INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
Application for ECFMG Certification → Obtain USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number via Interactive Web Applications (IWA) on the ECFMG website (requires passport, name, date of birth, address, and medical school information) → Complete Application for ECFMG Certification including Certification of Identification Form (Form 186) notarized via NotaryCam (requires USMLE/ECFMG ID, passport, and medical school enrollment/graduation verification) → Prepare for and Pass USMLE Step 1 (Monitor the ECFMG website for updates, subscribe to The ECFMG Reporter e-newsletter, follow ECFMG on Twitter @ECFMG_IMG; study materials, practice tests) → Prepare for and Pass USMLE Step 2 CK (study materials, practice tests) → Meet Clinical and Communication Skills Requirements via ECFMG Pathway or OET Medicine (OET registration, ECFMG Pathway application) → Submit Required Medical Education Credentials (Diploma, Transcripts) using ECFMG Credentials Upload Tool (copy of final medical diploma, final medical school transcript, and official English translations if applicable) → Schedule and Take USMLE Exams at Prometric Test Centers (scheduling permit, valid ID, scheduling confirmation) → Receive USMLE Score Reports (available via ECFMG’s online services) → Request USMLE Transcripts (if needed, request official transcript via ECFMG) → Apply for Residency through ERAS (personal statement, letters of recommendation, medical school transcript, USMLE transcript, photograph) → Obtain J-1 Visa Sponsorship if needed (application for visa sponsorship, Form DS-2019, valid passport, financial support documents) → Verify ECFMG Certification Status via Certification Verification Service (CVS) on ECFMG website (certification verification request) → Complete Residency Program (residency completion certificate) → Obtain Medical License in the U.S. (medical license application, ECFMG certification, USMLE Step 3 scores, residency completion certificate, background check, proof of identity).
To apply for ECFMG Certification, you must complete the Application for ECFMG Certification online. This process confirms your intent to pursue ECFMG Certification and your understanding of its purpose. You will need your USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number before starting the application. This application includes submitting the notarized Certification of Identification Form (Form 186) through NotaryCam. Ensure all personal information, such as your name and date of birth, matches your passport.
For ECFMG Certification, you must pass the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exams. Additionally, you must meet the clinical skills and communication skills requirements either by completing an ECFMG Pathway and attaining a satisfactory score on the OET Medicine or having a passing performance on the former Step 2 CS that is valid for certification.
Before submitting an application for ECFMG Certification or for any USMLE exams, you need to obtain a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number. Apply for this number through the ECFMG website, providing accurate personal information including your name exactly as it appears on your passport. This ID number must be included in all subsequent communications and applications.
Your name in your ECFMG record must match your passport exactly. Any discrepancies can prevent exam registration and certification processes. You can check and update your name via ECFMG's online services. If you need to change your name, follow the procedures described under "Changing Your Name."
If your name changes, submit a request to ECFMG with appropriate documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are registered for an exam, a revised scheduling permit with your updated name will be issued. Ensure the name change is processed at least seven business days before your exam date.
Maintain current contact information in your ECFMG record, including your email address, mailing address, and phone number. You can update this information via ECFMG’s online services. All correspondence will be sent to your address of residence, including your Standard ECFMG Certificate.
You can manage your financial account with ECFMG through their online services. This includes making payments for various fees associated with ECFMG Certification and exam applications. Review the fees and payment section on the ECFMG website for detailed information on payment methods and policies.
Irregular behavior refers to actions that could subvert ECFMG’s processes. This includes falsifying documents, cheating on exams, or not complying with ECFMG policies. Consequences include being barred from future exams, cancellation of scores, and permanent annotation on your ECFMG record.
To be eligible for ECFMG Certification, you must have been awarded credit for at least four credit years by a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools with an ECFMG note stating it meets eligibility requirements. Your graduation year must be included in the ECFMG note.
If you transferred credits to the medical school that awarded your degree, you must disclose and document these credits when applying to ECFMG. Credits must be from a medical school listed in the World Directory and meet specific criteria.
Required credentials include your final medical diploma, final medical school transcript, and transcripts for transferred credits, if applicable. These documents must be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation if not in English.
Submit a copy of your final medical diploma, not the original. The diploma must be in the original language and include the issue date and appropriate signatures. ECFMG will verify your diploma with your medical school and request your final transcript directly from the school.
