When you complete the FCVS verification process, you will create a permanent, lifetime profile of primary-source verified credentials. This allows for easy and cost-effective access to medical credentials whenever needed. This is particularly beneficial for physicians who graduate from medical schools outside the United States or Canada, as verification often can be time-consuming, costly, and challenging. It is also highly useful when applying to multiple state medical boards at the same time or if your postgraduate training program has closed.

A significant number of state medical boards either accept or require FCVS. View the list of boards that accept or require the FCVS Physician or PA profile for their application process.

Note: Additional fees may apply for any required supplementary verifications. Additional profile designation costs $65 for each application. FCVS does not accept checks.

Note: Additional fees may apply for any required supplementary verifications. Additional profile designation costs $65 for each application. FCVS does not accept checks.

We aim to process your applications as quickly as possible. Typically, initial applications are processed within roughly 35 days, and subsequent applications within roughly 20 days or less.  Because we work directly with primary source documents, processing times may vary based on how quickly we receive verification from programs or clarification of information from you.

The Personal Profile Designation is designed for those who want to establish their core credentials before selecting an entity to receive their profile. It’s also a great option if you simply want a copy of your profile for personal reference. Personal Profiles are only visible for up to six months after release. The following items are not included in the Personal Profile Designation profile:

• • Examination Score Transcripts
  • ECFMG Certification Report (for International Graduates)
  • Medical Education Verification (for International Graduates)

If you are planning to send your profile to a state medical board, please be aware that these documents will be necessary and additional fees may apply. For more information about the documents that FCVS verifies, review the Credentials Verification Process.

FCVS permanently stores all documents related to your identity, medical education, and postgraduate training. Once you submit your subsequent application, they will be reviewed to ensure they meet the current requirements set by the medical board. This process may involve additional communication with relevant institutions. Any newly reported or updated training must also be verified.

Note: Examination transcripts and ECFMG Certification Status Reports must be requested for each board designation. FCVS is not permitted to store or duplicate these documents. As a result, additional processing time and fees will be required to obtain them.

No. The FCVS application is not the same as the application for state licensure. Each state medical board has its own unique application process, which typically includes additional information and verification of credentials beyond what FCVS provides. Many state medical boards accept or may require the Uniform Application as part of their licensing requirements. We encourage you to visit the website of your designated medical board(s) to learn about their specific application procedures and requirements.

FCVS creates a lifetime record of your essential credentials to simplify the medical licensure process. We obtain primary source verification of medical education, postgraduate training, and examinations, creating a permanent credentials profile that can be used throughout your career. The Uniform Application (UA) is a standardized licensure application used by numerous state medical boards. It serves as the primary application for medical licensure, streamlining the process by reducing the redundancy of entering information when applying for licensure in multiple states. However, it does not replace specific state-level requirements.  Learn more about the UA.

FCVS only manages your credentials. If a state medical board requests you submit a fingerprint card, please send it directly to the board.

Please visit the Identity Verification page for more information.

FCVS manages your credentials; we do not issue licenses or provide guidance to state medical boards regarding their issuance. If you require assistance with the licensing process, contact your state medical board.  

State medical boards can access and download your FCVS profile for one year after its release. Personal profiles can be accessed and downloaded for six months after their release.

Requests for verification of medical education are sent electronically, whenever possible, immediately upon submission of the application. Mailed requests, including those requiring a check, are sent within two to three business days after submission.

For physicians holding ECFMG Certification, FCVS works closely with ECFMG to carefully process verification requests for medical education based on the information gathered during the certification process.

If the verification documents provided by ECFMG align with the state licensure standards, they will be included in your profile. When responses are incomplete or not received promptly, we will reach out up to three times at regular intervals to ensure complete verification is obtained.

If you are not ECFMG Certified, please refer to “How do you obtain verification of my medical education?” (above) for our process.

We will let you know if you need to follow up with ECFMG.

You do not need to contact your medical school directly. We handle all communications needed to secure the appropriate verification documents to complete your profile. In exceptional circumstances, we may ask you to reach out to your school. 

If you are asked to order your transcripts, please be aware that your medical school does not permit third-party requests for certified transcripts. To keep your application moving, you will need to request that a certified transcript be sent directly to FCVS. 

Yes, you need to report all medical schools attended, whether domestic or international.

We do not accept documents from Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC℠).

We send verification requests directly to the Program Coordinator, unless the program specifies otherwise. We do this because coordinators regularly handle these types of documents.

We only send verification requests to the individuals who manage your training records. Our verification forms aren't the same as personal reference forms, so we will not send them to your colleagues for completion. If you have an alternate contact, this person should be associated with your program. You may forward this additional information to fcvsinbox@fsmb.org.

We only verify ACGME, AOA, or RCPSC accredited training programs.

No, you are not required to do so, but some state medical boards do require them from physicians.

We review your documents for each new application submitted. If the verification does not meet the board's requirement, we are obligated to obtain a new verification. Each state medical board sets specific requirements that FCVS must meet. Sometimes, we may need to reverify prior training we have completed to ensure we align with these board requirements. This helps us keep our standards consistent and accurate for every application.

We do not verify International Graduate Medical Education (GME) training. Instead, all international GME training should be reported under the “Additional Activities” section of your application, located under “Chronology of Activities”. Please note that we will only verify training from the United Kingdom if the recipient of your FCVS profile is the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine.

If your FCVS profile is now complete and you need a new verification form that reflects your updated completion status, you will need to submit a subsequent application. At the time your profile was originally submitted to the board, the verification form accurately reflected the information available in your FCVS profile. Since the original form was correct when issued, you will need to submit a subsequent application to get a new one.

We do not verify board certification; you are not required to include this information in your application.

Because each board requires its own exam order, we order them for every state medical board you apply to.

Yes, you must report all licensing exams taken.