Osteopathic physicians are licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. by licensing boards in each state. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but generally there are three ways an osteopathic physician can become licensed to practice medicine:

1. Successful completion of a medical licensing exam administered by the state licensing board. State boards may prepare their own examination or administer an examination that has been prepared and purchased from a specialized agency. Today, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) are the most widely used tests.
2. Acceptance of the certificate issued by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), awarded after an applicant has satisfied the requirements, including the successful passage of a rigorous series of tests.
3. Reciprocity or endorsement of a license previously received from another state. The license presented for reciprocity or endorsement must usually have been issued on the basis of a written examination.

Although a physician may satisfy the basic licensing requirements for a state, this does not guarantee licensure. State licensing boards look at each applicant on an individual basis. They verify the information given and look into the moral character of the applicant.

State Licensing Board Links