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Physician — MD/DO
Total cost: $735
Governing Authority
New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions (administered through the State Board for Medicine)
Official website →Yes
USMLE Required
Not Required
Jurisprudence
No
IMLC Member
Yes
DEA Required
0 hrs
CME Hours
$735
Total Initial Fees
Medical Degree & Accreditation
VerifiedMedical Degree
Required
Accreditation
LCME (MD programs) or COCA (DO programs)
International Medical Graduates (IMG) Pathway
Must obtain ECFMG certification; complete USMLE Steps 1 and 2 CK; graduate from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
Physicians must graduate from an accredited medical school — LCME-accredited for MD programs or COCA-accredited for DO programs. International medical graduates (IMGs) must hold ECFMG certification and complete an accredited U.S. residency program to qualify for state licensure.
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USMLE, COMLEX & Jurisprudence
VerifiedUSMLE Required
Steps 1, 2 CK & 3 (MD Pathway)
COMLEX Required
Levels 1, 2-CE & 3 (DO Pathway)
Computer-based; pass/fail since January 2022; previously scored on a three-digit scale
USMLE Step 1
Computer-based; approximately 318 multiple-choice questions over 9 hours
USMLE Step 2 CK
Computer-based; two-day exam with multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations
USMLE Step 3
Computer-based; pass/fail; focuses on osteopathic principles and biomedical sciences
COMLEX Level 1
Computer-based; scored exam covering clinical disciplines with osteopathic focus
COMLEX Level 2-CE
Computer-based; two-day exam covering clinical practice and osteopathic principles
COMLEX Level 3
Passing Scores
USMLE: Pass/fail for Step 1, minimum 214 for Step 2 CK, minimum 198 for Step 3; COMLEX: Pass/fail for Level 1, minimum 400 for Levels 2-CE and 3
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Additional Exams
No additional state-specific examinations required
MD candidates must pass all three steps of the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). DO candidates may take the COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination). Some states accept either exam series. Many states also require a jurisprudence exam on state-specific medical practice laws and regulations.
Overall licensing difficulty: 41/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for the USMLE Step exams.
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Postgraduate Training
VerifiedResidency
Required
Minimum Years
3 years
PGY-1 Sufficient
No
Board Cert Required
No
All states require completion of at least one year of ACGME-accredited or AOA-approved postgraduate training (residency). Most states require completion of a full residency program for unrestricted licensure, though some allow limited licensure after PGY-1. Board certification by an ABMS or AOA specialty board may be required or provide expedited pathways.
IMLC Membership & LOQ Pathway
VerifiedIMLC Member
No
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) provides an expedited pathway for physicians to obtain licenses in multiple member states. Eligible physicians receive a Letter of Qualification (LOQ) from the IMLC Commission, which facilitates licensure in participating states without repeating full application processes.
Practice Scope & Controlled Substances
VerifiedIndependent Practice
Yes
DEA Required
Yes
State CDS
Not Required
Collaborative Requirements
Physicians practice independently; may supervise mid-level providers (PAs, NPs) per state regulations
Supervision of Mid-Level Providers
May supervise physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other mid-level providers according to state-specific supervision ratios and requirements
Controlled Substance Details
New York does not require a separate state controlled substance registration; federal DEA registration is sufficient
Licensed physicians have broad scope of practice including diagnosis, treatment, prescribing, and surgery. Physicians may supervise mid-level providers such as PAs and APRNs. DEA registration is required for prescribing controlled substances. Many states also require a separate state Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) registration.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $735 |
Total Initial Fees Excludes DEA registration fee ($888 for 3 years) and state CDS registration if applicable | $735 |
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License Renewal & Continuing Education
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CME Hours Required
$600
Renewal Fee
CME Details
No continuing medical education (CME) hours required for license renewal.
Regulatory Board
Physician licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state medical board. Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements vary by state but typically range from 20-50 hours per renewal cycle. Some states require specific CME topics such as opioid prescribing, pain management, cultural competency, or ethics.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
IMLC Pathway
Not Available
Reciprocity Requirements
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) provides an expedited pathway for physicians to obtain licenses in member states. For non-IMLC states, physicians must apply for licensure by endorsement, which typically requires verification of medical education, residency training, exam scores, and current good standing in all states of licensure.
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See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Not an IMLC member; no CME requirement for license renewal; administered by Education Department (not a medical board); requires 3 years of postgraduate training (PGY 1-3); 3-year renewal cycle.
New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions oversees physician licensure in this state.
Minimum 3 year(s) of ACGME or AOA-accredited residency training required for initial licensure.
IMLC status: Not an IMLC member state.
Jurisprudence exam required: No.
Separate state controlled substance (CDS) registration required: No.
No CME hours required for license renewal.
Physician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | $735 | 370–600 wks | |
| Connecticut | $565 | 370–600 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $600 | 370–600 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $805 | 370–600 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $35 | 370–600 wks | → |
See how New York compares: Physician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
New York is not currently a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). Physician licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the IMLC →
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Physician Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Physician license to New York →
Transfer your Physician license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →
New York requires passing the USMLE for physician licensure. New York is not currently an IMLC member state. All licensing is managed through the New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions (administered through the State Board for Medicine).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.