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ECFMG No Longer Provides USMLE Services — FSMB Is Now the Official Portal for IMGs (2026 Guide)

By Dr. Amin Ali Founder, Brocali

Updated February 2026 | USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, IMG registration guide

What Happened? Why It Matters


As of January 12, 2026, ECFMG stopped providing USMLE exam services for international medical graduates (IMGs). All USMLE registration, scheduling, score reporting, and customer service are now handled through the FSMB USMLE portal.

  • ECFMG still handles certification eligibility — your credentials must be verified before registering.

  • USMLE exams, content, scoring, and NBME-style clinical reasoning remain unchanged.

  • Only the administrative process changed — the exams themselves are the same.


This shift was designed to centralize and modernize USMLE registration, making it easier for IMGs to manage their exams in one portal.


USMLE logo at top, FSMB and NBME logos below on a gradient blue background. Logos feature blue, orange, and teal elements.

What Students Should Know About the Change

  • Exams are NOT cancelled. Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 exams continue as usual.

  • USMLE content and format remain the same. No need to change your study strategy.

  • ECFMG certification is still required. FSMB uses ECFMG eligibility to allow registration.

  • Registration, scheduling, and score reporting now happen in FSMB’s portal.


Think of it as two systems working together:

Function

Organization

Certification eligibility

ECFMG

Exam registration, scheduling, score reporting

FSMB

How to Register for USMLE Now (Step‑by‑Step)

Here’s the complete, up-to-date guide for IMGs as of January 2026:


Step 1 — Verify Your ECFMG Certification Eligibility

Before registering:

  1. Ensure your ECFMG certification is active.

  2. Upload all required documents:

    1. Medical school transcript

    2. Diploma

    3. Passport / ID

  3. Complete identity verification.


Without ECFMG eligibility, FSMB cannot process your registration. Check your ECFMG status


Step 2 — Create Your FSMB USMLE Portal Account

  1. Go to the official FSMB USMLE portal

  2. Click “Create Account” and fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in ECFMG records.

  3. Complete the identity verification process (passport, government ID, or other required documents).

  4. Once verified, your account will allow exam registration, scheduling, and score tracking.


Tip: Any mismatch between ECFMG and FSMB information will block your registration.


Step 3 — Apply for Your USMLE Exam

Inside the FSMB portal:

  1. Select Your Exam: Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3.

  2. Confirm ECFMG Certification Eligibility: FSMB will check your credentials.

  3. Choose Test Date & Location: Select from available Prometric centers worldwide.

  4. Complete Application Details: Double-check your name, DOB, and medical school info.

  5. Upload or Confirm Documents: Only required if prompted.

  6. Pay Exam Fee: Secure payment through FSMB’s portal.

  7. Receive Scheduling Permit: This is your official confirmation — must be printed or saved for exam day.


Step 4 — Manage Your Exam

  1. Rescheduling or Cancelation:

    1. Use the FSMB portal to request date changes.

    2. Prometric policies apply; fees may be charged.

  2. Score Access: Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores will be released in FSMB’s portal.

  3. Keep All Emails & Permits: These are your official proof.


Step 5 — Preparation Tips During Transition

  • Continue NBME-style practice questions — exam logic hasn’t changed.

  • Plan ahead — account creation, eligibility verification, and scheduling can take weeks.

  • Avoid last-minute scheduling — high-demand centers fill quickly.

  • Stay updated via USMLE.org and FSMB announcements.


Key Takeaways for IMGs (Feb 2026)

  • ECFMG no longer provides USMLE services — FSMB is the official portal for registration and exam management.

  • ECFMG still handles certification eligibility — required before registration.

  • USMLE exams, content, and scoring remain the same — focus on study strategy, not panic.

Understanding the new system allows you to plan confidently, reduce stress, and focus on what really matters: PREPARATION

If you want mentorship that guides both your exam preparation and registration steps, Brocali is here to help medical students navigate the

USMLE even with new systems like FSMB.


Laptops and a phone display a medical education platform on a green background. Arabic text and price "$29" are prominent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to reapply if I submitted my exam application before January 12, 2026?

If your application was completed and approved before the transition, FSMB will honor it. If it wasn’t processed, you must register in FSMB.

Does this affect Step 3 for IMGs?

Yes — Step 3 registration for IMGs now happens in FSMB portal. U.S. grads may use MyUSMLE℠ for Step 3.

Has anything changed about exam content?

No — USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 content, NBME-style questions, and scoring remain unchanged.

What if my name doesn’t match between ECFMG and FSMB?

Registration will be blocked. Always ensure exact matches for names, DOB, and school info..


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