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 2 years of ACGME-accredited postgraduate training.
International graduates: Minimum 3 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
Accepted combinations (NBME, FLEX, LMCC) if meeting NJ criteria
Attempt & Timeline Rules
Maximum 6 attempts per USMLE Step
Steps must be completed within 7 years (10 years if MD/PhD)
No more than 3 failed attempts on Step 3
Good Moral Character
Applicants must demonstrate ethical behavior and professional integrity.
Criminal Background Check
Mandatory state and FBI fingerprinting is required through New Jersey’s approved vendor (IdentoGO).
1. Apply via the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Online Portal
Choose the correct application type:
Initial license
License by endorsement
IMLC expedited license
Permit for training (residents/fellows)
2. Submit Required Documentation
Medical school diploma & transcripts
Postgraduate training verifications
Examination score reports
ECFMG certificate (if IMG)
Chronological CV with no gaps
Malpractice claims history (10-year requirement)
Name-change documents if applicable
3. Fingerprinting & Background Check
Complete fingerprinting with IdentoGO as part of the online application.
4. Credential Verification
New Jersey may use FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service); recommended for IMGs and applicants with complex histories.
5. Board Review & License Issuance
Board reviews all documents, background checks, and verifications.
Additional information may be requested for clarification or missing items.
Permit for Residents/Fellows
Required for trainees in approved New Jersey teaching hospitals.
Limited / Temporary License
May be granted for teaching, research, or temporary clinical roles under supervision.
Charity Care / Volunteer License
Available for retired or inactive physicians who wish to provide free medical services.
100 CME hours every 2 years
Minimum 40 hours Category 1
Remaining hours may be Category 2
New Jersey medical licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
Renewal is done online through the DCA portal.
Physicians must attest to completing CME; documentation may be requested during an audit.
Endorsement / Licensure by Credentials
Applicants licensed in another U.S. state may qualify if they have:
An active, unrestricted license
No disciplinary history
Verified USMLE/COMLEX passage
Required postgraduate training
Clean malpractice and criminal background
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
New Jersey is a member of the IMLC, enabling qualified physicians to pursue an accelerated licensing route.
Must meet Compact eligibility (primary license state approval, board certification, no disciplinary actions, etc.).
Typical processing time: 8–12 weeks, depending on:
Background check completion
Verification delays (training programs, FCVS, schools)
Application completeness
IMLC applicants may receive approval more quickly if all criteria are met.
New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/bme
Online Licensing Portal (MyLicense / DCA)
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Pages/onlineapps.aspx
Fingerprint Scheduling – IdentoGO
https://uenroll.identogo.com
CME Requirements (CME Passport)
https://content.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/new-jersey
IMLC – New Jersey Information
https://www.imlcc.org
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