The Postgraduate Training License (PTL) is now required by the California Medical Board for all physician trainees. Application for the PTL begins when training at a Board-approved training program is confirmed (i.e. after the Match), and PTL must be obtained within 180 days of enrollment.  Therefore all housestaff must have the PTL starting in internship. PTL is valid for 12 months.

Residents will then need to apply for the full Physician & Surgeon’s (P&S) License.  This license request passing USMLE Step 3. The license is required to practice as a physician, hence training cannot continue without a license.

• Current housestaff with a PTL are eligible to apply for the full medical license after graduation.
• Current PGY-3’s graduating in 2022 will need to apply for the full P&S license.
• Current PGY-2’s may keep their PTL through graduation in 2023, or apply for the full P&S license.
• Current PGY-1’s will need to apply for the full P&S license at the completion of PGY-1. 

Medical Board Website

Getting your Postgraduate Training License (PTL)

The application process can be fairly lengthy, complicated, and costly, so use this guide to help you plan ahead and guide you through the process.

• Information from the Medical Board of California can be found here: https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Applicants/Physicians_and_Surgeons/
• All physicians in training are required to have the PTL within 180 days of enrollment into training—i.e. by December 20.
• After 12 months of training, PTL-licensed physicians may apply to have the PTL transitioned to the full physician’s and surgeon’s license.