Facts to Know About Medical Expiration Rules

If more than ten years have gone by since you passed an examination such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) or an American Board Exam, you may be required to take an American Board certification or the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX). If you are unsure about anything regarding medical license or exam expiration matters, Medical Licensure Group is here to help as a one-stop resource and guide for busy physicians. 

What is the SPEX and Do I Need to Take It? 

The SPEX is a computerized, multiple-choice examination of current knowledge requisite for the general, undifferentiated practice of medicine. The examination is intended for physicians who hold or have previously held a medical license in the United States or Canada. The questions used in the SPEX focus on a core of clinical knowledge and relevant underlying basic science principles deemed necessary to form a good foundation for the safe and effective practice of medicine. Every physician, regardless of specialty, is expected to be familiar with a core of clinical principles that are essential for safe and effective patient care. Examinees who have stayed current with general medical literature are unlikely to encounter many questions on the SPEX with which they are unfamiliar. 

Medical Exam Expiration Rules by State

The following states have medical exam expiration rules:

• Alabama – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years to qualify with no exceptions.
• Arizona – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years to qualify with no exceptions.
• Louisiana – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years to qualify with 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 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for the past 3 years.
• Oregon – Must have taken an examination within the past 10 years or completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (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 three years.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SPEX

Who is Eligible to Take the SPEX?

A physician must hold, or have held at some point, an active, unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada in order to apply for the SPEX. Physicians who have current, active, unrestricted licenses to practice medicine in the United States or Canada can take the SPEX via the self-nominated process or the board-sponsored process. Physicians without current, active, unrestricted licenses in the United States or Canada must take the SPEX through the board-sponsored process. The sponsoring board may have additional eligibility requirements that must be met in order for the physician to take the SPEX. 

What Are the SPEX Retake Rules?

The following rules apply to retakes:

• You may take the SPEX no more than three times within a 12-month period.
• You can retake the exam after your first attempt with no waiting period.
• A third attempt requires a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the previous attempt.
• Any attempts after the third require a one-year waiting period from the initial attempt.

Do I Need to Take the SPEX Multiple Times to Quality in Multiple States?

Generally, passing SPEX scores are accepted by a licensing board regardless of the jurisdiction for which the exam is taken. However, because each board establishes its own pass/fail score requirement as well as other specific requirements for licensure, it is recommended that you contact the board from which you desire licensure to confirm acceptance of the SPEX. 

For answers to other questions you may have about the SPEX, ask one of our experienced medical licensing professionals by calling 850-433-4600.