The ECFMG – Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates works with International Medical Graduates to provide certification. This certification assesses whether these graduates have the necessary educational standards to enter Residency in the United States. Every International Medical Graduate will have to gain ECFMG Certification in order to gain Residency or Fellowship in the US. Read on to find out more!
ECFMG Certification assesses whether you are ready to enter the US for further training. Due to the different standards in education across the world, the ECFMG works as the body to assess these and decide if an International Medical Graduates skills and education equate to that of a US Medical Graduate. You must have ECFMG Certification to apply to Residency and Fellowship Programs in the US and also to apply to take the USMLE Step 3 exam.
Eligibility
To apply for ECFMG Certification, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
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You must have graduated from or be a current student at a non-US medical school
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Your medical school must be listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED)
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Your graduation year must also be included in your schools IMED listing
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You must have completed 4 years worth of Medical School credits as listed on the IMED website
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You must document the completion of your Medical Diploma. The ECFMG will verify this with the issuing Medical School
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Completion of Medical Science Examinations – USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK (Register for these with the ECFMG)
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Clinical Skills Requirement – IMG’s must also complete the Clinical Skills requirement (USMLE Step 2 CS).
How to Apply for ECFMG Certification
To start the process, you must apply to the ECFMG to gain a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number. This number is used to apply for your USMLE Step 1, 2 CK and 2 CS exams.
Medical Graduates and Students can apply for ECFMG Certification. However, certification won’t occur until you have completed the required Medical Diploma.
Can I apply to Residency Programs before certification?
Yes, however, we do recommend that you have completed your USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams before you apply. Remember programs use these scores to assess your potential for the program and invite you to interview.
Once you have embarked on this process and providing you will have gained ECFMG Certification before the start of your program, you can then apply for Residency or Fellowship.