ECFMG/USMLE Registration Video Script

In this blog we will talk about basic registration for the usmle exams and answer some common questions that applicants have when registering for these exams. 

Once  you have decided to pursue the usmle path and become a resident of the U.S, how do you begin the process apart from preparing for the exams?

  1. Check if students from the medical school you are currently enrolled in or studied in are eligible to apply for the usmle exams.
  • Go to the wdoms.org website and check if your school is listed and has the ecfmg sponsor note in the sponsor note tab.
If it isn't listed as above you will have to contact ecfmg at  MedSchoolReview@ecfmg.org
If it meets the above criteria then next would be to:

List of medical school accrediting agencies recognized by WFME
https://www.ecfmg.org/accreditation/wfme-recognition-programme.html

Youtube video on 2024 rule
https://youtu.be/0_I3tM7lzm4


  1. Obtain a USMLE/ECFMG identification number
    1. Go to ecfmg.org
    2. Click on online services tab
    3. Click on IWA
    4. Click on request USMLE id
    5. Fill in details, Personal details should match exactly those in your passport
    6. Wait for upto 10 working days to receive USMLE/ECFMG id
    7. Login and change the password
After successfully receiving the usmle id next step is: 

  1. Applying for ECFMG certification
  1. Online part
  • Login to IWA portal on ecfmg.org website using the USMLE id and password
  • Click on submit an application for ECFMG certification
  • Fill in the details, make sure to match them with details in passport
  • Review and Submit the application, then make payment of $145 using credit card
  • Download Form 186​
  1. Notary cam part
  • Open www.notarycam.com/ecfmg
  • Click on “complete form 186”
  • Upload form 186, copy of passport, and fill in the personal details
  • Setup an appointment date and time, check email for confirmation
  • Few minutes before your appointment time, you will receive an email with link to join the video call 
  • Be ready with your passport, laptop with a webcam, good lighting in the room
  • Wait for 10-15 days(current waiting times are upto 4 weeks due to the
    pandemic situation) for an email from ECFMG stating that the form 186 verification process is complete
Some frequent questions from applicants and our mentees:
  1. How long is ecfmg ID valid? I have given step 1 in april 2015 when is the last date before which I have to sit for step 2 ck?

  1. Once the Certification of Identification Form (Form 186) is submitted to, and accepted by ECFMG, the form remains valid for a period of five years. During this time, a graduate may apply for the USMLE without submitting another paper certification. 
  2. You will have 7 years from the date of your first usmle step component to finish the rest of the usmle exams and get ecfmg certified. Else your first usmle exam score will become invalid. So you need to finish your ck exam by april 2022




2) My name is different in my passport vs my medical school degree, which one should I use when registering for ecfmg? Will this be a problem later on?

  1. For ecfmg and usmle exams registration enter details as it is in the passport else get your name changed in the passport first if there is something grossly wrong. So for minor differences between passport and medical degree name like order of first and last name, use of initial instead of full description for surname etc. use what is in the passport for now. And when you are getting your credentials verified you will have to submit a name verification document from your dean stating that both the names belong to the same person.


3) I have recently taken a break during my internship year. What should I enter in the estimated date of completion of internship?
  1. Enter a date by when you think you will rejoin and complete the rest of the internship. With respect to the application it won't be a problem if the duration of the internship year comes out to be more than a year or even if you can't finish at the mentioned date. As long as your dean verifies your form 183 there won't be any problem and you will get a chance to fill this information again during step 2 ck application anyway.  

4) What should I fill in the national identification number? Passport or aadhaar number?
  1. Use a passport number. The passport is the one that is used to verify your details during the notary cam process and even on the exam day you will have to carry nothing but the passport and that's what they use to verify your details. So fill in all details accurately in line with whatever is in your passport.