The [6 Step] USMLE Step 1 Application Guide for IMGs

A lot of international medical students are confused about the USMLE Step 1 application process. The following is a complete 6 step guide on how to apply for the USMLE Step 1 examination.

The steps must be followed in this order only. Each of these steps is super important and cannot be skipped.

Step 1: Create an account of the ECFMG website

Go to the ECFMG Website applicant portal.

Click on I want to apply for ECFMG Certification

You will need to request a USMLE/ ECFMG identification number.

Once this is done, you will be taken to another window where you will have to fill in your details in a form.

Fill in the details and submit form.

Wait for a couple of weeks. ECFMG will send an email with your USMLE/ECFMG id and Password (which you can change)

Step 2: Head to ECFMG website and fill the USMLE Step 1 application form

Once you get an email from ECFMG, sign in with your user id and password from the same screen as before.

You will be taken to another window.

Click on begin new application.

There is an elaborate form that you have to fill out. Make sure you enter all the details correctly.

Note: You will be asked to select an eligibility period. This is a three month period in which you can choose to schedule your test. Select an eligibility period wisely.

At the end of the form you will be asked to make the payment for the examination.

Step 3 Form 183

Once you have made the payment, you will find a link in the same window, this is for the form 183.

Fill in the required details.

The form also requires to be signed and stamped by the Dean of your medical school.

Note Very Important : Make sure the dean’s sign is the same as the on on the ECFMG records. Emphasize this to your office staff so that no mistake is made. If the signature does not match your form will not be accepted!

Step 4 Send Form 183 to Philly

Once you fill the form you have to send it to the address mentioned on Form 183. That is

IWA 
ECFMG 
3624 Market Street 
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685 USA

The envelope must be forwarded from your Dean’s office and should bear the Dean’s stamp. Your college office will generally be familiar with this process.

Step 5: Wait for your Scheduling Permit

2 to 3 weeks after sending form 183, you will receive an email from ECFMG. This email will contain a scheduling permit.

This is a very important document. Something that you will have to carry with you on Exam Day.

Ensure all your details are correct.

Step 6: Book a date at Prometric

This is the final step in your USMLE Step 1 application.

Prometric is the testing service that conducts all USMLE exams. Go to the Prometric Website.

Select USMLE. Select your testing location and preferred date of exam within your eligibility period.

You will have to enter details from the scheduling permit in order to complete the booking process.

Aaaand that’s a wrap! It is a long process and do be sure you do it correctly. Keep at least a month or two for application so that you don’t have make last minute mistakes.

Hope this 6 step guide on How to apply for USMLE Step 1 helps you with your USMLE Step 1 application process.

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You can check out other USMLE related articles here.

If you would like to contribute your USMLE Step 1 experiences, head to our contribute page.

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This article was written by Dr. Rohit Nathani, intern at Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai. USMLE Step 1 score 255. You can ask your questions in the comments section below.

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