Country guide · USA
USA
The United States licenses internationally trained doctors through the USMLE, certifies them through ECFMG/Intealth, and places them into residency through ERAS and the NRMP Match. Specialty certification comes later, from the individual certifying boards.
Your pathway
- Check eligibility
- Pass the licensing exam
- Register with the authority
- Specialty or board exam
Exams and products
USMLE — Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3
Exam page
ECFMG Certification and the Match
Exam page
ABIM — Internal Medicine
Exam page
ABS — Surgery
Exam page
ABP — Pediatrics
Exam page
ABOG — Obstetrics & Gynecology
Exam page
ABFM — Family Medicine
Exam page
ABIM — Gastroenterology & Transplant Hepatology
Exam page
ABS — Pediatric Surgery
Exam page
Language requirements
Most authorities ask for an English test. Germany asks for German.
IELTSOETTOEFLPTE
One administrative change that catches people out. As of the 2026 service transition, IMGs apply for USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK and 3 through the FSMB, not ECFMG. A new FSMB account is required alongside MyIntealth. FSMB also processes USMLE transcripts to ERAS from 4 June 2026.
USMLE — Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3
Go to USMLE →
ECFMG Certification and the Match
Go to ECFMG and the Match →
ABIM — Internal Medicine
Go to ABIM →
ABS — Surgery
Go to ABS →
ABP — Pediatrics
Go to ABP →
ABOG — Obstetrics & Gynecology
Go to ABOG →
ABFM — Family Medicine
Go to ABFM →
ABIM — Gastroenterology & Transplant Hepatology
Go to ABIM Gastroenterology →
ABS — Pediatric Surgery
Go to ABS Pediatric Surgery →