Registration

Prerequisites for Applying to the USMLE:

• Valid, unexpired passport

• WDOMS: Apply from a college listed under WDOMS with ECFMG sponsor notes

Steps to Apply:

Step 1: Create a USMLE/ECFMG ID

• ➔ Go to: ECFMG

• ➔ Navigate to: Online Services > For Physicians > Interactive Web Application Portal

• ➔ Click: “If you have never been issued a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number and want to request one, click here”

• ➔ Fill out: All required details (last name, first name, date of birth, country, gender)

• ➔ Ensure: Details match your passport exactly

• ➔ Submit: Application

• ➔ Receive: USMLE/ECFMG ID via email (check spam/junk folders if not received within 2-3 days)

Step 2: Complete Form 186 (Certification of Identification)

• ➔ Go to: Interactive Web Application Portal

• ➔ Log in: Using your ECFMG ID and password

• ➔ Select: “Submit an application for ECFMG Certification”

• ➔ Fill out: Form 186 with details matching your passport

• ➔ Pay: $160 fee for ECFMG registration

• ➔ Download: Certification of Identification Form (Form 186)

Step 3: Notarize Form 186

• ➔ Go to: NotaryCam

• ➔ Upload: Certification of Identification Form (Form 186) and scanned color image of required passport pages

• ➔ Complete: Online notarization process

• ➔ Notary: Takes a photo, verifies your identity, and signs Form 186

• ➔ Form 186: Sent to ECFMG for processing (takes about 2-3 days)

Step 4: Submit Online Application for USMLE Step 1 or Step 2

• ➔ Go to: Interactive Web Application Portal

• ➔ Select: “Begin a new application for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2”

• ➔ Fill out: Required details

• ➔ Choose: Eligibility period (three months long)

• ➔ Select: Testing region

• ➔ Pay: Applicable fees (including surcharge for international regions)

• ➔ Receive: Confirmation email for your USMLE exam application

Step 5: Complete Medical School Verification

• ➔ Online Pathway: If your medical school is enrolled in EMSWP, they can fill out verification online.

• ➔ Offline Pathway: Download and complete Form 183, get it signed by your Dean, and send it via mail to ECFMG.

Step 6: Obtain Scheduling Permit

• ➔ Receive: Email from ECFMG with scheduling permit

• ➔ Download: Scheduling permit from the Interactive Web Application Portal

Step 7: Schedule Test Date

• ➔ Go to: Prometric

• ➔ Select: Step 1 or Step 2 exam

• ➔ Enter: Scheduling number (from your scheduling permit) and first four characters of your last name

• ➔ Choose: Test date within your eligibility period

• ➔ Receive: Test center details via email

• ➔ Print: Test center details and take them along with your passport on the test day