Can I apply without ECFMG Certification?

[WolfParkinsonBrown]

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So I graduate in December, but I have both steps completed + oet. Can I still apply in september without ECFMG certification and try to match?

Pass/255/US-IMG if that helps? Applying to IM

 

[Apollyon]

In my day (20 years ago), if an applicant didn't have ECFMG cert, they were pulled from the Match. That's it. No appeal, no workaround, no short cuts. It's a check box, and, if not checked, you're out. Full stop. You can interview, but, if they ask if you will have your cert, and you don't think you will, but tell them you will, you better hope they don't find out.

 

[WolfParkinsonBrown]

In my day (20 years ago), if an applicant didn't have ECFMG cert, they were pulled from the Match. That's it. No appeal, no workaround, no short cuts. It's a check box, and, if not checked, you're out. Full stop. You can interview, but, if they ask if you will have your cert, and you don't think you will, but tell them you will, you better hope they don't find out.

Oh no I’ll def have it by December of the same year - will programs even interview without a cert?

 

[Apollyon]

Oh no I’ll def have it by December of the same year - will programs even interview without a cert?

That's hit or miss. My year was the first year with the CSA. I don't even know what they call it now - the "Clinical Skills Assessment". And, of COURSE, ECFMG didn't have enough spots.

Since you are a December grad, if you don't have it, that may/might look quizzical. People graduating May/June, they understand that they might be in a narrow window to get the cert. You're not the first person that has ever experienced this. But, that should not preclude you from getting interviews. Places that aren't familiar won't even know about it.

 

[WolfParkinsonBrown]

That's hit or miss. My year was the first year with the CSA. I don't even know what they call it now - the "Clinical Skills Assessment". And, of COURSE, ECFMG didn't have enough spots.

Since you are a December grad, if you don't have it, that may/might look quizzical. People graduating May/June, they understand that they might be in a narrow window to get the cert. You're not the first person that has ever experienced this. But, that should not preclude you from getting interviews. Places that aren't familiar won't even know about it.

Awesome, I think I’ll just apply this year then! Thank you sm!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Yes, most programs will not care. You only get withdrawn from the match if you are not ECFMG verified by the deadline -- everything but the actual graduation. You'll actually be certified by the deadline.