Overview
Board of Trustees
Statement of Values, Mission, and Purposes
Senior Staff
Annual Report
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ECFMG Certification
Assessing whether IMGs are ready to enter U.S. graduate medical education programs that are accredited by ACGME
Certification Verification Service
Providing primary-source confirmation of an IMG’s ECFMG certification status to residency programs; state medical boards; and other organizations, such as hospitals and HMOs
ERAS Support Services
Assisting IMGs who use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to apply for residency positions in U.S. graduate medical education programs
Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (J-1 visa)
Sponsoring physicians on J-1 Exchange Visitor visas and ensuring that Exchange Visitors and their host institutions meet the federal requirements for participation in the Exchange Visitor Program
ECFMG International Credentials Services
Serving international regulatory authorities by obtaining primary-source verification of credentials of physicians educated or trained outside of their jurisdictions
Acculturation Program
Developing resources that assist IMGs with the transition to living and working in the United States and that help orient them to the U.S. health care system
Programs Overview »

For International Medical Graduates

IWA—Interactive Web Applications
Complete the Application for ECFMG Certification; apply for USMLE; access USMLE scheduling permits; request extension of Step1/2 CK eligibility period; request to have USMLE results withheld from your medical school
OASIS—On-line Applicant Status and Information System
Review and manage your ECFMG record; manage your financial account; check the status of your ECFMG applications, medical education credentials, and Standard ECFMG Certificate; view USMLE score reports; access ERAS Support Services; complete the physician portion of an on-line application for J-1 visa sponsorship
Step 2 CS Calendar and Scheduling
Check test dates and schedule testing appointments
CVS ON-LINE—Certification Verification Service On-line
Request a status report be sent to a medical licensing authority
IAN—IMG Advisors Network
Connect with an IMG advisor to ask questions about participating in U.S. graduate medical education and living in the United States; volunteer to be an advisor

For International Medical Schools

EMSWP—ECFMG Medical School Web Portal
Verify the status of students/graduates for USMLE registration; verify the medical education credentials of their students/graduates; access data on the USMLE performance of students/graduates; upload and track supporting documents on behalf of students/graduates participating in ERAS

For Residency Programs/Licensing Authorities

CVS ON-LINE—Certification Verification Service On-line
Request an IMG’s certification status
EVNet—Exchange Visitor Network
Submit appointment profile details for J-1 visa sponsorship applicants; view reports on currently sponsored J-1 physicians

For All Users

IMED—International Medical Education Directory
Search for medical schools
Employment Application
View and apply for jobs
On-line Services Overview »
Publications
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Data
ECFMG Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior
Fees and Payment
2011 Annual Report
 2011 ECFMG Annual Report
PDF
More Publications »
Certificates Issued, 1987-2011
More Data »
Resources Overview »
Home > Comprehensive Review of USMLE

Comprehensive Review of USMLE (CRU)

The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. USMLE is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) of the United States, Inc., and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®). Results of USMLE are reported to individual medical licensing authorities in the United States for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine. To obtain ECFMG Certification, international medical graduates (IMGs) must pass portions of USMLE.

In 2004, the Composite Committee that establishes policies for USMLE called for a comprehensive review of the entire USMLE program. The goal of this review was to determine if the mission and purpose of USMLE were effectively and efficiently supported by the current design, structure, and format of USMLE. This review, which reflected perspectives of students, residents, fellows, Deans and Associate Deans, basic science and clinical faculty, IMGs, U.S. medical licensing authorities, practicing physicians, and the public, resulted in proposed changes. In 2009, FSMB and NBME approved the proposal for changes.

Planning, research, and development efforts have been underway for the last three years. Initial modifications are being introduced into upcoming exams. Regular updates on the CRU process are posted to the USMLE website at http://www.usmle.org/cru/.

Changes resulting from CRU are planned for all USMLE Steps and Step Components. These changes may affect both content and item formats. As changes are implemented, the orientation and practice materials available on the USMLE website may be updated to reflect these changes.

Individuals with an interest in USMLE should monitor the USMLE website for updates. IMGs who plan to take USMLE examinations should monitor the USMLE website for updates to the USMLE orientation and practice materials.

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Last updated August 15, 2011.
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