ECFMG certificate?

[ALMD2B]

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Does anyone know how long it takes after having all medical school requirements and having all exam results to get a ECFMG certificate?

Also, how long after receiving the certificate/being certified will you be able to take Step 3? (time being the issue)

A.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Does anyone know how long it takes after having all medical school requirements and having all exam results to get a ECFMG certificate?

Also, how long after receiving the certificate/being certified will you be able to take Step 3? (time being the issue)

A.

Depends on the time of year. ECFMG is busier in the spring/early summer months so it might take longer, but most estimates are around 4-6 weeks; sometimes more, sometimes less.

Eligibility to take Step 3 depends on the state in which you will be licensed. Most require that you complete at least 1 year of post-graduate training before being allowed to take the exam. Check out your state requirements at http://www.fsmb.org

 

[ALMD2B]

I just received my last exam result last week and faxed it to my school today. So, I guess you are saying that my certificate will come in 4-6 weeks. Do I need this certificate "in my hand" to apply for Step 3? Is there an online version of the certificate or some kind of online verification so that I dont' have to wait for this certificate to be ordered/printed/snail-mailed.???

Since, I am an FMG, I can apply to certain states to write my Step 3, namely Connecticut, Maryland (to name a few). From my readings so far, it seems that it can take 1-2 weeks after I apply for my step 3 exam to receive my permit? Is this true?

thanks.

A.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I just received my last exam result last week and faxed it to my school today. So, I guess you are saying that my certificate will come in 4-6 weeks. Do I need this certificate "in my hand" to apply for Step 3? Is there an online version of the certificate or some kind of online verification so that I dont' have to wait for this certificate to be ordered/printed/snail-mailed.???

Since, I am an FMG, I can apply to certain states to write my Step 3, namely Connecticut, Maryland (to name a few). From my readings so far, it seems that it can take 1-2 weeks after I apply for my step 3 exam to receive my permit? Is this true?

thanks.

A.

I am under the impression that ALL states require at least 1 year of US post-graduate residency training to be eligible for an unrestricted license. You need to be sponsored by an institution or state to take Step 3 and be eligible for a license. So I'm not sure about the rush to take Step 3 now since you won't be eligible for the unrestricted license anyway.

Most of the documentation I can find states that you have to be ECFMG certified to register for Step 3. I doubt this means you have to "have it in hand" but you should have confirmed that the certificate has been issued and the number of the certificate. At the time I was certified there wasn't an on-line process; you'd be well advised to contact ECFMG for further information on this topic.

Your permit may take AT LEAST 1-2 weeks to arrive after you have submitted your application. Therefore, try not to submit your application too near the start of your eligibility period as it can take some time to schedule the exam as well.

 

[Santiago]

>>>Do I need this certificate "in my hand" to apply for Step 3? Is there an online version of the certificate or some kind of online verification so that I dont' have to wait for this certificate to be ordered/printed/snail-mailed.???

You need the cetificate issue date for applying for Step 3.

>>>Since, I am an FMG, I can apply to certain states to write my Step 3, namely Connecticut, Maryland (to name a few). From my readings so far, it seems that it can take 1-2 weeks after I apply for my step 3 exam to receive my permit? Is this true?

Yeah, you are right.

 

[Santiago]

>>>I am under the impression that ALL states require at least 1 year of US post-graduate residency training to be eligible for an unrestricted license.


No that's not the case. Check fsmb.There are atleast 13 states where you can take it, I beleive.

>>>You need to be sponsored by an institution or state to take Step 3 and be eligible for a license.

No, that's not true either for applying & taking step 3.

>>>>So I'm not sure about the rush to take Step 3 now since you won't be eligible for the unrestricted license anyway.

IMG's need Step 3 for H1 visas. That might be the case for the OP.

>>>Most of the documentation I can find states that you have to be ECFMG certified to register for Step 3. I doubt this means you have to "have it in hand" but you should have confirmed that the certificate has been issued and the number of the certificate.

All you need is the issue date which you can get from OASIS. Also Ecfmg is not involved in Step 3 in anyway. Call up fsmb guys. They are very helpful.


>>>At the time I was certified there wasn't an on-line process; you'd be well advised to contact ECFMG for further information on this topic.

Online application is pretty fast. So, thats what I would advise everyone.

>>>Your permit may take AT LEAST 1-2 weeks to arrive after you have submitted your application.

Permit takes around 2 weeks at the most.

>>>Therefore, try not to submit your application too near the start of your eligibility period as it can take some time to schedule the exam as well.

Also, fsmb adds 15 days extra to your 3 month period.

hth

 

[MDU]

Kind of along the timeline question: I will be graduating in April. Internship starts in July. Will I have my ECFMG certificate by then?

 

[ALMD2B]

thanks everyone for your replies. Extremely helpful!

A.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Kind of along the timeline question: I will be graduating in April. Internship starts in July. Will I have my ECFMG certificate by then?

Yes, if you have everything else in order and only have to submit proof of graduation in April.

 

[Winged Scapula]

>>>I am under the impression that ALL states require at least 1 year of US post-graduate residency training to be eligible for an unrestricted license.


No that's not the case. Check fsmb.There are atleast 13 states where you can take it, I beleive.

I DID check FSMB. I think there is some confusion regarding eligibility to take Step 3 and being eligible for a license. These are NOT the same thing.

If you check the FSMB site, the requirements for Initial Licensure for all states and US territories listed, at least 1 year of post-graduate eudcation is required and in many cases, more years are required for FMGs. The only exception is the Tennesee Osteopathic Board which is not relevant for FMGs (as the foreign osteopathic degree is a different bird than that in the US and is not considered one and the same). I cannot find any evidence of "at least 13 states" which allow one to be licensed without at least a year of residency.

While ECFMG is not directly involved in the USMLE (ie, it is administered by the NBME), the FSMB does state that ECFMG certification is REQUIRED to register for Step 3. If this has changed or there are exceptions, I stand corrected. ECFMG serves as a broker for NBME by receiving the exams, verifyijg the scores, etc. for residency programs.

Thank you for the clarification about H1 visas - I was not aware that Step 3 was required.

 

[Santiago]

>>>I DID check FSMB. I think there is some confusion regarding eligibility to take Step 3 and being eligible for a license. These are NOT the same thing.


You are right, I goofed it up. Was in a hurry.
Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Winged Scapula]

>>>I DID check FSMB. I think there is some confusion regarding eligibility to take Step 3 and being eligible for a license. These are NOT the same thing.


You are right, I goofed it up. Was in a hurry.
Thanks for the clarification.

No problem...it happens to all of us. 😀