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Family Medicine Physician Licensing in West Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for family medicine physician in West Virginia, including $400 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$400

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Family Medicine Physician in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: 2-3 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    proof of graduation from a medical school approved by the LCME or by the Board;

  2. 2

    successful passage of an accepted exam, such as NBME, FLEX, or USMLE

  3. 3

    satisfactory completion of at least one year of ACGME approved postgraduate training.

  4. 4

    satisfactory completion of EITHER two years of ACGME approved postgraduate training OR one year of ACGME approved postgraduate training, plus Board certification by a member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.

  5. 5

    valid ECFMG certificate OR evidence of a receipt of a passing score on the examination, OR Affidavit (included with the application packet).

  6. 6

    Education: Degree required.

  7. 7

    Experience: Work experience required.

  8. 8

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  9. 9

    UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR PHYSICIANS.

  10. 10

    Beginning in 2012 the Board of Medicine began working with the Federation of State Medical Boards to make available the Uniform Application process to those physicians seeking medical licensure in West Virginia.

  11. 11

    The Uniform Application is an online process which permits physicians to incorporate information and documentation from their FCVS verification packet if they have developed one.

  12. 12

    For a onetime fee it also permits the application information to be stored so that it can be utilized for licensing applications in other states.

  13. 13

    After many months of work and upon the recommendation of the Licensure Committee, the Board at its May 20, 2013, meeting gave final approval to adopt the Uniform Application.

  14. 14

    The Uniform Application may be used by initial applicants for a permanent medical license and those physicians seeking reactivation of their previously held West Virginia license that has been expired for more than one year.

Exam and processing details

  • Applicants for licensure must have successfully passed an examination accepted by the Board in order to be licensed. Those examinations accepted are: FLEX, USMLE, NBME, LMCC, and state board exams. For specific examination requirements, see the Medical Practice Act, WV Code 30-3-10-(b)(4) and 11CSR1A. ECFMG/Fifth Pathway An applicant for licensure who is a foreign medical graduate must provide a copy of his or her valid ECFMG certificate. If an applicant is relying on Fifth Pathway and does not hold a certificate, the letter showing successful passage on the ECFMG will suffice. If a foreign graduate cannot meet this requirement, there is an alternative. Please contact the Board office for this information. Supporting Documentation Documentation that must be provided with the application includes: Copy of medical school diploma Copy of evidence in the form of a letter or certificate of proof of required postgraduate training Copy of a birth certificate, passport, or baptismal Copy of a valid ECFMG certificate (for foreign medical graduates) Copy of proof of a name change (i.e., marriage certificate or court order) if the name you want to be licensed under is different from the name on your medical school diploma. Primary Source Verifications The following documents must be received from the original source: Proof of medical education Verification of postgraduate training Verification of other state licenses AMA Physician Profile (AMA) scores In addition, the following documents must be original documents: NPDB reports The West Virginia Board of Medicine accepts credentials from the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS). Interview with a Board Member At the discretion of the Licensure Committee, an applicant may be asked to appear before the Licensure Committee and may be asked to produce his or her original supporting documentation. (All applicants are no longer required to complete a personal interview as in the past.) Reciprocity Agreements This Board currently does not hold any reciprocity agreements with any other states. Temporary Licensure Since Board meetings are held every other month, an applicant who holds a license in another jurisdiction may be eligible for a temporary license and pay an extra $100 fee for issuance of a temporary license. This temporary license is issued once the fee has been paid and the application is complete. The temporary license expires the date of the next Board meeting at which time the applicant will be considered for licensure. Reactivation of License that has been expired for more than one year Please use the same application process for a new applicant, however, information that would typically be provided in a Federation Credentialing Service packet will not be needed as it has previously been received. This includes verification of medical school education
  • postgraduate training
  • score report
  • and copies of medical school diploma, postgraduate training certificate(s) and birth certificate or passport. Physician Licensing FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) How long will it take to get the license? The average time is 2 to 3 months. However, it can take longer. How can I speed the process up? The longest part of the process is receiving the supporting documentation for the application. You should contact those agencies to see how you can expedite the reports needed from them. Will a temporary license be issued while I am waiting for my application to be approved? Once every piece of supporting documentation has been received for the application, you may request a temporary license by paying the extra $100 fee. That temporary license will expire on the date of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting when your permanent license will be considered. An applicant may be eligible for a temporary license if he/she is licensed in another jurisdiction. How do I apply for a DEA number? West Virginia does not have a state controlled substance registration. You register with the Federal DEA office by calling 1-800-882-9539. How soon after the Board meeting will I receive my license? If you are approved for licensure, your license will be issued effective the day of the Board meeting. The licenses are typically mailed within one (1) week. May I call to check the status of my application? Yes, but please limit the number of calls. Also, do not have your spouse or office staff call to check the status of your application. We will talk only with the applicant unless authorization has been given on the application. CLICK HERE TO BEGIN AN APPLICATION Angela Scholl – Licensure Analyst Processes initial applications for licensure for applicants with last names A – L Change of contact information for MD and DPM licensees A - L Angela.M.Scholl@wv.gov (304) 558-2921, extension 49872 Carmella Walker – Licensure Analyst Processes initial applications for licensure for applicants with last names M – Z Change of contact information for MD and DPM licensees M – Z Carmella.L.Walker@wv.gov (304) 558-2921, extension 49871 Sheree Thompson - Supervisor of Licensing, Certifications and Renewals Oversees licensing of Medical Doctors, Podiatrists and Physician Assistants Initial contact for all Podiatric applications Initial contact for Medical Doctor applications for: Reinstatement – expired less than one year Reactivation - expired more than one year Change of Status from inactive to active Sheree.J.Thompson@wv.gov (304) 558-2921, extension 49870 West Virginia Board of Medicine, 101 Dee Drive, Suite 103, Charleston, WV 25311

