The Board of Podiatry Examiners for the State of North Carolina (NCBPE) was established by North Carolina General Statute (90-202.2 to 90-202.14) as North Carolina's licensing and registry board for the profession of podiatry. The NCBPE consists of four members, three North Carolina licensed podiatrists and one member from the community. All members are appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. (Board members and meeting schedule) The purpose of NCBPE is to serve the best interests of the public and medical profession by evaluating the initial and continuing qualifications of podiatrists in the state of North Carolina. All candidates are expected to have completed a baccalaureate degree. This is normally required for admission to colleges of podiatric medicine. All podiatrists licensed by NCBPE have attained the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited college of podiatric medicine. All candidates are expected to have completed or be working towards completion of a postdoctoral residency program. The Board reviews the qualifications of candidates; conducts oral and written examinations; and issues licenses. In addition to issuing licenses, the Board has the authority to suspend, revoke or cancel licenses of podiatrists in the state of North Carolina. All podiatrists in the state are required to renew their licenses annually. NCBPE renewal of licensure indicates that the podiatrist has completed a process that requires participation in 25 hours of continuing education related to podiatry from an accredited providers.