Credentials Verification Process
In order to create a verified credentials portfolio, the FCVS team works with the appropriate education and training institutions to verify the credentials listed below.
In addition to working with institutions directly, FCVS accepts electronic transcripts from Credentials Solutions, Inc., Scrip-Safe, Parchment, and the National Student Clearinghouse. If your medical school participates, you may order medical education transcripts and designate Federation Credentials Verification Service as the recipient.
When all of the information is obtained, the completed portfolio undergoes a rigorous quality assurance audit to ensure it has been received according to requirements. Any data discrepancy between the application and the information obtained from the primary source is reported to the designated entity or entities.
The final FCVS product is a non-interpretive Physician or Physician Assistant/Associate information profile which is sent to entities designated by the applicant. All original documentation is maintained in the applicant's portfolio.
Status is sent to applicants during the process and when completed Profiles are sent to the receiving entity.
The time for processing applications can vary and can be dependent on the timely and complete responses from multiple sources. FCVS will continue to communicate with applicants about the status of their application, throughout the process.
CREDENTIALS VERIFIED BY FCVS
FCVS obtains primary source verification of the following credentials:
Identity
Certification of Identification Form (CID)
- Form must be notarized
- A Copy of Birth certificate or Passport must be provided with form
Photocopy of any name change documents
Notarized FCVS affidavit including a photograph of applicant
Medical Education
- Official transcript of medical education
- Verification of Medical Education form, completed by the dean/principal or authorized representative 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
Note: FCVS does not verify fellowship or research training that is not accredited by ACGME, AOA, or RCPSC.
Licensure Examination History
- United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, 3
- National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) Parts 1, 2, 3 / COMLEX USA
- Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)
- Any qualified predecessor licensing exams (FLEX, NMBE, etc)
FCVS orders official copies of your licensure examination transcripts and ECFMG Certification Status Report (if applicable) for each profile sent to a State Medical Board. We are unable to accept these reports from the applicant and are unable to refund money for these reports. Data reported on licensure examination transcripts and the ECFMG Certification Status Report is considered proprietary by the issuing organizations. FCVS is specifically prohibited from storing and/or duplicating these documents and subsequent requests will require reissuing of these documents. Exam transcript scores and the ECFMG Certification Status Report are NOT included in a self-designation or a non-licensure designation.
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Certification (if applicable)
ECFMG Certification Status Report
Licensure History
FCVS includes a current provider profile from our Physician Data Center. These reports include licensure history, sanction information and specialty board certification information.