If you’re applying to the NRMP match as an IMG, you’ve likely encountered the terms “ECFMG Certification” and “ECFMG Verification.” Understanding the distinctions between these two concepts and their respective deadlines is crucial. Let’s break them down.
An IMG can become ECFMG certified after their Pathway is approved and they have met the universal requirements for certification:
According to NRMP policies, IMGs are required to be ECFMG certified upon beginning residency in the US. IMGs are not required to be ECFMG certified when applying in September.
Certain residency programs, however, do prefer or require that applicants are certified upon application in September or by the ROL deadline. Avoid applying to programs with clearly stated ECFMG certification requirements that you do not meet as they are unlikely to consider your application.
While it’s true that being ECFMG certified can increase the number of interviews you receive, many IMGs apply to the match as final-year medical students (and thus not ECFMG certified) and match!
All IMGs must be ECFMG verified by the ROL deadline; the NRMP automatically withdraws any application that does not meet this standard.
ECFMG verification requires:
ECFMG verification does not require graduation from medical school.
Understanding the differences between ECFMG certification and verification, along with their respective deadlines, is essential for a successful residency application process. If you have any questions that weren’t addressed above, please email us!
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