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Arizona (AZ)

Arizona Medical License

Get licensed to practice medicine in Arizona. 14th largest state by population. IMLC member state for expedited licensure.

Population
7,430,000
Difficulty
Low
  • IMLC Compact member (joined 2016)
  • Telehealth: Allowed
  • CME: 40 hours per 2-year cycle (all Category 1)

Last updated 2025-12-30 · verified

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MD board

Arizona Medical Board

3-5 business days for general inquiries

Official Website ↗

Quick answer

Quick Answer: Arizona Medical License

Time to License
4-8 weeks (3-4 weeks via IMLC)
Total Cost
$500-800
CME Requirements
40 hours per 2-year cycle (all Category 1)
IMLC Compact
Yes - expedited licensing available

Difficulty: Low Telehealth: Allowed

Board-specific requirements

Arizona MD and DO Board Details

Arizona maintains separate licensing boards for MD (allopathic) and DO (osteopathic) physicians. Both boards have identical CME requirements (40 hours/2 years) but different fees and CME category requirements.

MD physicians

Arizona Medical Board

3-5 business days for general inquiries

Time To Approval
4-8 weeks (standard), 3-4 weeks (IMLC)
Total Cost Range
$500-800
Application Fee
$500
Initial License Fee
Included in application fee
State Specific Exam Required
No
Reciprocal Licensing
Yes
Cme Requirements
40 hours per 2-year cycle (all Category 1)
License Renewal Period
2
Renewal Cost
$500
Renewal Deadline
Biennial renewal
Late Fee
$350-1,000 depending on delay
Note
MD physicians: Application $500. Renewal $500 biennially. CME: 40 hours/2 years (all Category 1) + 3 hours opioid. IMLC member since 2016.

CME details

40 hours per 2 years

Total Required
40 hours per 2-year cycle
Category1
All hours should be Category 1 or equivalent
  • 3 hours of opioid-related CME per cycle
  • CME should be relevant to practice area

Reporting: Self-certification upon renewal with random audits

Official Website ↗

DO physicians

Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery

3-5 business days for general inquiries

Time To Approval
4-8 weeks (standard), 3-4 weeks (IMLC)
Total Cost Range
$450-700
Application Fee
$400
Initial License Fee
Waived indefinitely (normally prorated)
Fingerprint Fee
$50
State Specific Exam Required
No
Reciprocal Licensing
Yes
Cme Requirements
40 hours per 2-year cycle (24 hours AOA Category 1-A)
License Renewal Period
2
Renewal Cost
$636
Renewal Deadline
Biennial renewal (December 31)
Late Fee
Late fees apply after deadline
Note
DO physicians: Application $400 + $50 fingerprint. Renewal $636 biennially. CME: 40 hours/2 years (24 hours AOA Category 1-A) + 3 hours opioid. IMLC member since 2016.

CME details

40 hours per 2 years

Total Required
40 hours per 2-year cycle
Category1A
Minimum 24 hours must be AOA Category 1-A activities
  • 24 hours AOA Category 1-A required
  • 3 hours of opioid-related CME per cycle
  • Remaining 16 hours can be other approved CME

Reporting: Self-certification upon renewal; maintain documentation for audit

Official Website ↗

Board Comparison

Shared requirements

  • Both boards are IMLC members since 2016
  • Both require ECFMG certification for international medical graduates
  • Both require fingerprinting through Arizona DPS and FBI
  • Both require 3 professional references
  • Both require 3 years ACGME/AOA-accredited GME for unrestricted license
  • Both have 3 hours opioid-related CME requirement per cycle
  • Both require PDMP registration

Key differences

  • Different renewal fees: MD $500 vs DO $636
  • Different application fees: MD $500 vs DO $400 + $50 fingerprint
  • Different CME category requirements: MD (all Category 1) vs DO (24 hours AOA Category 1-A)
  • Different board contact information and websites
  • DO board has license issuance fee (waived indefinitely)

Healthcare market

Arizona Healthcare Market

Key market data for physicians considering Arizona.

