DUCATIONAL COMMISSION FOR FOREIGN MEDICAL GRADUATES (ECFMG)
The ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certificate is a document proving that you have fulfilled the education requirements needed to practice medicine in the USA. To obtain the ECFMG certificate, you must have had your medical degree certified by ECMFG, passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2, passed the clinical skills assessment, and passed a TOEFL English examination. Once achieved, the ECFMG will issued to you a certificate which verifies that you have fulfilled the requirements to enter medical training in the US. Your ECFMG certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa or start your training.
Separate from the USMLE's, but required for ECFMG certification, is the clinical skills assessment (CSA). This expensive ($1200) examination is held in Philadelphia throughout the year. You are tested on your ability to rapidly assess a patient, communicate your thoughts to them, and to write a note about your assessment and plans. Application is through the ECFMG only. The English examination is not run by ECFMG any longer. You will be required to take a TOEFL (teaching of English as a foreign language) examination. It is run in most countries by the Educational Testing Service. Click here for more information on the TOEFL examination.