If you have transferred credits, submit an official transcript from the institution where the credits were earned. The transcript must be in the original language, and if not in English, accompanied by an official English translation. Do not submit professional evaluations of your transcript.
Ensure the name on your diploma and transcript matches the name in your ECFMG record. If not, provide documentation verifying that the names refer to the same person, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Documents not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation that meets ECFMG's requirements. If an acceptable translation is not provided, ECFMG will translate the document at your expense.
Use the ECFMG Credentials Upload Tool to submit your final medical diploma and related documents. Follow the instructions provided with your exam application to ensure proper submission and processing of your credentials.
IWA allows you to obtain a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number, apply for ECFMG Certification, apply for USMLE exams, access scheduling permits, and request eligibility period extensions. You can also manage your certification statement and performance data requests through IWA.
OASIS enables you to check and update your contact information, check the status of your medical education credentials, access your USMLE score reports, and confirm your application for ECFMG Certification.
If you are applying through the Pathways, use the online application to submit necessary documents and verify your clinical and communication skills requirements. Ensure you meet the specific requirements for the application cycle you are targeting.
Complete and notarize Form 186 through NotaryCam as part of your Application for ECFMG Certification. This form verifies your identity and must be submitted before you can apply for exams.
To meet the clinical skills and communication skills requirements, complete an ECFMG Pathway, which includes attaining a satisfactory score on the OET Medicine, or have a passing performance on the former Step 2 CS that is valid for certification.
OET Medicine assesses your English language proficiency in a medical context. Register for the OET, prepare using official materials, and achieve the required scores to meet ECFMG's communication skills requirement.
Apply for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK through ECFMG’s online services. Read the detailed instructions before applying, and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. Pay the necessary fees and select your preferred eligibility period.
After your exam application is processed, you will receive a scheduling permit via email. This permit includes your eligibility period, required identification, and instructions for scheduling your test. Bring this permit to the test center on exam day.
Use the scheduling permit to book your exam appointment with Prometric. Schedule as early as possible to secure your preferred date and location. If needed, you can reschedule your appointment within your eligibility period, but fees may apply.
To be eligible for Step 1 and Step 2 CK, you must be enrolled in or graduated from a medical school listed in the World Directory with an ECFMG note. Students must have completed at least two years of medical school, and graduates must submit their diplomas.
Students must be officially enrolled in a qualifying medical school and have completed at least two years of the curriculum. An authorized official of your medical school must certify your enrollment status when you apply for exams.
Graduates must have earned at least four credit years from a qualifying medical school. Submit a copy of your medical diploma when applying for exams. If your diploma has not been issued yet, provide a letter from your medical school.
ECFMG reserves the right to reverify your eligibility at any time. This may include confirming your enrollment status or verifying your medical education credentials with the issuing school. Failure to inform ECFMG of changes in your status may result in a finding of irregular behavior.
Fees for Step 1 and Step 2 CK include the examination fee and an international test delivery surcharge if testing outside the United States/Canada. Pay all applicable fees when you apply. Check the ECFMG website for the current fee schedule.
When applying for Step 1 or Step 2 CK, select an eligibility period during which you will take the exam. If unable to test within this period, you may request a one-time extension. If you miss your eligibility period, reapply with a new application and fees.
Prometric test centers worldwide administer Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Choose your testing region when applying. You can test at any center within your region, subject to availability. Reschedule if needed, but fees may apply. Check Prometric’s website for up-to-date information.
If you require accommodations under the ADA, visit the USMLE website for procedures and documentation requirements. Submit your request early to ensure necessary arrangements are made.
Examinees needing additional break time due to medical conditions can apply for this accommodation. Visit the USMLE website for more information on the application process and required documentation.
Certain personal items, such as medical devices, may be permitted in the testing area subject to inspection. Refer to the USMLE website for a list of approved items and ensure you comply with these guidelines on exam day.
The USMLE Bulletin of Information provides detailed information about the USMLE exams, including eligibility, application procedures, and test day rules. Read this document thoroughly to understand the requirements and expectations.
Practice materials for USMLE exams are available on the USMLE website. Use these resources to familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions. Consider taking NBME self-assessments to evaluate your readiness.
