Academic License
Available for faculty at Maryland medical schools with defined academic roles.
Volunteer License
For retired or inactive physicians providing unpaid clinical services.
Maryland CME requirements include:
50 CME hours every 2 years
At least 1 hour of implicit bias training (mandated)
Category 1 credit strongly encouraged
Physicians with CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substances) registration must complete:
2 hours of opioid/pain management CME per cycle
Maryland medical licenses renew every 2 years.
Renewal is completed via the MBP online system.
Maintain documentation in case of CME audit.
Endorsement License (Reciprocity)
Physicians licensed in another state may be eligible if they have:
An active, unrestricted license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
No history of disciplinary action.
Passing scores on a Board-approved exam.
Verified training and education through FCVS (required for most endorsement applicants).
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
Maryland participates in the IMLC, offering a faster licensure pathway for eligible physicians.
Requirements include a primary state of licensure (PSL) and meeting the Compact’s criteria (board certification, clean history, etc.).
Average timeline: 6–10 weeks, depending on:
FCVS profile readiness
Background check completion
Verification response times from training programs
Completeness of application
Delays commonly occur due to incomplete documents or slow third-party responses.
Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP)
https://www.mbp.state.md.us
Online Licensing Portal
https://www.mbp.state.md.us/mbp_ah/App_Forms.aspx
Maryland Medical Practice Act
https://health.maryland.gov/mbp
CME Requirements (CME Passport)
https://content.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/maryland
Stop hunting state medical board for answers and see how our team can help you:
Check out individual state requirements by clicking the links down below.
