Has it been more than 10 years since you’ve passed an examination such as the USMLEs or an American Board Exam? If so, you may be required to take an American Board certification or re-certification exam or SPEX. SPEX is the Special Purpose Examination. It is a clinical examination you would need to actually sit for. The exam is comprised of 8 parts allowing 56 minutes to complete each part. Here is a link to our blog about SPEX for more information.
The Following States Have Examination Expiration Rules:
Arizona – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 to qualify. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Louisiana – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years to qualify. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Maryland – Must have taken an examination within the past 15 years unless you have been in continuous practice for at least 10 years AND you have an American Board Lifetime Certification.
Minnesota – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years unless you are currently American Board certified.
Mississippi – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years unless you are currently American Board certified or hold a faculty appointment at an accredited university.
Nevada – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years unless you are currently American Board certified.
North Carolina – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years OR have completed 150 CME credits for past 3 years.
Oregon – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years OR completed an ACGME training program within the past 10 years.
South Carolina – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years unless you are currently American Board certified and have completed 150 CME credits in the past 3 years.
Here is a List of States that Do Not have 10 Year Exam Rules:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Check out this link if it took you more than seven years to pass your examinations.
Check out this link if it took you several attempts to pass each step of the examinations.
