The Postgraduate Training License (PTL) is required by the California Medical Board for all physician trainees. Application for the PTL should be submitted upon the start of a Board-approved training program. PTL must be obtained within 180 days of enrollment. Therefore all housestaff must have the PTL in intern year. PTL is valid for 36 months.

In the R2 year, residents will then need to apply for the transition to a full Physician & Surgeon’s (P&S) License.  This license requests passing USMLE Step 3 and completion of 12 months of Board-approved training program.

• Current housestaff with a PTL are eligible to apply for the full medical license after graduation.
• Current PGY-2’s must apply for their full license and obtain it by the March of their second year.
• Current PGY-1’s must apply and obtain the PTL within 180 days of enrollment. 

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: PTL – Apply | Medical Board of California
• Applications must be done online, scroll down on the above page to the Apply Online section
  • before applying, please read the PTL Checklist: Application for a Postgraduate Training License Information & Checklist
• Things you will need during this application process in addition to the forms:
  • Notarization of the application
  • 2″x3″ photograph
  • Request your transcript and diploma from your medical school
  • Request your transcript of your board scores
  • Get fingerprinted
• 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.