Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon Certificate
Forms
- Checklist - Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon Certificate
- Certificate of Completion AOA/ACGME Postgraduate Training (OMB. 25)
- Attestation and Release of Information (OMB. 26)
- Explanation for Application Question (OMB. EXP)
Eligibility
To apply for an Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon Certificate, an applicant must have:
- Received their education and graduated from an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). https://osteopathic.org/accreditation/
- Received 12 months (PGY-1 year) postgraduate training credit from an AOA/ACGME Program. Reflecting completion of at least four months of general medicine, where there was direct patient care responsibility.
- Completed all three (3) levels of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA). CCR Title 16 Section 1611 (d)
Document Submission
Please reference the Checklist – Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon Certificate for a complete description of document and submission requirements. To complete the application process, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (Board) must receive the items below:
- Official medical school transcript from each medical school attended. (DO NOT request duplicate copy if you currently hold a PTL)
- Copy of your medical school diploma that is legible and shows all seals and signatures. (DO NOT submit duplicate copy if you currently hold a PTL)
- A completed Certificate of Completion of AOA/ACGME Postgraduate Training (OMB. 25).
- Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Scores; Levels 1-3.
- Regardless of the status, individuals who have been licensed, certified, or otherwise registered in another State as an Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon are required to request a verification of licensure.
- Business and Professions Code section 144 requires applicants to complete a criminal history background check by submitting a full set of fingerprints and the fingerprint processing fees established by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You are required to submit fingerprints for the Board to complete a criminal history background check, even if you were previously fingerprinted for another California employer or regulatory body. Effective September 15, 2024 applicants who were previously issued a PTL will need to obtain a new criminal history background check when applying for a physician and surgeon certificate.
If living in, or visiting California, please fulfill this requirement by completing a Request for Live Scan Service form (PDF) before visiting an authorized Live Scan operator. Applicants are responsible for paying for all Live Scan fees at the time of service. The Board will not accept a Live Scan completed in another state. Typically, the results of the Live Scan are transmitted electronically to the Board within 1-3 business days.
If you live outside of California, and do not plan to travel to California prior to licensure, or are unable to access Live Scan in California. You will need to complete your criminal history background check using the hard card fingerprint method.
- Send a message to the Board to obtain two (2) fingerprint cards (FD-258). When submitting requests, please include your name and address. Fingerprint cards are typically mailed within 1-3 business days.
- Visit a local law enforcement agency or agency authorized to provide fingerprint rolling services. The fingerprint impressions must be distinct from each other as the DOJ and/or FBI may reject fingerprint cards containing identical impressions.
- Be sure to include a check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the California Department of Justice for $49.
- • Mail Your Check, Completed Fingerprint Cards, and Exemption Form (BCll9004) to:
Osteopathic Medical Board of California
1300 National Drive, Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1991
Normal processing time is approximately three to six weeks.
You are personally responsible for all information disclosed on your application, including any responses completed on your behalf. An application may be denied based upon falsification or misrepresentation of any item or response on the application or any attachment.