The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certifies foreign trained graduates to enter residency or fellowship programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Most states require ECFMG certification in order to take USMLE Step 3 and obtain licensure to practice medicine.
Students wanting to obtain ECFMG certification must complete the following requirements:
- Pass the Basic Science (USMLE Step 1) and Clinical Science (USMLE Step 2) components of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. USMLE Step 1 & ESMLE Step 2 are administered worldwide by Sylvan Learning Centers.
- Pass the CSA; this examination requires the examinee to demonstrate clinical and spoken English language proficiency.
- Students must also complete their medical education from an ECFMG and World Health Organization listed medical school (Central America Health Sciences University). All documents submitted to ECFMG will be verified with the medical school.