License GuideSOC 29-1211

Physician
License.

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers medications that reduce pain and induce unconsciousness before, during, and after surgical procedures. They monitor a patient's vital signs, breathing, and heart rate throughout surgery. CRNAs select appropriate anesthetic agents based on the patient's medical history and the type of procedure. They adjust dosages in real time and manage complications if they arise. After surgery, they oversee patient recovery and pain relief as anesthesia wears off.

At a Glance

Everything a Physician needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed physicians are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers medications that reduce pain and induce unconsciousness before, during, and after surgical procedures. They monitor a patient's vital signs, breathing, and heart rate throughout surgery. CRNAs select appropriate anesthetic agents based on the patient's medical history and the type of procedure. They adjust dosages in real time and manage complications if they arise. After surgery, they oversee patient recovery and pain relief as anesthesia wears off.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

The national board exam for physicians is the uniform test most states accept. Many states add a jurisprudence exam on state statute.

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You'll face two components on your physician licensing exam. The national section covers core medical knowledge and applies across all states. The state-law portion tests your knowledge of local regulations specific to where you're applying. Most states contract with testing vendors like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer both sections. You can schedule your exam through these vendors' websites. Passing requirements vary by state, but expect to score above 70% on each component to qualify for licensure.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in every state. Most boards require a mix of general CE and topic-specific units like ethics, patient safety, or opioid prescribing.

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Your state medical board sets specific continuing education requirements for license renewal. Most states mandate a set number of hours per cycle, often including required topics like ethics or state-specific regulations. Check your board's renewal guidelines for exact numbers and approved courses.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the physician role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

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You'll need more than medical knowledge to succeed as a physician. The exam tests what you know, but your actual work demands constant judgment calls under pressure. You'll explain diagnoses to anxious patients, collaborate with nurses and specialists, and make decisions with incomplete information. These skills don't come from textbooks. They develop through years of supervised practice, watching experienced doctors think through problems, asking questions, and handling your own cases with guidance. Your ability to listen, decide quickly, and adapt matters as much as your medical training.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a physician without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

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Practicing medicine without an active license violates state law across the country. Unlicensed practitioners face civil fines and must return any income earned from treating patients. Repeat offenses may result in criminal charges and jail time in some states. Licensing requirements exist to protect patients and ensure physicians meet established medical standards.

Career Outlook
+4% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034.

The Path

How to Get a Physician License.

To become licensed, you'll follow a consistent path across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience (hours vary by state). You'll need to pass a background check. Once licensed, you must complete continuing education before each renewal. The specific requirements shift from state to state, education hours, degree levels, and experience minimums all differ. Check your state's board for exact standards.

1
Meet minimum education
Most states require graduation from an accredited physician program. Degree level and accreditation body vary by profession.
2
Complete supervised clinical hours
Boards set required supervised practice hours under a licensed supervisor. Hours are logged, verified, and submitted with your application.
3
Pass the national board exam
The national certification exam for physicians is the uniform knowledge test most states accept. Some states add a jurisprudence exam on local statute.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Required education
Degree program at an accredited institution. Varies massively by degree level.
$30,000 to $250,000
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required or strongly recommended in most states.
$300 to $2,500
DEA registration
Federal fee, three-year term. Required only for prescribers.
$0 to $900
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Physician license is active.

Specialty
Certification in Anesthesiology: Pain Medicine
American Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Certification in Pain Management
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Core
Certification in Anesthesiology
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Pediatric Anesthesiology Subspecialty Certification
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Certification in Pediatric Critical Care
American Board of Pediatrics
Specialty
Basic Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography
National Board of Echocardiography
Specialty
Certification in Anesthesiology- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
American Board of Anesthesiology
Core
Certification in Anesthesiology - Part 1
American Board of Anesthesiology
Specialty
Certification in Anesthesiology: Critical Care Medicine
American Board of Anesthesiology
Core
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
National Association for Healthcare Quality
Specialty
Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine
American Board of Emergency Medicine
Specialty
Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology
American Board of Anesthesiology
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
Varies
Varies
Exam fee
Varies
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License fee
Varies
Department of Industrial Relations
Issuing board
Texas Medical Board
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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