Pennsylvania Code
Title 49 - PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS
Part I - DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Subpart A - PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS
Chapter 17 - STATE BOARD OF MEDICINE-MEDICAL DOCTORS
Subchapter B - EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Section 17.12d - SPEX Examination
The Special Purpose Examination, SPEX, is a 1-day examination focusing on a core of clinical knowledge and relevant, underlying basic science principles necessary to form a reasonable foundation for the safe and effective practice of medicine. The SPEX was developed by the NBME at the direction of the Federation to be a cognitive examination to assist the assessment of current competence requisite for medical practice by physicians who hold or have held a valid license in a United States jurisdiction. A passing score on SPEX is 75 as determined by the Federation. When the Board determines that an examination is required for a medical doctor coincident to a disciplinary or corrective measure, the requirement may be satisfied by passing the SPEX.