UCLA GME Licensing Exam Policy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set a standard for successful completion of all steps of the USMLE or COMLEX for appointment or continuation in any UCLA postgraduate training program after the 12th month of postgraduate training (completed at UCLA or in any training program prior to joining UCLA), in accordance with California licensing regulations.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all UCLA-sponsored ACGME accredited residency and fellowship programs in all clinical learning environments.

DEFINITIONS

USMLE is the medical licensing exam administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners for graduates of medical schools.

COMLEX is the osteopathic licensing exam administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners for graduates of osteopathic schools.

POLICY

Residents will be required to sign a statement at the time of appointment, acknowledging that they understand and will comply with this policy.

USMLE STEP 1 & 2/COMLEX LEVEL 1 & 2

Incoming PGY 1 residents are required to take and pass the first two steps of the applicable Licensing Exam, either USMLE or COMLEX, to be eligible for employment at UCLA.

USMLE STEP 3/COMLEX LEVEL 3

Trainees with at least 12 months of prior GME training from an outside institution must pass all three steps of the Licensing Exam prior to the start of training at UCLA.
Failure to pass all steps of the Licensing Exam and obtain a full and unrestricted Medical License in accordance with Medical Board Licensing regulations will result in automatic suspension from clinical work in accordance with the Academic Due Process policy.

PROCEDURE

N/A

FORMS

Acknowledgement of GME Licensing Exam Requirements

REFERENCES

USMLE

3750 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104-3190

Telephone: (215) 590-9700

http://www.usmle.org/

NBOME

101 West Elm Street, Suite 150

Conshohocken, PA 19428

https://www.nbome.org/

REVISION HISTORY

Effective Date: 1/25/2010

Revision Date: 4/27/2020

Revision Date: 9/8/2023

APPROVED: 9/18/2023