ECFMG is a requirement to take Step 3 of USMLE, it is required for residency, it is required to obtain an

unrestricted license to practice medicine.

Step 1 passing score: 194, ideal 250.

NRMP = national residency matching program

Complete exam application

⁃ Online part of application
⁃ Student status verification by medical school
⁃ Any other required documents, by IWA of ECFMG
Forms
 186 = required to complete identity, filled out when obtaining the ID Number signed by Notary
(NotaryCam) by student
 183 = verification of student or graduate status by school
o ECFMG requests student status directly from school
 345 = diplomas? by school (not necessary according to latest ecfmg website)

Before Residency
Online application for ECFMG Certification
 Before an applicant can be registered for USMLE, ECFMG must recieve verification of the applicant’s
status as a currently enrolled student or graduate directly from his/her medical school.
o Electronic Credentials Verification = everything is through internet.
o ECFMG will request status verification electronically or from Form 183.
o Form 183 must be completed by student and certified by authorized official from medical
school.
o Graduates: a copy of medical diploma and official English translation is required
o ECFMG will send a copy of your completed Form 345 to your medical school, which you have to
send back once completed.
 Eligibility
o Fill Online Application
o Certification of Identification Form 186 (from school)
o Medical education credential
 Final Medical Diploma two copies Form 345
 ECFMG sends 345 to school with instructions to send back
o Step 1, 2 CK and 2 CS completed
1.
To get ECFMG ID Number
 umsle.org/apply
 Go to students/graduates outside US
 Apply to ECFMG for an Identification number
 www.ecfmg.org -> IWA
 Name = most important part, must match exactly your id document.
 When you have ID number, access IWA and confirm
name, DOB, gender.

Confirm your identity

 You receive email PDF version of Form 186
 You fill out Form 186 with correct information
 Upload to NotaryCam (not signed)
 Request appointment for NotaryCam
 Webcam to connect face-to-face with notary, check
documents and sign electronically.
 Notary will transmit your EIF directly to ECFMG.
2.
Once you have ID number
 Go to https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=iwa
 Go to “Begin a New Application” for USMLE Step 1, 2CK or 2CS
 Select an eligibility period for Step 1 from the list.
o Eligibility period = 3-month-period, you can choose any day from the eligibility period to take
the exam.
o You may request a 1-time extension for the next eligibility period
 You have 14 days to complete application items.
 Once submitted, you can apply for USMLE exams.

You must be certified by ECFMG before your residency’s start date, but you can apply to programs and
participate in match before certification.
 You cannot complete the certification process until you graduate and receive the diploma.
 Check status at www.ecfmg.org -> OASIS