Medical Education Credential Requirements

In addition to passing the required exams, applicants for ECFMG Certification must meet certain medical education credential requirements. All IMGs must have had at least four credit years (academic years for which credit has been given toward completion of the medical curriculum) in attendance at a medical school that is listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). The physician’s graduation year must be included in the medical school’s IMED listing. Finally, applicants must document completion of all requirements for, and receipt of, the final medical diploma. ECFMG verifies every medical diploma with the appropriate officials of the medical school that issued the diploma.

If you have already graduated from medical school when you submit your first application to ECFMG, you must include copies of your medical diploma and a recent photograph with your application. If you are still a student when you first apply, you must send the copies of your diploma and your photograph as soon as you graduate. Once you have submitted your diploma and photograph, you do not need to resubmit them unless you are asked to do so.

The exact name of the medical credential that you must provide is listed in the ECFMG Reference Guide for Medical Education Credentials. If the document you provide is not in English, you must also provide an English translation.

ECFMG will use the copies of your diploma and your photographs to verify your diploma directly with your medical school. ECFMG will notify you in writing when it sends your medical diploma for verification and when it receives verification of your diploma from your medical school.