Overview
执业医师资格考试 (the National Medical Licensing Examination) is China's licensing exam for physicians, jointly run by the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and implemented by the National Medical Examination Center. It covers four categories: clinical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, stomatology (dental) and public health, each with an Assistant Physician (执业助理医师) and a full Physician (执业医师) level.
Who can apply
Candidates need a recognised medical degree in the relevant category, plus a period of supervised clinical practice; the required practice period depends on the candidate's degree level and the category applied for. Candidates should confirm the current eligibility rules on the National Medical Examination Center's registration notice for the category they are applying under.
Exam pattern
| Stage | Format |
|---|---|
| Clinical Skills Test (实践技能考试) | Practical assessment of clinical skills |
| Medical Comprehensive Written Exam (医学综合笔试) | Computer-based written exam |
A candidate must pass the Clinical Skills Test before being allowed to sit the Medical Comprehensive Written Exam. The written exam covers basic medical science, clinical medicine, preventive medicine and medical humanities/ethics.
After the exam
Candidates who pass are expected to register for their Physician or Assistant Physician Practising Certificate with their local health authority before beginning independent medical practice.
Preparation tips
Since the Clinical Skills Test gates entry to the written exam, prioritise clinical-skills practice first in your preparation timeline.
Confirm the eligibility and practice-period requirements for your specific category (clinical, TCM, dental or public health) before registering, since they differ by category and degree level.
FAQs
Can I sit the written exam without passing the skills test?
No. Passing the Clinical Skills Test is required before you can sit the Medical Comprehensive Written Exam.