Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I use FCVS?
keyboard_arrow_downApplicants who complete the FCVS verification process establish a permanent, lifetime portfolio of primary-source verified credentials - allowing easy and cost-effective access to medical credentials whenever they are needed. This service is especially valuable to those physicians graduating from medical school outside the United States or Canada, where verification can be time-consuming, costly and difficult. It is also extremely useful for those applicants applying to several state boards simultaneously, or those whose postgraduate training programs have closed.
Which State Medical Boards accept or require FCVS?
keyboard_arrow_downNearly all state medical and osteopathic boards accept or require FCVS. View a list of boards that accept or require FCVS’ Physician or Physician Assistant/Associate profile.
How much does it cost?
keyboard_arrow_downAll applications include one profile sent to one recipient.
| Physicians: | |
| Initial Application | $395 |
| Subsequent Application | $99 |
| Physician Assistants/Associates: | |
| Initial Application | $170 |
| Subsequent Application | $65 |
All: Additional Profiles with each application are $65 (each)
Additional fees apply for other verifications as applicable.
*Note: FCVS does not accept checks.
How long does the FCVS process take?
keyboard_arrow_downFCVS makes every effort to process applications as quickly as possible. Average processing time for initial applications is 35 days or less and for subsequent applications, 20 days or less. Processing times vary based on responsiveness to FCVS requests for verification or clarification.
How do you obtain verification of my medical education?
keyboard_arrow_downWhenever possible, requests for verification of medical education and accredited postgraduate training are sent electronically immediately upon submission of the application. Mailed requests, including those that require a check, are sent within 2-3 days of submission.
For physicians who are ECFMG certified, requests for verification of medical education are processed by ECFMG based on information obtained during the ECFMG certification process.
If a response is incomplete or not received in a timely manner, FCVS will make up to 3 requests at regular intervals to obtain complete verification.
What forms do I need to provide to FCVS?
keyboard_arrow_down| Required Documents | Upload in Application | Domestic Graduate | International Graduate |
| Affidavit & Release form (requires notarization and color, passport quality photo) | Yes | X (Document maybe submitted electronically, via email or mailed to FCVS if using traditional notary) |
X (Document maybe submitted electronically, via email or mailed to FCVS if using traditional notary) |
| Certification of Identification form with photocopy of birth certificate or valid passport (requires notarization, see state board exceptions in form instructions) | Yes | X (Document maybe submitted electronically, via email or mailed to FCVS if using traditional notary) |
X (Document maybe submitted electronically, via email or mailed to FCVS if using traditional notary) |
| FCVS Authorization for Release form (electronically signed in application or hand-written signature) | Yes | X | X |
What documents do I need to provide to FCVS?
keyboard_arrow_down| Required Documents | Upload in Application | Domestic Graduate | International Graduate |
| Photocopy of Medical School Diploma. Must be 8 ½ x 11, legible, and full view, not cut off on any sides | Yes | X (English translation of Latin Diploma is not required) |
X (both original language and English translation, if applicable) |
| Photocopy of Fifth Pathway certificate | Yes | X (if applicable) |
|
| Photocopy of GME Completion certificate(s) | Yes | X (Optional, if available) |
X (Optional, if available) |
| Any of the following may be used to support a variation of your name (provide English translation, if applicable): Photocopy of birth certificate Photocopy of passport Marriage certificate Divorce decree Court issued name change document Naturalization certificate Baptismal certificate Refugee travel document Permanent Resident Card |
Yes | As necessary to support name variation | As necessary to support name variation |
What is a “Self” Designation?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Self-Designation is designed to accommodate those applicants who wish to establish their core credentials but have not yet chosen an entity to receive their profile or wish to have a copy of the profile for personal reference.
Please note the following items are not included in a Self-Designation profile:
- Examination Score Transcripts
- ECFMG Certification Report- for International Graduates
- Medical Education Verification- for International Graduates
Profiles sent to a state medical board will require these documents and additional fees will apply.
To view information regarding documents verified by FCVS, please visit Credentials Verification Process.
Do I need to submit an application to the state board where I want to be licensed? What other documents do they require?
keyboard_arrow_downThe FCVS application is NOT the same as an application for state licensure. Each state licensing authority requires a licensure application and will most likely require information and verification of credentials in addition to those verified by FCVS. Many state boards accept or require the Uniform Application as their licensing application. Please visit your designated board(s) website to view their specific application and requirements.
What is FCVS's address?
keyboard_arrow_downFederation of State Medical Boards
Attn: FCVS
400 Fuller Wiser Road
Euless, TX 76039
I completed an FCVS portfolio years ago, and am ready to submit a subsequent application for a new state board. What should I expect?
keyboard_arrow_downFCVS permanently stores all documents related to your identity, medical education and postgraduate training. Upon submission, these documents will be reviewed to ensure they meet specific board requirements and may require additional contact with the institition(s). Any newly reported or updated training must also be verified.
Examination transcripts and ECFMG certification Status Reports must be requested for each board designation as FCVS is prohibited from storing and/or duplicating these documents. Additional processing time and surcharges will be required to obtain these documents.
What documents are required for the Certification of Identification form?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Certification of Identification form requires the attachment of a photocopy of the proof of identity document presented to the notary. The applicant should also provide a translation of the photocopied birth certificate or passport, if not in English. If an English translation is not available, the applicant may request translation by FCVS’s professional translation service.
Note: The Affidavit Release form and Certification of Identification Form, along with your photocopies of identity may be uploaded through your FCVS Application.