Resident and Fellow Policies and Procedures Manual
Licensing Requirements for MD and DO Residents
CALIFORNIA MEDICAL BOARD LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Changes effective January 1, 2024
Obtaining the appropriate California medical license is the responsibility of every physician. Failure to obtain the license will result in removal from clinical duties and participation in KP’s residency programs.
Postgraduate Training License (PTL)
- A PTL must be obtained within 180 days from beginning a postgraduate training program in California, otherwise, the resident must cease all clinical service until PTL has been issued by the Board.
- The PTL will be valid for 36 months for all United States, Canadian and International medical graduates, only while enrolled in a California ACGME-accredited postgraduate training program.
- PTL Resources:
California Physician and Surgeon License
- A PTL holder who receives either 12 months (US & Canadian graduates) or 24 months (international graduate) credit of Board-approved postgraduate training, taken and passed either USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3, may apply for a Physician & Surgeon’s license.
- An incoming Fellow from out of State that has completed a residency training program, now have a total of 180 days from the date they begin their training program to obtain a P&S license.
- P&S Resources:
Renewal
California P&S License must be renewed every 24 months.
Upon first renewal, a trainee will need to provide evidence they have completed 24 months of training in a single ACGME training.
Additional Details
ACGME-International Training is not applicable for a California Medical License.
Deadlines for obtaining licenses are defined in the California statute and are not flexible. Failure to obtain a license by the indicated deadline will result in removal from clinical duties.
Visiting Trainees (Rotators) may work without a license in California for no more than 90 days.
For additional information please see the appropriate Medical Board websites:
Medical Board of California
Osteopathic Medical Board of California