Key Points
- Most graduates of medical schools outside Israel need to pass the licensing exam unless the Ministry of Health confirms that they qualify for an exemption.
- Several grounds for exemption exist, but the Ministry assesses whether they apply to each applicant individually.
- Passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK may qualify certain categories of applicants for an exemption.
- A separate pathway exists for doctors with extensive clinical experience, but 10 years of experience alone does not guarantee an exemption.
- The Ministry of Health makes the final decision on exam eligibility and exemptions after reviewing the applicant's documents.
“Do I actually need to take this exam?” is one of the first questions asked by doctors who qualified abroad and plan to work in Israel.
There is no single answer that applies to everyone. Requirements depend on the country and institution where you obtained your degree, your professional experience, and the Israeli Ministry of Health's assessment of your individual circumstances.
This article explains who needs to take the exam and who may qualify for an exemption, based on official Ministry of Health information.
What Is the Medical Licensing Exam?
Under the rules administered by the Ministry of Health's department responsible for licensing medical professions (האגף לרישוי מקצועות רפואיים), you need a Ministry of Health licence to practise medicine in Israel.
Most graduates of medical schools outside Israel must pass the state licensing exam, a written assessment of clinical knowledge, unless they meet the exemption criteria.
The exam may be a requirement for starting an internship or a step towards obtaining an Israeli medical licence. Its role depends on the applicant's category, education, internship history and previous clinical experience.
Not every applicant has to take the exam. Official grounds for exemption exist.
Graduates of Israeli Medical Schools
Graduates of Israeli medical schools follow a separate licensing process through the Ministry of Health.
This article focuses primarily on graduates of medical schools outside Israel.
Graduates of Medical Schools Outside Israel
If you obtained your medical degree outside Israel, you will most likely need to take the licensing exam unless you meet one of the exemption conditions described below.
Your eligibility to take the exam or receive an exemption depends on whether the Ministry of Health recognises your medical school, your previous licensing history, and other factors assessed individually by the Ministry.
The Yatziv Reform (רפורמת יציב)
The Ministry of Health has introduced criteria for recognising medical schools outside Israel.
Graduates of institutions that do not meet these criteria, who began their studies in 2019 or later, are not eligible to take the Israeli licensing exam. They are also ineligible for an exemption based on USMLE results.
This may affect graduates of certain institutions in former Soviet countries and elsewhere if their specific medical school does not meet the recognition criteria.
If you studied abroad, check whether your medical school is recognised by contacting the Ministry of Health or seeking assistance from IMAP.
Exemptions Listed in Ministry of Health Materials
An earlier official Ministry of Health information document listed the following countries. Graduates of accredited medical schools in these countries could, under certain conditions, qualify for an exemption from the licensing exam:
- United States.
- Canada.
- United Kingdom.
- France.
- South Africa.
- Australia.
- New Zealand.
Do not treat it as a guarantee of exemption in 2026. The Ministry of Health determines whether an exemption applies to your circumstances based on your documents.
Do not rely on the list alone. Confirm your eligibility directly with the Ministry's licensing department.
An exemption generally requires the applicant to have completed a recognised internship abroad. The Ministry assesses each case individually.
Exemption Based on USMLE Results
According to the official Ministry of Health page updated in November 2025, doctors who have passed the USMLE examinations may qualify for an exemption from the state licensing exam.
The applicable pathway depends on whether you have completed an internship abroad that is recognised by Israel:
- If you have completed a recognised internship abroad: passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK may qualify you for an exemption from the Israeli state licensing exam and allow you to apply for a medical licence.
- If you have not completed an internship: passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK may qualify you for an exemption from the state exam required to begin an internship and allow you to apply for permission to undertake an internship in Israel.
Confirmation of your USMLE results is sent directly from FSMB to the Ministry of Health's licensing department.
Graduates of medical schools that are not recognised under the Yatziv reform are not eligible for this exemption. The final decision rests with the Ministry of Health.
Doctors with Extensive Clinical Experience
A special exemption pathway exists for doctors with extensive clinical experience.
Under an amendment to the regulations governing medical practice approved by the Knesset Health Committee in January 2025, the experience threshold was reduced from 14 to 10 years:
- Doctors with at least 10 years of continuous clinical experience abroad may apply for an exam exemption.
- Ten years of experience alone does not guarantee an exemption. Additional conditions must be met.
- A positive assessment from the management of the Israeli medical institution where the doctor undertakes a period of clinical practice may be required.
- An assessment of clinical competence may be required.
- The Ministry of Health makes the final decision in each case.
Recognition of a specialist qualification obtained abroad is a separate process handled by the Scientific Council of the Israeli Medical Association (IMA). It is outside the scope of this article.
Why Does the Ministry of Health Assess Each Case Individually?
Israeli legislation gives the Ministry of Health broad authority to determine the licensing process for each applicant.
This means that having a recognised degree and a complete set of documents does not automatically determine whether you need to take the exam. The relevant Ministry official makes that decision after reviewing your application.
Where Can You Obtain an Official Decision?
The authority responsible for issuing an official decision on your case is the Israeli Ministry of Health's department responsible for licensing medical professions (האגף לרישוי מקצועות רפואיים).
- Official page: Ministry of Health on gov.il: General Medicine Licensing.
- Ministry of Health contact centre: *5400 when calling from Israel. Check the official website for current opening hours.
Doctors immigrating to Israel can seek help with document preparation and understanding the process through IMAP, a programme run by Nefesh B'Nefesh.
IMAP does not decide licensing applications or exemptions. It works closely with the Ministry of Health and supports doctors immigrating to Israel: imap.org.il.
The next step is to submit your application and documents to the Ministry of Health. For details, read How to Register for the Medical Licensing Exam in Israel.