ECFMG certification ensures that medical school graduates from outside the United States are eligible for medical residency in the United States. Because there are many differences between medical school systems in different countries, candidates must meet several requirements to become ECFMG certified. If you have graduated from medical school from another country and want to practice in the United States, you may find it helpful to learn about ECFMG certification. In this article, we answer frequently asked questions about ECFMG certification, such as what it is, why it’s important, and what the requirements are.

What is ECFMG certification?
ECFMG certification is a qualification that determines whether students and graduates of international medical schools (IMGs) are ready to enter residency in the United States. The United States may have different educational requirements for residency than other countries, so ECFMG certification is a requirement. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) recognizes this certification after applicants have completed several requirements. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires IMGs to have ECFMG certification before they begin residency. This certification is also a requirement for the US Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) and for obtaining an unrestricted license.

Why is ECFMG certification important?
The ECFMG certification is important because it is a requirement for IMGs to begin medical residency in the United States. The main reason for this is that there are different educational standards and methods outside of the United States. While IMGs usually have impressive knowledge and qualifications, it is important that they meet the requirements of the U.S. healthcare system. Medicine is a vast industry, so it is important for all residency students to have standardized requirements. IMGs may have different knowledge and standards than US graduates. A student’s medical school location determines whether they are an IMG, not their citizenship.

If you are considered an IMG, it is important to obtain your ECFMG certification. This will allow you to continue to study and practice in the United States. Many countries outside of the U.S. have similar requirements for U.S. students who wish to practice in such countries.

What are the certification requirements for ECFMG?
There are several ECFMG certification requirements, including:

Medical School.
As an IMG, the medical school you graduate from must meet ECFMG requirements. This method ensures that IMGs have a proper medical education. Schools that meet these requirements are included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (World Directory). These schools have a note stating that they meet the ECFMG requirements for students who would like to receive this certification. Because medical schools can change their curriculum, the World Directory lists specific graduation years with an indication of when the school was compliant. Make sure you check the listed graduation years to make sure your school and graduation dates meet the requirements.

Application Process.
Once you know that your medical school is qualified, the next requirement is to apply for ECFMG certification. Candidates send an application to the board stating that they intend to become ECFMG certified. This also shows that they understand why this certification is a requirement for IMG. To begin the application process, you fill out an online application along with an identification form. You can find these documents on the ECFMG website. You also provide proof of your identity and contact information. In addition, you provide proof of graduation and enrollment in a medical school that World Directory deems eligible.

Medical Examination
Candidates must pass a medical science exam to qualify for ECFMG certification. Specifically, they take and pass Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE clinical knowledge. These exams prove that you have a good understanding of the science, which makes you eligible for residency. The Step 1 exam contains questions about the basics of medicine. This information applies to your first two years of medical school in the United States. The Step 2 exam tests the clinical skills you have acquired during your last two years of medical school. Once you pass these exams, you meet the requirements for ECFMG certification.