Healthcare Market

$40+ billion annually

Physician Demand

Very High

Primary Care Avg.

$235,000-$275,000

Unique Opportunities in Arizona

  • Separate MD and DO licensing boards - both IMLC members
  • Rapidly growing population creating strong physician demand
  • Phoenix metro is one of fastest growing in US
  • Lower cost of living than California with similar climate
  • Strong retiree population increasing healthcare needs
  • Flat 2.5% state income tax (one of lowest in nation)

Application path

Arizona License Requirements

Complete requirements for your AZ medical license.

Medical Education

Must graduate from LCME-accredited (MD) or AOA-accredited (DO) medical school, or approved international school. Both boards accept both types of degrees.

  • Official transcripts through FCVS or direct from medical school for both boards

Postgraduate Training

Minimum 3 year(s) required

  • MD Board: Minimum of 3 years ACGME-accredited training for unrestricted license. DO Board: Minimum of 3 years ACGME or AOA-accredited training

Licensing Exams

MD Board: Must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3

  • COMLEX accepted: DO Board accepts COMLEX-USA or USMLE. MD Board accepts USMLE.

Background Check

Fingerprinting required

  • Fingerprinting through Arizona DPS and FBI for both boards

Professional References

3 references required

  • Licensed physicians
  • Residency program directors

Avoid delays

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't let these common issues delay your Arizona license.

Applying to Wrong Board

Arizona has separate MD and DO boards. Physicians may not realize they need to apply to the board corresponding to their degree type.

Solution: MD graduates apply to Arizona Medical Board (azmd.gov). DO graduates apply to Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners (azdo.gov). Different websites and fees.

Not Meeting 3-Year Training Requirement

Arizona requires 3 years of GME for full unrestricted license, more than some other states. Applies to both boards.

Solution: Physicians with 2 years training can apply for limited license; complete third year for unrestricted license.

Different Renewal Fees

MD and DO boards have different renewal fees. DO board is more expensive.

Solution: MD: $500 renewal. DO: $636 renewal. Budget accordingly.

Common questions

Arizona Licensing FAQ

Common questions about getting licensed in Arizona.

I'm an MD - which Arizona board do I apply to?

MD (allopathic) physicians apply to the Arizona Medical Board (azmd.gov). Application fee is $500. Renewal is $500 biennially. You'll need 40 CME hours per 2-year cycle (all Category 1) + 3 hours opioid. IMLC member since 2016.

I'm a DO - which Arizona board do I apply to?

DO (osteopathic) physicians apply to the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners (azdo.gov). Application fee is $400 + $50 fingerprint. Renewal is $636 biennially. You'll need 40 CME hours per 2-year cycle (24 hours AOA Category 1-A) + 3 hours opioid. IMLC member since 2016.

How long does it take to get an Arizona medical license?

Both MD and DO boards: 4-8 weeks standard processing, 3-4 weeks via IMLC. Arizona is known for efficient processing.

Is Arizona part of the IMLC?

Yes! Both the MD and DO boards joined IMLC in 2016 as early adopters. Eligible physicians can use the expedited pathway for either board.

What are Arizona's CME requirements?

Both MD and DO boards: 40 hours per 2-year cycle. MD Board: All Category 1. DO Board: 24 hours must be AOA Category 1-A. Both require 3 hours opioid-related CME.

Does Arizona require 3 years of residency?

Yes, both boards require 3 years of ACGME (or AOA for DO) accredited training for unrestricted license. Physicians with 2 years can obtain a limited license.

Related states

Also Considering These States?

Many providers licensed in Arizona also practice in these states.

California License

Also has separate MD/DO boards; neighboring state; many physicians compare both

View state guide

Texas License

Similar Sun Belt growth market; IMLC member; favorable regulatory environment

View state guide

Nevada License

Neighboring state; also has separate MD/DO boards; no state income tax

View state guide

Colorado License

Mountain West state; similar quality of life appeal; IMLC member

View state guide

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