Specialty Recognition

The Scientific Council (Moetza Mada’it) of the IMA is responsible for board/specialty certification. Specialty recognition is a separate application from the general Ministry of Health medical licensing process.

Exams at the End of Hitnasut Clinit

Here’s the link to the IMA portal. Please open your file there.

We’ve created a step-by-step guide to work you through the process. You can access that guide here. If you need further help, please contact us at medpro@nbn.org.il.

We strongly recommend beginning this process 1-2 years prior to your Aliyah date. You can start this before starting the Ministry of Health licensing process.

Important notes before we begin

The IMA evaluates everyone on a case-by-case basis. Whether you sat for specialty exams, length of residency, amount of time working in your field, etc. can all contribute to the IMA’s final decision. The IMA may request that you sit for Israeli specialty exams, for further observed work, or additional residency time. Be in touch with your IMAP representative if you have any specific questions regarding your IMA application.

Please note - the IMA may request that you sit for written and oral exams (similar to residency exams). These exams are referred to as Stage I (written) and Stage II (oral) exams, and they are held in Hebrew only. Many people receive exemptions from these exams.

HATAMA

To obtain a specialty license in Israel, specialists must undergo Hatama (formerly known as Histaklut), an adaptation period in a recognized department lasting 1 to 6 months.

See this list for approved departments (Hebrew) where you can complete your Hatama: Reach out to us at medpro@nbn.org.il for help navigating this list.

Hatama is crucial for specialists to learn, network, and integrate into the Israeli medical system. It covers medical basics, Hebrew language improvement, and gives your the opportunity to showcase your expertise in the desired specialty. The IMA closely observes specialists during Hatama and provides guidelines and instructions to the director. Your specialty certificate is dependent on your Hatama experience, so take it seriously!

Note: Verification of the following vaccinations is required prior to beginning Hatama:

Hepatitis B (including antibody level)
MMRV
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis
Polio
PPD (within 2 years)

For all questions regarding your rights, benefits, and salary expectations during Hatama, please be in touch with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s Olim Physician Directorate at med_aliyah@moia.gov.il

The IMA Scientific Council’s decision regarding Hatama is valid for five years. If you made Aliyah five years after receiving your letter about your Hatama, you will need to apply to have the decision renewed.

Documents needed after Hatama to be recognized as a specialist

Once you finish your Hatama, submit the following forms to the Scientific Council at the IMA in order to complete the process:

A signed form from the head of the department (where you did your Hatama) stating that you have completed your Hatama. Please make sure the beginning and end dates of your Hatama period are mentioned in the form.
A form asking to be recognized as a specialist. To print the form, click here.
Payment for recognition of your specialty. For details, click here. If you need further assistance, call 03-610-0444.
Please submit a copy of your Ministry of Health license to anna@ima.org.il

Please contact us at medpro@nbn.org.il if you need further guidance or information.