Special Purpose Exam (SPEX) Information, Study Tips, Study Guide and Flash Cards

The SPEX is a multiple-choice examination in computerized format, administered to test current knowledge of the practice of medicine. The examination is intended for physicians who currently hold or have previously held a valid, unrestricted medical license in US or Canada.

Medical boards use the SPEX to re-examine a licensed or previously licensed physician's level of basic medical knowledge. A  medical licensing board may require a physician to take SPEX exam to verify issues like  endorsement of licensure, reinstatement or reactivation of a license after a period of inactivity (due to illness, disciplinary action, etc.). In situations where the state medical board has questions about a physician's fitness to practice, the SPEX exam is evaluated in conjunction with other available evidence to determine the competence and fitness of the physician to practice.
To be qualified for this exam, the physician must hold or have held an unrestricted medical license in a US or Canadian jurisdiction, depending on method of application. Self-nominated applicants must hold a current, unrestricted medical license to practice medicine in a US or Canadian jurisdiction. There is also an injunction for Board-sponsored applicants to hold a valid, unrestricted license in a US or Canadian jurisdiction.

All physicians must also submit a copy of their medical license with their application or the following

• A written and signed explanation by the physician stating  why a copy of the license cannot be provided
• A signed, letter headed written explanation by a licensing authority verifying the prior or present licensing of the physician, with the current status. The letter is to be mailed to the required office.

The SPEX application and registration materials are available the FSMB web site. The completed application must be submitted, along with the appropriate fees and supporting documentation, to the Federation of State Medical Boards. Upon receipt of an application, the FSMB will determine the applicant's eligibility, process the application, and register the applicant for the exam. After two to four weeks for processing, a Scheduling Permit will be sent to the applicant.


SPEX Study Help

Help Answering Multiple Choice Questions

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