About Us
Our Mission & Purpose
The American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) exists to protect the public by ensuring that podiatric physicians meet the highest standards of knowledge and competency.
By upholding these standards, the exam safeguards patient care and advances the profession. The APMLE is a required step in the podiatric medical licensure process across the United States and its territories. Successful completion demonstrates readiness to enter professional practice and provides licensing boards with a trusted measure of candidate qualifications.
Governance & Oversight
Who Oversees the Exam?
How are Decisions Made?
All exam content and policies are developed in collaboration with psychometricians, subject matter experts, and representatives from academic institutions. Practitioner input ensures exam material reflects real-world practice and aligns with the skills most critical for public protection.
Our Commitment to Candidates
We are dedicated to fairness, accessibility, and transparency at every stage of the exam process.
This includes providing equal opportunity testing, supporting candidates through approved accommodations, and maintaining open communication through official resources such as this website and NBPME.org.
Competence
The validity of the APMLE examinations is grounded in data from a nationwide practice analysis survey of practicing podiatrists. These professionals advise the NBPME on the services most important for protecting public health and the knowledge and skills required to provide those services at a minimally competent level. Their input ensures that exam content reflects real-world practice and the standards necessary for safe, effective patient care.
Credibility
NBPME studies, including those conducted in 2000 and 2006, have shaped exam content and weighting across key areas such as surgery, pediatric orthopedics, pain management, and research design. Items for Part I are written by clinical science faculty, while Parts II and III draw on clinical faculty, residency directors, and practicing podiatrists. Every exam item is reviewed by experts for accuracy, appropriateness, and currency, with textbook references supporting correct responses. In addition, statistical analyses and post-exam reviews ensure each item is validated and fair.
Trust
The APMLE examinations measure the knowledge and skills required for licensure. Licensing boards rely on these results to determine eligibility for practice, ensuring that only candidates who meet the standards of minimal competence receive a license. This process protects the health, safety, and welfare of the public and reinforces trust in the profession.
Contact Us
We’re Here to Help
If you have issues with account access, scheduling, or test site availability simply contact us.