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification by a member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties
Fee TypeAmount
Licensure Application Fee The fee for permanent medical licensure$400

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    MEDICINE

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $400

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $249,170 median (5% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #22 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Family Medicine Physician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Applicants for licensure must have successfully passed an examination accepted by the Board in order to be licensed. Those examinations accepted are: FLEX, USMLE, NBME, LMCC, an....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (valid ECFMG certificate OR evidence of a receipt of a passing score on the examination, OR Affidavit (included with the application packet).; UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR PHYSICIANS.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Licensure Application Fee The fee for permanent medical licensure: $400).
  7. 7. Submit the application to MEDICINE and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $249,170, Family Medicine Physicians in West Virginia earn 5% above the national median of $238,380. West Virginia ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-3 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$249,170

Hourly estimate

$119.79
5% above national median

Difference: +$10,790

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$107,500
  • P2525th percentile$167,810
  • P50Median$249,170
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $249,170
National: $238,380

Total employment: 230 | Annual openings: N/A

Family Medicine Physician Salary Ranking

#22 of 50 statesfor Family Medicine Physician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Idaho$322,630
#2Nebraska$313,750
#3Arizona$306,890
#4Massachusetts$301,270
#5Indiana$295,310

Nearby States Comparison

Family Medicine Physician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$249,170Degree requiredThird-party exam required2-3 months
Pennsylvania$283,590Degree requiredThird-party exam required12 months
Maryland$269,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$219,500Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$277,570Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$220,600Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

MEDICINE

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3045582921

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years
Anesthesiologist$168,390Degree required2-3 months
Athletic Trainer$45,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$87,980Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Family Medicine Physician in West Virginia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Family Medicine Physicians in West Virginia?

West Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Family Medicine Physicians.

What education do you need to become a Family Medicine Physician in West Virginia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Family Medicine Physician licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Family Medicine Physician salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Family Medicine Physicians in West Virginia is $249,170.

How does the Family Medicine Physician salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?

Family Medicine Physicians in West Virginia earn 5% above the national median of $238,380, with a state median of $249,170.

How many Family Medicine Physicians work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 230 Family Medicine Physicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Family Medicine Physician license to West Virginia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Family Medicine Physicians in West Virginia?

The licensing agency is MEDICINE. Review agency details at http://www.wvbom.wv.gov/.

How often do you renew a Family Medicine Physician license in West Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.