Requirements for ECFMG Certification

Medical School Requirements

The applicant’s medical school must meet requirements established by ECFMG. A school that meets all requirements is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (World Directory) with an ECFMG note stating that the school meets eligibility requirements for their students and graduates to apply to ECFMG for ECFMG Certification and examination. For more information on the ECFMG Sponsor Note see Information on Sponsor Notes in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

The ECFMG note also will include the graduation years for which the school meets ECFMG’s requirements. The applicant’s graduation year must be included.

Application for ECFMG Certification

The Application for ECFMG Certification consists of two parts: an on-line application and the Certification of Identification Form (Form 186). Applicants must confirm their identity, contact information, and graduation from or enrollment in a medical school that meets ECFMG’s requirements.

Examination Requirements

Medical Science Examination Requirement Applicants must pass USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK).

Clinical Skills Requirement and Communication Skills Requirement Applicants must: Complete an ECFMG Pathway, OR Have a passing performance on the former Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) component of USMLE that is valid for ECFMG Certification.

Medical Education Credential Requirements

Applicants must have been awarded credit for at least four credit years (academic years for which credit has been given toward completion of the medical curriculum) by a medical school that meets ECFMG’s requirements. There are restrictions on credits transferred to the medical school that awards an applicant’s medical degree that can be used to meet this requirement.

Applicants must document the completion of all requirements for, and receipt of, the final medical diploma. See the Reference Guide for Medical Education Credentials for the exact title of the final medical diploma the applicant must have earned (and must provide).

ECFMG verifies every applicant’s medical school diploma with the appropriate officials of the medical school that issued the diploma and requests that the medical school provide the final medical school transcript. Verification by ECFMG with the issuing school may also be required for transcripts that are submitted to document transferred credits.