ecfmg certification required for interview?

[doc39]

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howdee. ok quick ? for anyone who might be able to help. Several programs list that they require ecfmg certification in order to grant an interview. Now my step 2 scores wont be in untill end of oct, since im taking the exams end of sept. should i still apply to these programs anyhow, in hopes that they will take a look at my app again once those scores are in therefore my ecfmg certification is taken care of? or is it a waste of money. if dont have the certification by sept 1st, might as well not apply to those programs?
any help would be peachee....thanks bunches

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Chances are these programs will filter their ERAS applications by ECFMG status. Therefore, your application will be unlikely to be seen until you become ECFMG certified. However, if that happens in October as you expect, then I think you'll still be ahead of most application deadlines.

I'd probably apply early, then update your ECFMG status as soon as it is available. Alternatively, you could wait until your ECFMG cert comes in, and then apply. As long as your app is in before Nov 15th (before Nov 1st is better), there probably won't be much of a problem.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Unless ECFMG is much quicker than they used to be, I doubt he would be certified by November 15th if his Step 2 scores won't even be available until end of October. Its takes them at least a week or two (or more during busy seasons) to even scan and upload info, let alone process the app for certification.

 

[njdevil5]

I'm pretty sure that besides completing the steps, graduation from medical school is also a requirement for certification. I'm through all of the steps but I'm under the impression that I won't be certified until I graduate next May so I have to answer "No" to the certification question. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[doc39]

thanks for the replies. appreciate it. i think i will def go ahead and sent out my apps asap and just hope for interviews from those who do not need the certificate for an interview and possibly some more later from those who do need it.
and yes you do have to graduate and therefore sent in copies of ur diploma along with forms which will then be sent to your school for verification in order to be certified....

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I'm pretty sure that besides completing the steps, graduation from medical school is also a requirement for certification. I'm through all of the steps but I'm under the impression that I won't be certified until I graduate next May so I have to answer "No" to the certification question. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Correct, although to participate in the match you only need to have completed the USMLE steps. Programs that require ECFMG cert for interviews / ranking will not consider you. If you need a visa, you're sure to be delayed in starting.

 

[Abram Hoffer]

Correct, although to participate in the match you only need to have completed the USMLE steps. Programs that require ECFMG cert for interviews / ranking will not consider you. If you need a visa, you're sure to be delayed in starting.

Is the only way of knowing if a program requires ECFMG certification to check their website or to contact them?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Is the only way of knowing if a program requires ECFMG certification to check their website or to contact them?

As far as I know, yes. Some commercial websites offer to sell you a list of IMG friendly programs and their requirements -- whether these lists are useful/accurate is anyone's guess.

 

[Abram Hoffer]

As far as I know, yes. Some commercial websites offer to sell you a list of IMG friendly programs and their requirements -- whether these lists are useful/accurate is anyone's guess.

Thank you. You have been most helpful.

 

[tno77]

What purpose does it serve to only interview ECFMG certified applicants? What about US national IMGs who will graduate in May but have passed all the USMLEs? I can see how programs want to protect against IMGs who wont be able to get a work visa, but it seems unreasonable to require a certificate in all cases

 

[google_singh]

Passing Step1 Step2Ck and Cs along with graduation and verification of your credentials are the requirements for ECFMG to issue you the certificate.
So verification of crendtials is as important particularly if your medical school is slow about. My med school does reply to ECFMG on its own. I have to provide them with a copies of a few documents before they even start processing. So get in touch with ue med school authorities about their requirements.

 

[Winged Scapula]

What purpose does it serve to only interview ECFMG certified applicants? What about US national IMGs who will graduate in May but have passed all the USMLEs? I can see how programs want to protect against IMGs who wont be able to get a work visa, but it seems unreasonable to require a certificate in all cases

ECFMG certification has nothing to do with your visa status.

Having the certificate "protects" the programs against students who may have trained at a program whose credentials cannot be verified or from students who will not actually graduate on time.

Frankly, its just a way for programs to screen out FMGs/IMGs without it appearing that they are doing so.