The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is an agreement among participating U.S. states that allows physicians to obtain medical licenses in multiple states through a streamlined process. Physicians obtain this license to practice across states and in case they provide interstate telemedicine consultations.
A practicing Neonatologist from Chicago in an online professional community recently shared concerns after receiving a Texas medical license. Although the full licensing fee had been paid, the physician noted that the license was issued for only three months instead of the expected two-year cycle.
In the post, the physician asked:
“I applied for a Texas medical license via compact (IMLC). I paid the full amount. But when I received the license today, I noticed that it was given only for 3 months. What are the additional steps I have to take? I googled and gathered that there is a jurisprudence test that has to be taken in order to get the license for 2 full years. If so, how should I approach this issue of the test? How long or complex is it? Any online resource for this?”
The discussion that followed reflects common confusion among physicians navigating Texas licensing requirements through the Compact pathway.
Physicians seeking licensure in Texas through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) must pass the Texas Medical Board’s Jurisprudence Exam, a requirement before activating their license, in addition to completing registration and other administrative steps.
Several physicians responded that the three-month period represents a temporary issuance pending completion of the Texas Jurisprudence (JP) Exam and full registration. The test has been made completely online since covid. One physician commented of the time when the tests had to be taken physically.
“Take the test. It is easy. When I applied for a TX LICENSE, folks had to fly in and take the test in Austin. Additionally, we had to bring original copies of all our diplomas and certificates. Mine were all unframed at that time, but saw a lot of people logging in with frames and frames of diplomas. Imagine flying across the country with all your framed diplomas. Lol.”
Another physician clarified that the process has evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic:
“The JP test is online since Covid. You can have references open and it’s not timed. It’s annoying but not hard. Note Texas does not work well with the IMLCC. Make sure when you are due for renewal you do it as soon as possible. My first renewal cycle I renewed 3 or 4 weeks in advance and almost didn’t get my license in time. The TMB won’t accept electronic payment from the IMLCC and requires a physical check be sent to them and then they take forever to process it.”
Under rules published by the Texas Medical Board (TMB), although the IMLC streamlines the initial application process for physicians applying from compact member states, it does not eliminate the requirement to take the state’s jurisprudence exam after the license is issued.
The Texas jurisprudence examination is designed to assess an applicant’s understanding of state laws, board rules, and licensing requirements that govern medical practice in Texas. Topics include:
Eligibility and requirements for licensure
Registration procedure and renewal standards
Continuing education criteria
Scope of medical practice
Complaint investigations and enforcement mechanisms
The exam questions are based on Texas statutes (Occupations Code) and board rules (Texas Administrative Code) applicable to medical practice in the state.
See also: Texas H-1B Hiring Freeze and Its Impact on Healthcare Services
For physicians licensed via the IMLC, the TMB requires that the jurisprudence exam be taken after the Texas license has been issued but before initial registration is completed. The exam must be completed within 90 days of the license issuance date to avoid penalty fees.
To register and take the exam, applicants must:
Create a “My TMB” online account
Take and pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam passing marks of 75
Submit proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (if applicable)
Complete initial registration and pay required fees
Completion of these steps activates the physician’s Texas license and enables practice within the state.
The jurisprudence exam is administered online through a physician’s My TMB account, with study materials available through the same portal. A passing score is required to complete the registration process. Although there is no publicly stated limit on the number of attempts for the jurisprudence exam, licensees must pass the exam to fulfill current Texas licensure requirements.
The jurisprudence exam requirement reflects Texas’s effort to ensure that all licensed physicians, including those entering through an interstate compact are familiar with state-specific legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the medical profession. Unique aspects of state laws often affect areas such as:
Medical practice standards
Reporting and renewal obligations
Professional conduct and disciplinary processes
Even though the IMLC simplifies multi-state licensure, Texas maintains this step to uphold consistent regulatory knowledge among all medical licensees.
