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Licensing FAQs

Getting Started

What items do I need to provide to NCMB to support my application?

What is the best way to submit changes or additions to support my completed application?

Which mailing address should I use when submitting items to supplement my application?

Can I fax documents to NCMB to include in my application?

Is it OK to email the two-page notarized applicant oath to the NCMB?

Is it OK to email reference forms?

What are the license application fee amounts for all types of licenses and registrations issued by NCMB?

USMLE and COMLEX: Is there a limit on the number of attempts to pass?

How do I find out if I’m registered with FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service)?

I completed the FCVS application. Do I also need to complete the NCMB application?

Does NCMB accept electronic fingerprints to satisfy the fingerprinting requirement?

Where do I send my fingerprint cards, if I am submitting paper cards?

How do I supply fingerprint cards, authority to release form and criminal history?

Timeline Questions

After I pay for my application online, how long do I have to provide my supplemental documentation?

What happens after all items have been received for my application?

How long will it take to get my license?

What are some reasons that a license approval may be taking longer?

I sent an email to the Licensing Department. How long will it take before I hear from someone with a response?

How long does it take NCMB to update my status after items are mailed or electronically provided?

How long does it take for NCMB to receive background check results?

What is the best way for me to check the status of my online application?

My application has finally gone to QA. How much longer will it take to get my license?

Processing Questions

I realized I started the wrong application. What should I do?

I filled out the Expedited license application and paid for it and was then informed I do not qualify to use it. What should I do?

Why can’t I log back into my application after submitting it?

What if an item on my check status is marked not received but the item does not apply to me?

General Questions

If I’m applying for a full license, do I still need to register my training license?

Do I need to obtain a license verification if I have only held training licenses?

Does NCMB issue temporary licenses?

Does North Carolina recognize medical licenses issued by any other states?

Does NC offer a teleradiology license?

Can third parties contact NCMB for information on the status of a pending license application?

How do I know if my medical school qualifies for licensure?

Will I need a personal interview?

Click blue arrow next to each license type or topic to expand and see FAQs.

Resident Training License

RTLs do not have a license number. What should I do when asked to provide one?

The NCMB does not assign a license number to residents. When filling out forms that request a license number, leave the space blank, or use “RTL” to indicate that you hold a resident training license.

I am an RTL applying for a full license. Should I make my home address my NCMB mailing address?

Yes, it is recommended.

How do I check the status of my RTL application?

Call your Graduate Medical Education (GME) office staff, who function as agents of the North Carolina Medical Board regarding resident training licenses. The GME offices are prepared to handle all inquiries from incoming residents and can explain the application process and assist with questions concerning the online RTL application, fingerprint/criminal background check process and application supporting documents. GME offices strive to approve RTL license applications before residents’ start date.

How do I update my address info after my residency ends?

Once your residency ends you will have access to update your practice address in your Licensure Gateway. From our homepage, click on “Change my name or home/practice address”.

Do I need to renew my RTL if I am applying for a full NC medical license?

Yes, unless the full license application is approved and a full license is issued BEFORE your RTL renewal date.

How do I convert my resident training license to a full license?

You will need to complete the full physician license application online.

Perfusionists

Do I need a supervising perfusionist?

You will need a supervising perfusionist until you are certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Without the ABCP certificate you are required to apply for a provisional perfusionist license. This license is only good for 12 months. You will be required to submit a Designation of Supervising Perfusionist form.

I have a provisional perfusionist license. How do I get a full unrestricted license?

Once you have passed the exams for certification, contact the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion and have them send us verification. You will also need to submit a written request, along with the required fee to have your provisional license converted to a full license.

What is the licensing process for Perfusionists?

The licensure process for perfusionists is:

  1. Application is submitted.
  2. Application is processed (biographical data is entered into our system & fingerprint cards are submitted to the SBI).
  3. Once the application is complete (license verifications, databank queries, SBI report, and all other requested information has been received) the application is sent to Perfusionist Advisory Committee (PAC) member for review.
  4. If the application or SBI report reveals negative information, the applicant may be asked to come for an interview with the PAC. The applicant is then placed on the vote list for the next meeting of the PAC.
  5. If approved by the PAC, the applicant’s name will then be placed on the vote list for the next meeting of the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) - extracted

Why does the licensing process take so long?

Sometimes we receive information from the SBI background check that wasn’t indicated on the application. When this occurs, the applicant is required to send in additional information/materials. There are also documents (such as reference forms & education certification forms) that must be submitted by other individuals and agencies.

Polysomnography Registration

Why did the NC Medical Board establish a registry of polysomnographic technologists (commonly referred to as sleep techs)?

On October 1, 2009, The NC General Assembly enacted Article 42 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes, the Polysomnography Practice Act which required the North Carolina Medical Board to establish a registry of sleep techs. The Polysomnography Practice Act made it unlawful for any unregistered sleep tech to practice polysomnography, represent themselves as someone credentialed to practice polysomnography or use the title “Registered Polysomnographic Technologist.”

Are there any exemptions to the registration requirement?

Yes. Persons who are registered, certified, credentialed or licensed to engage in a profession other than polysomnography or any person working under the supervision of a person who is registered, certified, credentialed or licensed to engage in another profession are not required to register with the Board if: 1) The person is performing work incidental to or within the scope of practice of that profession or occupation and 2) The person does not represent him- or herself as a registered polysomnographic technologist.

In addition, the following individuals are not required to register: 1) Individuals employed by the U.S. government; 2) Persons performing research that monitors physiological parameters during sleep or wakefulness for purposes not related to the practice of clinical medicine; 3) Licensed physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners; and 4) Students actively enrolled in a polysomnography education program, provided the student is working under the direct supervision of a registered polysomnographic technologist and complies with all applicable rules.

Does a Sleep Tech/Polysomnographic Technologist have a license number?

No. Sleep techs are registered, not licensed, by the Board and as such have no license number. The number assigned to a polysomnographic technologist upon initial registration with the Board is a login number for use when registering each year.

How often must sleep techs register with the Board?

Sleep techs must register annually, on or before September 1st.

What information must be submitted to the Board?

Registrants must provide: 1) Their full legal name; 2) Their complete address and current telephone number; 3) Evidence that they are currently credentialed in good standing by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT.)

Does the Board accept paper registration forms?

No. The registration is an online process, which sleep techs will access via the Board’s website. It may be necessary for sleep techs to email, mail or fax certain information to the Board to document their credentials.

Is there a fee to register as a sleep tech?

Yes. The registration fee, which is set by statute, is $50.

What if a sleep tech fails to register?

Under the Polysomnography Practice Act, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to practice polysomnography without registering with the Board. Failure to register could result in criminal prosecution or a court injunction barring the unregistered sleep tech from practicing.

What constitutes "evidence" that the sleep tech is credentialed in good standing by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)?

Registrants must attest that they are currently credentialed by the BRPT. The Board will verify the sleep tech’s credentials with the BRPT. If the Board is unable to verify if a registrant is currently credentialed by the BRPT, the sleep tech may be required to provide a copy of his or her certificate.

Will the Board process complaints and investigate possible violations of the Polysomnography Practice Act and/or disciplinary matters?

No. The Board is directed by statute only to maintain the registry. Complaints and investigations of violations of the Polysomnography Practice Act shall be directed to and conducted by the national Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.