International Medical Graduates

International Medical Graduates (IMG) may have difficulty or find the process slow for obtaining a California medical license. Medical Board of California decides whether overseas training is equivalent to an American medical school. 

IMG candidates must provide written confirmation of eligibility for a California medical license. That confirmation is known as a Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL), also referred to as a Letter of Evaluation. Contact the Medical Board of California for a PTAL. The candidate must also provide a visa (if applicable), an ECFMG Certificate, and results from USMLE Steps 1 and 2.