Postgraduate Training Licensees

Paper-Based Applications No Longer Provided After 2022

Beginning December 30, 2022, the Board will not provide paper application forms on the Board's website for applicants seeking a Postgraduate Training License as it moves to a paperless application process. Beginning February 1, 2023, the Board will no longer accept and process paper applications submitted to the Board.

The switch to a paperless application process helps both applicants and the Board by increasing the efficiency of the review process, enhancing security, and reducing costs and impact to the environment.

For more information on how to submit your application through BreEZe, see “How to Apply for a Postgraduate Training License” below.

Applying for a Postgraduate Training License (PTL)

An applicant may apply for a PTL if they have graduated from a Board-approved medical school (Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 2084), passed all required examinations, enrolled in a California ACGME-accredited residency program, and have not received either 12-months credit (U.S. or Canadian medical school graduates) or 24-months credit (international medical school graduates) of Board-approved postgraduate training.

A PTL is valid for 12 months for U.S. or Canadian medical school graduates or 24 months for international medical school graduates only while enrolled in a California ACGME-accredited postgraduate training program. The PTL is not renewable.

The Board may issue a PTL for up to 90 days after a resident has received credit for either 12 or 24 months of Board-approved postgraduate training and continues enrollment in a California ACGME-accredited postgraduate training program. If a Physician’s and Surgeon’s License is not obtained by the PTL expiration date, the physician must cease all clinical services in California.

The program director may request an extension of the PTL due to a resident’s status change. The program director is required to submit a Program Status Update/Change Form, Forms PSU1-PSU2, to the Board within 30 days of any status change. Changes that may affect the PTL expiration date include, but are not limited to, probation, remediation, leave of absence, transfers, resignation, or termination prior to the program’s anticipated end date.

Expedited and Priority Review

The Board may give your application for a PTL priority or expedited review if you:

• Have served as an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces and were honorably discharged;
• Are going to provide abortions within the scope of practice of your medical license;
• Are a spouse of, domestic partner of, or in another legal union with, an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces who is assigned to a duty station in California under official active-duty military orders;
• Were admitted to the United States as a Refugee, granted asylum, or have a Special Immigrant Visa Status.

You must submit the required documentation with your application to receive priority review. Please review additional requirements and required supporting documents on the Priority Review and Expedited Application Process.

Transition to a Physician's and Surgeon's License