Apply for Naturopath License

Application Instructions

Please review the following instructions before starting to fill out the application for licensure. You will be asked to supply dates and information on your education, training, and employment within the last 10 years, and licensure from other states – so please have that information and dates ready BEFORE you fill out the application. Incorrect dates/information will lead to delays in the licensure process and may result in disciplinary action.

Licensure by Reciprocity - as of April 1, 2024, the Board is authorized pursuant to North Dakota Administrative Code 50-06-01-04, to issue a license via reciprocity if the applicant completes an application and it is verified that the applicant:

Graduated from an approved naturopathic medical school – to be verified by sending a copy of your diploma to the Board;
Holds a license in another jurisdiction in good standing. The verification of licensure status must be sent from the state of licensure directly to the Board; and
Passage of NPLEX I and II within three attempts and within four years of graduation.

If you are determined to be eligiblefor licensure via reciprocity, the Board will reach out to you. If you are eligible, you will not need to obtain independent verifications from (1)-(4) of the below.

NOTE: By submitting the application, you are certifying that the information provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. You, the applicant, must be the one to fill out the Personal Questions. Failure to provide complete and accurate information will result in an investigation that will delay the licensure process and may result in disciplinary action and/or sanctions.

Information required below may either be mailed or emailed to the Board.

1. Education and Residency

Naturopathic school graduation verification must be sent directly to the Board from an approved CNME accredited naturopathic school which requires at a minimum a 4-year, full time resident program of academic and clinical study.

Naturopaths are not required to have any residency training for licensure in North Dakota. However, if you have obtained residency training, the Naturopathic Postgraduate Training Form must be filled out by the residency program director or residency supervisor and sent directly to the Board.

2. Examination

Verification of passage of the naturopathic physician licensing examination (NPLEX) must be sent directly to the Board from the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) with verification of passage of NPLEX Part I – Biomedical Science Examination and Part II – Core Clinical Science Examination.

3. Employment/Privileges/Credentials

In the employment/privileges section, list all your employment for the past 10 years in chronological order starting with the OLDEST information first. You will be required to fill in all gaps between dates for the last ten years.

The Board reserves the right to seek employment verifications directly from current or former employers in line with Board policies and procedures – specifically if certain derogatory information is noted in the application (for example, revocation of privileges, arrests/convictions, malpractice history, etc.). If such verification is required, it will be noted on your task list. If verification is required, the facility will need to fill out and send this reference form. The form must be completed by the facility and sent directly to the Board from the facility.

4. National Practitioner Databank Report

Run a “self-query” report through the National Practitioner Data Bank and submit to the Board.

5. License(s) from other Jurisdictions

Provide information on any application and issuance of a license from any state/jurisdiction (regardless of whether the license was granted or not granted, is active or inactive, temporary or permanent, restricted or unrestricted).

6. Application and Licensing Fee

North Dakota has a 2-year licensing cycle for naturopathic doctors that expires December 31^st in each odd numbered year. As of April 1, 2024, first time applicants must pay a $405 licensing fee, prorated for the licensing cycle. The fee must be remitted at the time of application submission and is payable by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express).

7. Photograph

Provide a recent photograph of yourself. This photograph must be of original passport quality, no larger than wallet size, and should be a close-up front view of head and shoulders, taken no longer than 120 days prior to filing the application.

8. Name Change Verification

If applicable, notarized photocopy of marriage certificate or legal name change document if your name differs from that on any of your documents.

9. Criminal History Background Check

You will be required to complete a Criminal History Background Check through the following:

Complete the Criminal Record Authorization and Fingerprint Verification Forms and submit a money order in the amount of $40.00.
Proceed to a local law enforcement office, or other private company who provides fingerprinting services, and complete TWO fingerprint cards. You should call your local law enforcement office for times and locations if fingerprinting services are available. Please be sure to bring a photo ID. A small fee ($5-$10) may be required by the facility. The fingerprint technician doing your prints must complete the verification form per the instructions. Please also make sure your completed fingerprint cards and the fingerprint verification form are placed in a SEALED envelope by the fingerprint technician who took your prints with their signature written across the sealed edge of the envelope. You should then place the sealed envelope inside another envelope addressed for mailing to the Board. DO NOT BEND OR FOLD the fingerprint cards when mailing them to us as they will be rejected, and you will be required to be fingerprinted again. Review the following instructions for completing the fingerprint cards. MOST offices will have fingerprint cards available on sturdy cardstock. However, you may also download the fingerprint cards to take with you. Please fill in the highlighted areas.
Send a check or money order in the amount of $40.00 made payable to the Office of Attorney General.
Mail the completed criminal history record check request and fingerprint verification forms, two fingerprint cards, and a $40.00 check or money order made payable to the Office of Attorney General, to the Board office at 4204 Boulder Ridge Rd Ste 260, Bismarck, ND 58503.

10. Personal Data Questionnaire

As part of the application, you will be required to fill out a Personal Data Questionnaire. This must be filed out directly by YOU as the applicant. Please read the questions carefully. After answering the questions, you will be required to attest and affirm that you answered the questions truthfully and accurately and recognize that inaccurate information will result in delays in processing the application, and may result in an interview, denial of licensure, or other disciplinary action.

When in doubt – disclose!

Provide a thorough explanation for any “yes” answer along with supporting documentation. Failure to provide supporting documentation will result in a delay to the licensure process.

You will be asked whether you have ever been cited, arrested, charged, or convicted of any violation of any law, other than a minor traffic citation. You MUST answer “yes” to this question even if the matter was dismissed, expunged, subject to a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. If you answer “yes” to this question, it will be your responsibility to provide:

A written explanation/narrative detailing the circumstances;
A copy of the arrest, incident, and police report;
Court documentation (i.e., docket, charging document, complaint, sentencing, judgements, court orders, etc.)
If applicable, any court order assessment with diagnosis;
If applicable, proof of compliance with probation (i.e., participation of any drug/alcohol/etc. programs; payment of fees, fines, or restitution; completion of community services; completion of restitution);
If applicable, evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation (i.e., letters of recommendation, proof of volunteer work, completion of training or self-improvement efforts, etc.); and
Completion of sentencing/judgement requirements.

Re-Entry to Practice Guidance

If it has been two or more years since you have practiced clinically, you will need to submit a re-entry to practice plan as part of your application. Please refer to the Board's Re-Entry to Practice Packet for more information.

Begin Application Continued Saved Application

Important - you have the option to save your application and resume at a later time. If you do save, you will need to login to Continued Saved Application to continue applying. DO NOT LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT through any other portal. Logging in through another portal will not access your saved application and will result in redundant applications being submitted - which will delay the administrative process

Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code section 43-51.1-03(11), an applicant aggrieved by a licensure delay must first try to resolve the matter with the Board. If the matter cannot be resolved between the applicant and the Board, the applicant may bring the matter to the Governor's Office by emailing governor@nd.gov.