The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification is an essential credential for international medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in the United States.
Earning ECFMG certification demonstrates that you meet the same educational and examination standards as US medical graduates. It qualifies you to enter U.S. residency and fellowship programs, a required step before you can obtain a medical license.
This comprehensive guide explains the key steps for obtaining your ECFMG certificate online. We’ll cover:
- ECFMG eligibility requirements
- Passing the USMLE exams
- Submitting your application
- Verifying your credentials
- Tracking your certification status
Read on to learn how to successfully earn your ECFMG certificate and advance your medical career in the U.S.
Overview of ECFMG Certification
The ECFMG certificate confirms that international medical graduates:
- Graduated from a qualified medical school
- Passed all 3 steps of the USMLE
- Are proficient in English
- Meet educational standards to enter U.S. residency programs
Once issued, your ECFMG certificate is a lifetime credential recognized by state medical boards, hospitals, and other organizations.
Earning it is a challenging but rewarding process that opens doors to exciting medical careers treating patients in the United States,
Step 1: Confirm Your Medical School Meets ECFMG Requirements
The first step is verifying that your medical school is eligible for ECFMG certification. Your school must:
- Be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Meet eligibility requirements related to governance and curriculum.
- Have appropriately trained clinical faculty.
Search the World Directory to confirm your medical school is eligible. If not initially listed, your school can submit an application to be considered for inclusion.
Meeting this requirement ensures the quality of education from international medical schools
Step 2: Pass Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE
To earn ECFMG certification, you must pass Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
These exams assess your understanding of clinical sciences and ability to apply medical knowledge and skills.
Registering for the Exams
Use your ECFMG identification number to register for each exam through the USMLE website. Schedule a 3-month window for each exam.
Preparing for the Exams
Give yourself adequate time (6+ months recommended) to sufficiently prepare through comprehensive USMLE study guides, practice tests, sample questions, and other prep resources.
Passing Scores
You must receive a passing score on both exams:
- Step 1: ≥ 194
- Step 2 CK: ≥ 209
With diligent preparation, you can pass these challenging exams.
Step 3: Obtain Your ECFMG Identification Number
An ECFMG ID number is required to register for the USMLE and apply for ECFMG certification.
To get your ID number:
- Create an ECFMG Online Services account.
- Submit the Limited Authorization form and eligibility documents.
- Complete the ECFMG identification number application.
Once approved, your ID number will be emailed to you within 2 weeks.
Step 4: Submit Your Completed ECFMG Certification Application
After passing your exams, you can complete the certification application through ECFMG Online Services.
You’ll need to provide:
- Identification information
- Medical school information
- Digital copy of your final medical diploma
- Document verifying medical school graduation
The ECFMG will verify your credentials directly with your medical school.
The application fee is $325 USD.
Step 5: Track Your ECFMG Certification Status
Once you submit your certification application, you can monitor its status through ECFMG Online Services.
Common status indicators include:
-
Submitted – Your application is under review
-
In Process – Your credentials are being verified
-
Complete – All requirements are met, certificate will be issued
The process typically takes 7-10 business days but can vary. Be patient as the ECFMG completes the necessary verifications.
Maintaining Your Lifetime ECFMG Certificate
Once issued, your ECFMG certificate never expires and requires no maintenance fees.
However, you must keep your contact information current through your Online Services account so you can receive important updates.
You should also retain copies of your exam score reports and certificate for fellowship, residency, and medical license applications.
With ECFMG certification, exciting opportunities to practice medicine in the U.S. open up to you. Follow the steps outlined to earn this essential credential online and advance your career.
Frequently Asked Questions About ECFMG Certification
Do I need ECFMG certification to practice in the U.S.?
Yes, ECFMG certification is required to participate in U.S. graduate medical education programs and obtain a medical license. It’s an essential credential for international medical graduates.
When should I start the ECFMG certification process?
It’s wise to create your Online Services account and get your ECFMG ID number during medical school. This allows you to take the required exams promptly after graduating.
How long does it take to get certified by ECFMG?
The total process takes a minimum of 7-10 months but usually 12-18 months or longer. It depends on factors like your exam preparation time. Starting early maximizes your chances of success.
Does my medical degree have to be in English?
No, your medical degree can be in any language as long as your medical school meets ECFMG eligibility requirements and you satisfy the English fluency standard.
What is the easiest way to check ECFMG certification status?
The easiest way is to use your ECFMG Online Services account. It provides real-time updates on your application status as the ECFMG processes your certification.
Earning ECFMG certification online opens up incredible opportunities for international medical graduates to practice in the U.S. Follow this guide to understand the process and get certified to advance your medical career.
Existing On-line Services Restored: MyIntealth™ Launch Postponed
To ensure that our customers have access to critical services, we have restored our existing systems. Our on-line services are now available, and users can access them at the links below to submit applications and other service requests, and to check the status of prior applications/requests. The launch of MyIntealth has been postponed.
While we will continue to prepare MyIntealth for launch, our priority is to ensure that customers have everything they need from us without further delay. We will reschedule the launch of MyIntealth for a later date to occur with minimal impact to those we serve and will provide updates as they become available in the Transition to MyIntealth section.
Use the Interactive Web Applications (IWA) to:
- Obtain a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number
- Complete the Application for ECFMG Certification, and download your Certification of Identification Form (Form 186) for notarization
- Apply for United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)
- Access your Certification Statement (Form 183) if your medical school prefers to verify student/graduate status via paper form
- Read about ECFMG’s Provision of Performance Data to Medical Schools and request to withhold your exam results from your medical school
- Access your USMLE scheduling permit (when available)
- Request to extend a USMLE Step 1/Step 2 CK eligibility period
