How to Register for the IMLE Exam: Step‑by‑Step Guide (2026)

Dr. Amin ali
Nov 27, 2025
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

The Israeli Medical Licensing Examination (IMLE) is the official licensing exam for foreign-trained doctors who want to practice medicine in Israel. Proper registration is essential to avoid delays and ensure eligibility. This guide walks you through the entire IMLE registration process, required documents, deadlines, and exam format.

Man points to "IMLE Registration Process" steps: Research, Online Application, Fee Payment, Schedule. Cartoon style, purple background.

Step 1: Eligibility for The IMLE Exam

Before starting registration, verify that you meet the eligibility requirements for the IMLE exam set by the Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH):

You’re eligible if you are:
- Israeli citizens or residents who completed medical studies abroad
- Foreign-trained doctors applying for local licensing
Possible exemptions:
- You graduated from a medical school recognized by the Ministry (common in EU or OECD countries)
- You’ve completed a recognized specialty program abroad
- You passed all USMLE steps (application through MOH required)
- MOH evaluates exemptions case by case

Always verify your eligibility on the MOH website before applying.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents in advance (both scanned and printed copies):

Copy of your medical degree from a recognized university
Official transcripts or internship records
Passport or national ID

Important Note from the Ministry of Health

Starting September 1, 2021, foreign universities will send documents directly to the Medical Professions Licensing Division. This direct submission eliminates the need for notarization.

Point 1: Deans of universities must submit the following details to the division:

IP address
Email address
Name and position

Send the information to: international.medical-students@moh.gov.il

Point 2: After verification, each dean will receive authorization to email the following documents:

Diploma or proof of eligibility for a medical degree from a recognized foreign university
Official confirmation of the start and end dates of studies
List of courses and grades for each semester, including start and end dates for each course

Documents should be sent to: official.university.documents@moh.gov.il

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their university sends the documents directly via email.

Translation and Verification of Documents

Only copies of documents should be submitted—do not send originals.
Copies must be notarized by an authorized notary in Israel. Include the original notarization with the red ribbon along with one additional copy (two copies in total).
Any document not in Hebrew must be translated by a certified translator in Israel. Submit both the original document copy and the translation.
Graduates from Israeli institutions may submit copies of their diplomas, eligibility certificates, and practical training documents verified by their faculty office.

Students who have successfully passed the USMLE (Step 1, Step 2 CK) should contact the FSMB to have proof sent directly from the organization to the Ministry of Health.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

All foreign graduates must submit documents to the Medical Professions Licensing Division:

Open a file with the MOH.
Submit medical diploma, transcripts, program syllabus, ID, and passport photos.
Wait for eligibility confirmation
Deadlines: Application opens about 3 months before the exam and closes roughly 1 month prior. Late applications are not accepted.

Important: Do not pay the exam fee until you receive confirmation from the MOH. The MOH may also grant exemptions to eligible physicians, such as USMLE passers.

You may submit documents in person at the Ministry’s ground-floor security desk. Ensure they are placed in a sealed envelope, and be sure to receive a delivery receipt.

Step 4: Complete Portal Requirements

Once approved, you’ll receive a username via email and a temporary password via SMS for the Healthcare Professions Portal:

Log in and change your password.
Complete forms: health declaration and criminal record disclosure (the MOH contacts the Israel Police directly).
Upload a passport-style photo and proof of identity.

Step 5: Pay the IMLE Exam Fee

Pay the licensure exam fee (~387 NIS, subject to change) via Postal Bank or bank transfer.
Keep the payment receipt as proof
Upload proof of payment to the portal.
Do not proceed with IMA registration until payment is confirmed.

Step 6: Register on the IMA Website

Payment alone does not complete IMLE registration. The Israeli Medical Association (IMA) manages all exam logistics, including exam dates, locations, and official enrollment.

Step-by-Step IMLE Registration via IMA:

Log in to the IMA portal to begin your IMLE exam registration.
Choose your exam date and language, available in Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic, French, or Spanish.
Upload proof of payment to finalize your IMLE registration.

Only after completing these steps are you officially registered for the Israeli Medical Licensing Exam (IMLE). ✅

Step 7: Receive IMLE Exam Notice

Approximately one month before the exam, you’ll receive a final confirmation with your exam date, location, and candidate number.
Print this Licensure Examination Notice and bring it along with a valid ID on exam day.