How might a state license a physician after they pass the National Board of Medical Examiners exam?

The process of licensing a physician typically involves the state recognizing and accepting credentials and qualifications that have already been established by other recognized entities. In this context, endorsement refers to a process where one state acknowledges the qualifications or licenses granted by another state, allowing a physician who has passed the National Board of Medical Examiners exam to obtain a license to practice in that specific state.

Endorsement is commonly used when a physician seeks to practice in multiple states. If a physician has met all the essential requirements and holds a valid license in one state, they can apply for an endorsement in another state, demonstrating the established credentials recognized by the licensing body. This pathway often includes verification of current licensure status and other requirements set by the state.

Other terms such as certification, reciprocity, and registration have specific meanings that do not align as closely with the licensing process described. Certification typically refers to being recognized by a professional board for a specific area of practice, while reciprocity involves mutual agreement between states on licensing but is not as commonly used in the physician licensing process today. Registration generally pertains to the act of entering or recording information, which doesn't capture the concept of reviewing and accepting existing licenses from other states.