General Information

The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) examinations are written qualifying tests currently recognized or utilized by legal agencies governing the practice of podiatric medicine in the states, provinces, and federal agencies listed in the Candidate Bulletin. Legal agencies may, at their discretion, grant successful candidates a license to practice podiatric medicine without further written examination.

The National Board examinations consist of three objective examinations; Part I, Part II, and Part III, formerly known as The Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination for States (PMLexis). Part I is generally taken after the completion of the candidate's second year of study. It samples the candidate's knowledge in the basic science areas of General Anatomy; Lower Extremity Anatomy; Biochemistry; Physiology; Medical Microbiology and Immunology; Pathology; and Pharmacology. Questions covering these content areas are interspersed throughout the test. Part II is generally taken near the completion of the candidate's final year of study. It samples the candidate's knowledge in the clinical areas of General Medicine; Dermatology; Radiology; Orthopedics/Biomechanics; Surgery/Anesthesia/Hospital Protocol; and Community Health/Jurisprudence. Questions covering these content areas are interspersed throughout the test.

The Part I and Part II examinations are designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the knowledge required to practice as a minimally competent entry-level podiatrist.

The Part III is a licensing examination designed to determine whether a candidate's knowledge and clinical skills are adequate for safe practice. Clinical skills refers to the application of knowledge needed by entry-level podiatrists to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients. Part III is used by state licensing boards to candidates who have applied or who are applying for licenses and who have met, or will meet, the state's own criteria for licensure for independent and unsupervised general practice. Candidates must hold a DPM and have made application for a license in one or more of the participating states to take Part III.

In the opinion of NBPME, the examinations should be taken in sequence: Part I, Part II, and then Part III. Participating states are requested to require the successful completion of Part I and II before a candidate is eligible for Part III.

To assist candidates in preparing for the examinations, outlines of the content areas covered are included in the Bulletin. Sample questions representative of actual test content, difficulty level, and question formats are also included.

Program Management, Test Construction, and Analysis

Kerry Simm, Account Manager
David Jamison, Program Manager
2000 Lenox Drive, 3rd Floor
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(877) 302-8952

Address registration forms and all correspondence regarding registration, fees, test centers, authorization forms, and score reports to:

Prometric/NBPME
2000 Lenox Drive, 3rd Floor
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648
Telephone: (877) 302-8952

Exam Dates

**State Board Deadlines Differ (Check with the State Board. A directory is listed in the Candidate Bulletin)**