Credentials Verification Process To ensure the accuracy and integrity of information received, each application packet is assigned to a specific team of FCVS credentials verification analysts who oversee all application reviews, problem resolution, fee processing, timely receipt of documents and quality assurance.
Analysts review applications upon receipt. Any discrepancies or omissions are immediately identified, and the applicant is requested to clarify the omission before processing resumes.
When all requirements are satisfied, FCVS begins verifying information through a series of letters and forms, transcript requests, and document validation with the primary source of the information.
As a security precaution, FCVS initiates and receives all requests for information directly from the source. (For example, we receive verification of your medical education from the current dean/principal of the medical school you attended.) Once the verification process has begun, the applicant has no access to verified information.
Outstanding and/or incomplete verification requests are followed up on at regular intervals.
Methods of contacting medical schools and training institutions for verification include telephone, email, mail, fax, GMEConnect ®, MedEdConnect.
When all of the information is obtained, the completed packet undergoes a rigorous quality assurance audit to ensure it has been received according to requirements, and that no data discrepancies or omissions exist.
Any data discrepancy between the application and the information obtained from the primary source is reported to the entity designated to receive the final profile report.
After the quality review is complete, FCVS prepares a non-interpretive Physician or Physician Assistant information portfolio to be sent to entities the applicant designates. The portfolio contains FCVS-certified photocopies of all original documents received from primary sources. All original documentation is maintained in the applicant's file for future use.
When Profiles are mailed to the receiving entity, FCVS mails a confirmation letter to the applicant verifying the Profile has been forwarded.
How long does the FCVS process take?
The cycle time for processing of applications will vary and building a credentials portfolio can be a time-consuming process. It involves contacting multiple sources to ensure the information about you that we are archiving is accurate. Sometimes, we encounter delays as we work with institutions to gather the information we need. We remain committed to communicating with you if delays occur during the process.
Please remember that once your information is verified and archived - the system will then save physicians, physicians assistants, state boards and others a substantially amount of time and energy whenever vital data needs to be provided for credentialing and licensing purposes.
Call or email us. We have established a special customer support line, open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Central Time, to ensure your questions are answered. Please don't hesitate to call 1-888-275-3287 or email should you need assistance of any kind. We will promptly address your concerns.
Credentials FCVS Verifies FCVS obtains direct, primary source verification of credentials in the following categories:
Either a certified birth certificate or original passport
Photocopy of any name change documents
Notarized FCVS affidavit including a photograph of applicant
Medical Education
Official transcript of medical education
Special FCVS form, completed by the dean/principal of the medical school
Certified medical degree diploma (FCVS will have diploma certified by the issuing institution)
Verification of Fifth Pathway, if applicable
Postgraduate Training (US and Canada - accredited only)
Internships
Residencies
Fellowships
Research
Licensure Examination History
Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) Components 1 and 2
Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)
National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Parts I, II, III
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) Parts 1, 2, 3 / COMLEX USA
Pre-1985 FLEX (Federation Licensing Examination)
Special Purpose Examination (SPEX)
State Board Exams
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, 3
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Certification
ECFMG Status Report
Photocopy of ECFMG Certificate
Board Action History
FCVS obtains search results of the FSMB's Board Action Data Bank, a repository of physician disciplinary information, for each applicant. To ensure accuracy, a search is conducted each time credentials are forwarded.
ABMS Certifications
FCVS obtains a search result of data provided by ABMS when available.
