2023 ECFMG Pathways-Modifications to Eligibility Requirements :

IMPORTANT- ECFMG will not be accepting further 2022 Pathway applications. Furthermore moving ahead, the ECFMG will not determine the outcome of a Pathways application until all required supporting documentation has been received.

Assessment of English Fluency and other Communication Skills

A satisfactory score on the Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine is mandatory for all IMGs, regardless of citizenship, in order to be eligible for pursuing one of the six 2023 ECFMG Pathways. 

What is a satisfactory score for the OET for ECFMG applicants? –

Applicants must obtain  a minimum score of 350 (Grade B) on each of the four sub-tests  (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)

2023 Eligible Testing Date Changes:

For 2023 Applicants, A satisfactory score on the OET Medicine must have been attained on or after January 1, 2021, for qualifying for the 2023 ECFMG Pathways.

Pathway 1: Applicant Has Obtained a License to Practice Medicine

A license or registration to practice medicine without supervision is required to qualify for Pathway 1.  Demonstration of licensure or registration attainment without a record of disciplinary action must be proven.

2023 Pathway 1 Changes:

A full, unrestricted license to practice medicine issued on or after January 1, 2018, must be provided by applicants.

Only a license or registration that has been valid on or after January 1, 2018, is permitted.

Pathway 2: Applicant Has Passed an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for Licensure Granted by an Accredited Medical School

Completion and passing of the OSCE and attendance of or graduation from an ECFMG standardized medical school are required to qualify for Pathway 2 of the 2023 ECFMG Pathways.  The medical school must also provide an OSCE approved by the medical regulatory authority (MRA) in that country.

2023 Pathway 2 Changes:

For acceptance, passing results on OSCEs must be administered only by an accredited medical school. 

A medical school graduation date on or after January 1, 2021, must be provided by applicants.

Pathway 3: Applicant Has Attended or Graduated From a World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Accredited Medical School

Pathway 4: Applicant Has Attended or Graduated From a Determination of Comparability Awarded and Accredited Medical School

Pathway 5: Applicant Has Obtained a Joint Degree With an Accredited U.S. Medical School

Attendance of and/or graduation from an ECFMG accredited medical school is required to qualify for Pathways 3, 4, and 5.  Applicants must undergo a clinical skills test administered by an authorized official of the medical school. 

2023 Pathway 3, 4, and 5 Changes:

On or after January 1, 2021, a medical school graduation date must be provided by applicants.

Pathway 6: Applicant Passes Evaluation Standards Set by Licensed Physicians

Evaluation and observation of clinical skills during six in-person sessions administered by licensed physicians is required to qualify for Pathway 6.  The ECFMG Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) will be used during these sessions. 

2023 Pathway 6 Changes: 

An individual physician evaluator may submit evaluations to no more than 10 applicants. 

The processes that physician evaluators must follow to complete Mini-CEX evaluations is undergoing alterations.  More details to come on these changes as they become available. 

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