Education
Graduate from an accredited medical school (MD or DO).
International medical graduates must hold ECFMG certification.
Postgraduate Training
Nevada has strict training requirements:
U.S./Canadian graduates: Minimum 1 year of ACGME-approved training.
International graduates: Minimum 3 years of ACGME-approved postgraduate training.
Examination Requirements
Applicants must pass one of the following:
USMLE (Steps 1–3)
COMLEX-USA (Levels 1–3) for DOs
FLEX/NBME combinations accepted if meeting Nevada criteria
Exam Rules
Max 3 attempts per USMLE Step (more than 3 attempts requires special Board review).
All Steps must be completed within 7 years (10 years for MD/PhD applicants).
Step 3 may be taken during residency if permitted by the program.
Competency & Moral Character
Applicants must show professional competence, good moral character, and no history of impairment affecting practice.
Criminal Background Check
Mandatory state and FBI fingerprint-based background check, completed via an approved Nevada fingerprinting vendor.
1. Apply Online via the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners (NSBME) Portal
Choose the appropriate application type:
Initial medical license
Endorsement/Reciprocity
IMLC expedited license
Resident/Fellow training license
2. Submit Required Documentation
Medical school diploma
Medical education transcripts
ECFMG certificate (if IMG)
Postgraduate training verifications
USMLE/COMLEX score reports
Chronological CV (no gaps permitted)
Malpractice claims history for past 10 years
Name change documents, if applicable
3. Complete Fingerprinting
Nevada and FBI fingerprint submission is required.
Must use an approved provider as instructed in the application.
4. Credential Verification
Nevada requires FCVS profiles for most applicants.
All credentials must be verified through primary sources.
5. Board Review
The Board reviews complete applications, background checks, and verifications.
Additional information may be requested if discrepancies appear.
6. License Issuance
Once approved, the license will be available via the online portal.
Resident Training License
Required for physicians training in Nevada ACGME-approved programs.
Special Volunteer License
For retired physicians providing charity care without compensation.
Temporary License
Occasionally issued to physicians with urgent employment needs, pending Board approval.
Fellowship / Visiting Faculty License
For teaching, research, and supervised clinical roles within academic institutions.
Nevada requires:
40 CME hours every 2 years
20 hours must be Category 1
Mandatory CME:
2 hours on opioid prescribing, pain management, or addiction medicine
Controlled substance prescribers:
Additional opioid-related training may be required depending on DEA registration
Nevada medical licenses renew every 2 years.
Renewal is done through the NSBME online portal.
Physicians must attest to completing CME and may be subject to audit.
License by Endorsement
Physicians licensed in another U.S. state may qualify if:
The license is active and unrestricted
Completed required postgraduate training
Passed a Board-approved exam
Have no disciplinary history
Verification through FCVS or official primary sources
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
Nevada participates in the IMLC, offering a faster path to licensure for eligible physicians.
Requires:
Clean background
Board certification (typically)
Primary state of licensure approval
Special Purpose Physician License
For physicians performing telemedicine or limited activities under approved programs.
Typical processing time: 8–12 weeks, influenced by:
Background check delays
FCVS completeness
Verification speed from training programs
Applicant responsiveness
IMLC applicants may receive licensure faster if all criteria are met.
Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners (NSBME)
https://medboard.nv.gov
Online Licensing Portal
https://medboard.nv.gov/Services/OnlineServices
Fingerprinting Information
https://medboard.nv.gov/Applicants/Fingerprinting
CME Requirements (CME Passport)
https://content.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/nevada
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
https://www.imlcc.org
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