The NBME offers web-based self-assessments to help you gauge your preparedness for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. Access these assessments through the NBME website for a fee.
Prometric administers USMLE exams at its test centers. After receiving your scheduling permit, book your exam date and location through Prometric. Arrive early on exam day and follow all Prometric test center procedures.
Step 1 assesses your understanding of basic medical sciences. Prepare using USMLE practice materials and NBME self-assessments. Schedule your exam through Prometric and ensure you meet all identification requirements on exam day.
Step 2 CK evaluates your clinical knowledge. Use available practice materials and consider taking NBME self-assessments. Schedule your exam through Prometric and bring required identification and your scheduling permit on exam day.
Step 3 is administered by the FSMB and assesses your ability to apply medical knowledge in a clinical setting. ECFMG Certification is required to be eligible for Step 3. Visit the FSMB website for detailed information on application and scheduling.
Score reports for Step 1 and Step 2 CK are typically available 2-4 weeks after your test date. ECFMG will notify you via email when your score report is available. Access your score report through ECFMG’s online services.
FSMB notifies examinees when Step 3 score reports are available. Access your score report through FSMB’s online services. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date to receive notifications promptly.
To request an official USMLE transcript, contact the organization that registered you for the exam. For Step 3 or to send transcripts to U.S. medical licensing authorities, contact FSMB. For other purposes, submit your request to ECFMG.
If you believe there is an error in your score, you can request a score recheck. Submit your request and the recheck fee to the organization that registered you for the exam within 90 days of receiving your score.
You cannot retake a Step if you have already passed it, except to meet a time limit set by a licensing authority. If you fail a Step, reapply by submitting a new application and fees. You must wait four weeks after the end of your eligibility period to reapply.
You are allowed a maximum of four attempts per Step. This includes incomplete attempts. State medical licensing authorities may have additional limits. Check the FSMB website for state-specific requirements.
You may not take the same Step more than three times within 12 months. Your fourth attempt must be at least 12 months after your first attempt and six months after your most recent attempt.
ECFMG will begin implementing the Recognized Accreditation Policy in 2024. This involves reporting a medical school’s recognized accreditation status but does not affect individual eligibility for ECFMG Certification. Monitor the ECFMG website for updates.
ECFMG’s CVS provides primary-source confirmation of your certification status to third parties such as licensing authorities and residency programs. Requests can be made by you or the requesting organization through the ECFMG website.
ERAS allows you to apply electronically for residency positions in the U.S. ECFMG serves as the designated Dean’s office for international medical graduates, assisting with the ERAS application process. Visit the ECFMG website for detailed information.
Foreign national physicians entering U.S. graduate medical education programs can obtain a J-1 visa through ECFMG sponsorship. ECFMG sponsors physicians and their eligible dependents. Visit the ECFMG website for information on applying for J-1 sponsorship.
Irregular behavior includes any actions that could compromise the integrity of ECFMG’s processes. Consequences include being barred from exams and certification, and permanent annotation on your record. Review ECFMG’s policies on irregular behavior.
If suspected of irregular behavior, ECFMG will investigate and, if necessary, take actions such as canceling exam scores or barring you from future exams. You will be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond.
If you disagree with a finding of irregular behavior, you can appeal to the Review Committee for Appeals. Submit your notice of appeal within 30 days of the notification. The committee will review the case and make a final decision.
Petitions for reconsideration of a decision by the Medical Education Credentials Committee will be reviewed in extraordinary cases. Submit a written request explaining the new evidence that was not previously available. ECFMG staff will determine if the petition will be considered.
Examples of irregular behavior include falsifying documents, cheating on exams, and providing false information to ECFMG. These actions can lead to severe consequences, including permanent annotation on your record and being barred from exams.
The Medical Education Credentials Committee reviews cases of irregular behavior and makes determinations on eligibility for certification. The committee’s decisions can result in barring individuals from future exams and certification.
If your documents are not in English and an acceptable translation is not provided, ECFMG will have the document translated and charge your financial account. Review the translation requirements on the ECFMG website.
MyIntealth is a new online portal launching in late 2023/early 2024, providing access to ECFMG’s online services. MyIntealth will replace current services like IWA and OASIS. Monitor the ECFMG website for updates and instructions.