Frequently Asked Questions


 

1. What are the requirements to apply for a podiatrist license?

Please refer to the Board rules available on the website, www.sos.ga.gov/plb/podiatry for all the information regarding licensure as a Podiatrist in Georgia. In general, the requirements are as follows:

    • Applicant must submit a completed application with the required non-refundable fee
    • Applicant must have graduated from an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine approved by the Board
    • Applicant must submit proof of completion of one (1) year residency in podiatric medicine and surgery in a program based at a hospital approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Board. (A copy of the document is acceptable.)
    • Applicant must submit certified proof of scores from the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners of having successfully passed the *NBPME licensing examination series.
    • Applicant must hold a Doctoral degree or its equivalent

    *NOTE: Effective July 2011, the NBPME Exam will become known as the “American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) Parts I, II & III.

 

2. Do requirements differ if I am a graduate of a foreign school of podiatry?

All applicants must have graduated from an approved College of Podiatry in the United States.

3. Do I have to take an examination?

Yes, see question # 1 above. Information on the exam is available on the NBPME board’s website at: http://www.nbpme.info.

4. How much does it cost to obtain a license?

Please refer to fee schedule available from the “Download Forms” link on the Board’s website www.sos.ga.gov/plb/podiatry for the most up to date fee information and forms.

5. Does the Georgia State Board of Podiatry Examiners have reciprocity with other states?

No. The Georgia Board of Podiatry Examiners does not provide for licensure by reciprocity.

6. Does the Board off a "Temporary" license?

No, however, there is a provision for a “limited” temporary license that may be issued to a Podiatrist from another state or country upon approval by the Board. Please refer to Board rule 500-3-.01.

7.  How do I submit a name and/or address change?

The Board will accept address changes via written correspondence submitted to the Board office requesting the update (please include your license number on all correspondence), by faxing the request to: 866-888-7127, or you may change your address online at: https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/mylicense/Login.aspx?process=ren

A name change request must be submitted in writing to the Board offices accompanied by the supporting legal documents initiating the name change.

8. What must I do to renew my license?

    • ALL licenses will expire August 31st of the odd numbered years. You may renew online with a credit card at https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/mylicense/Login.aspx?process=ren or call 478-207-2440 for a paper renewal form to be mailed to you.
    • Please refer to fee schedule available from the “Download Forms” link on the Board’s website, www.sos.ga.gov/plb/podiatry for the most up to date fee information.
    • Attain the required number of Continuing Education hours within the specified time frames. Please refer to Board r500-5-.01 for specific continuing education requirements.

9. Do I submit my continuing education hours to the Board office?

A percentage of active licensees shall be selected randomly for a Continuing Education Audit by the Board. You will see specific instructions to follow if you are chosen for an audit on the online renewal site, or, by mail if you request a paper renewal form and are selected for an audit. If a current, valid e-mail address has been provided to the Board office, an e-mail regarding your selection for an audit will be sent to you.

Only those podiatrists randomly selected for an audit are to submit proof of their continuing education hours to the Board office by fax to 866-888-7127 or by USPS mail to: 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217-3858. Please include your name and license number on all correspondence to the Board.

10. Does the Board have Inactive Status?

Yes. Please refer to Board rule 500-4-.02 Inactive Status.

11. Which schools are accredited by the CPME?

Please refer to the website: http://www.cpme.org.