Verified October 10, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What podiatrists miss in North Carolina
- Exam-route applicants need three notarized letters of recommendation.
- A license lapsed more than 6 months requires a new examination.
Can a podiatrist licensed elsewhere get a North Carolina license by endorsement?
A podiatrist licensed elsewhere qualifies by reciprocity after 5 years of practice immediately before applying, 3 of them in a state granting similar reciprocity, with no pending discipline and a home state whose requirements are equal or higher and that reciprocates.
- Endorsement under the podiatry act
- Practice required: 5 years immediately preceding, at least 3 in a state that grants North Carolina reciprocity
- Board: North Carolina Board of Podiatry Examiners
Citation: G.S. 90-202.7; 21 NCAC 52 .0209, .0610
How much residency does North Carolina require?
One year of clinical residency or an equivalent board-approved postgraduate program (since January 1, 1992).
- 1 year of residency
Citation: G.S. 90-202.5(a)
Which APMLE parts does North Carolina require?
The board asks for Parts I and II and Part III scores, sent through the Meazure Connect portal (not for temporary residency licenses).
- APMLE Part III required
Does North Carolina give its own exam?
Exam-route applicants take a state exam in Raleigh with written and oral sections, then a North Carolina practice-and-ethics training and test. It runs twice a year (April 18 and November 7, 2026), capped at 20 seats.
- Oral exam
Citation: G.S. 90-202.6; 21 NCAC 52 .0202, .0205
What does a North Carolina podiatry license cover?
Foot and ankle to the myotendinous junction. Ankle surgery (beyond bone spurs and simple soft tissue procedures) only in a hospital or multispecialty ASC with privileges; the board grants surgical specialty privileges for ankle surgery, amputation and clubfoot correction.
- Ankle needs a separate credential
- Amputation: No amputation of the entire foot; amputations only in a hospital or multispecialty ASC.
- Anesthesia: No anesthetic other than local.
- Excludes surgical correction of clubfoot in infants 2 or younger.
Citation: G.S. 90-202.2; 21 NCAC 52 .0212
Does North Carolina offer a residency, training or temporary license?
A temporary license for applicants in a board-approved clinical residency, valid only while training.
- Available
Citation: G.S. 90-202.5(b); 21 NCAC 52 .0213
Where does North Carolina stand on the podiatric compact?
- No compact law
What does a North Carolina podiatry license cost?
- Application: $350 application plus $100 exam ($450, board page, read 2026-10-10); $100 license certificate
- Renewal: $200 per year
Citation: 21 NCAC 52 .0613
How often does a North Carolina license renew?
Renewal is due by July 1 each year (the board posts June 30). The 25 hours include 1 hour on controlled-substance prescribing.
- Renews every year
- CE: 25 hours per year
Citation: G.S. 90-202.10, 90-202.11; 21 NCAC 52 .0207, .0208
Licensing in North Carolina?
We prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, request the FPMB disciplinary report, CPME residency verification and other boards' verifications, and track the file to a decision; you sign every oath and sit every exam. A license by endorsement is $799 per state, or $899 for a full application.