Expiration of ECFMG Certificates and Impact on USMLE Eligibility

Posted: October 30, 2024

The USMLE program requires unexpired ECFMG Certification to be eligible for USMLE Step 3. If you have an ECFMG Certificate that is subject to expiration and wish to take Step 3, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Passing scores on Step 1 and Step 2 CK, AND
  • An MD degree or the DO degree from an LCME- or COCA-accredited US or Canadian medical school, OR the equivalent of the MD degree from a medical school outside the US and Canada that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements and AND obtain ECFMG Certification which is valid and unexpired at the time of application and testing,
  • Meet all other eligibility criteria as listed in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.

If you have questions about your eligibility to take Step 3, please contact the FSMB at +1 (817) 868-4041 or usmle@fsmb.org.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your ECFMG Certification, please contact ECFMG at +1 (215) 386-5900 or info@ecfmg.org. 

 

Policy re non-expired ECFMG Certificates and Step 3 eligibility FAQs

  1. Am I eligible to apply for and take USMLE Step 3 if my ECFMG Certificate has expired?
    No, applicants must have a valid and unexpired ECFMG Certificate at the time of application and on the testing dates for USMLE Step 3.
  2. Can I select an eligibility period that includes dates beyond the date my ECFMG Certificate expires?
    No, applicants must have a valid and unexpired ECFMG Certificate at the time of application and on the testing dates for USMLE Step 3. Therefore, examinees must select an eligibility period with an end date before the expiration date of their ECFMG Certificate.
  3. Can I extend my eligibility period beyond the date my ECFMG Certificate expires? 
    No, applicants must have a valid and unexpired ECFMG Certificate at the time of application and on the testing dates for USMLE Step 3. Therefore, examinees cannot extend their eligibility period beyond the expiration date of their ECFMG Certificate.
  4. I have questions about my ECFMG Certificate expiration and/or renewal process. Who should I contact?
    Please contact ECFMG at info@ecfmg.org with any questions about ECFMG Certification.