Students generally take the USMLE Step 1 after finishing their 2nd year of basic science stage and gain success by studying for a couple of months as the concepts are still fresh in their minds. Further, they start preparing for USMLE Step 2 during their clinical courses and give the exam following the clinical years.
One can only retake the USMLE exam if he fails in it. Otherwise, if he scores less and wishes to give it again, then that’s not going to happen. Plus, the scores remain with the students for seven years beginning from the date of exam was given.
  • Firstly, let’s take the first situation. The student gives the USMLE exams without having any preparation. This may lead the student to a very big trouble as if they score less, they cannot enhance their score by giving it again for 7 years. Therefore, one must prepare and be careful while taking these steps.
  • Secondly, the next alternative is online preparation. A student can get online USMLE step 1 books and other material for his preparation of USMLE. However, there are some drawbacks in this alternative as you don’t get a mentor who can guide you throughout the steps. Similarly, one should not opt for this step unless he is industrious.
  • Thirdly, students can also take commercial courses for USMLE preparation. This is the most popular way. It includes buying USMLE books, taking mock tests, studying the material, etc. Therefore, with the help of this, the students can prepare for the best and achieve higher marks.
  • Above all, some students prefer the Medical College assisted USMLE preparation programmers by which the course gets mixed into the medical education as well as they get daily guidance throughout the course.
  • Firstly, MOKSH has a success rate of 99%, assisting students to clear USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK&CS Program with ease.
  • Secondly, MOKSH has a curriculum that concentrate on essentials needed to clear the USMLE Exams as well as specifying the time table as to how much time should be given to each subject.
  • Thirdly, MOKSH’s team of USMLE experts is available 24X7 for solving student’s queries.
  • Through MOKSH, you get to prepare for USMLE by learning from physicians who have done very well in all USMLE Steps and have done residency training in a very less time. 
  • Above all, MOKSH charges reasonable amount of fees from the students plus it offers many other amenities too!
There are a lot of variations in the medical schools located outside USA and Canada in terms of education and curriculum. Therefore, ECFMG certification is necessary to verify whether the graduates from these schools prepared for residency in US and fellowship course accredited by the ACGME (Accreditation Council Graduate Medical Education).
Similarly, one can start by submitting the ECFMG application, clearing some exams and fulfilling other requirements of ECFMG such as copies of the student’s medical education certificates following the verification of ECFMG’s verification of the certificate with the student’s medical school. However, this whole process in referred to as ECFMG certification.

USMLE Step 3 exam. Further, the certification needs to be done before one enters the program. Similarly, one is also eligible to practice medicine in the United States by acquiring a license. To sum up, let’s say it is necessary as well as beneficial to get certified by ECFMG.

ECFMG certification is necessary for those international medical graduates who wish to pursue a fellowship program in US and attain ACGME accredited residency there. Plus, it is required for appearing in USMLE Step 3 exam. Further, the certification needs to be done before one enters the program. Similarly, one is also eligible to practice medicine in the United States by acquiring a license. To sum up, let’s say it is necessary as well as beneficial to get certified by ECFMG.
In order to apply for ECFMG Certification as well as Step 1, Step 2 CK/CS, IWA (Interactive Web Applications) can be used. Even though if you’ve already registered for USMLE Steps, yet you can use it to extend your eligibility period. However, you cannot extend the period of USMLE Step 2 CS.
The application for ECFMG Certification includes the certification of the Identification form and an online application which can be accessed through Interactive Web Applications (IWA). However, it requires the candidate to confirm their identity, graduation details and the medical schools in which he is studying in order to meet the requirements of ECFMG eligibility. One more requirement is that the candidate must be well acknowledge of the purpose of ECFMG as well as agree to certain terms.
There are many ways in which one can pay for the application. For instance, one can pay through credit card or by electronic banking through U.S. checking account. In order to do that, you must own a driving license in USA.
Another way in which one can pay is by sending a payment to ECFMG with the help of Form 900. This is only possible if you’re having a USMLE or ECFMG identification number.You can start applying for IWA once you’ve received the payment in your ECFMG financial account.
Moreover, you can check the status of your account through OASIS (On-line Applicant Status and Information system) or through the mobile app of ECFMG. Further, one has to make these payments in advance if he is about to make more than one credit card transactions for the payment of application.
The EMSWP or ECFMG Medical School Web Portal provides the user to access ECFMG’s online services. Some of these include verification by medical schools of those graduates who apply for ECFMG as well as track their performance in the USMLE Steps. Moreover, all international medical schools can participate in EWSMP.
For this, any official of the institution must request to EMSWP regarding its access followed by the instructions laid down by EMSWP in their official website EMSWPAdmin@ecfmg.org from which you can get further information about the process plus request the administrator for the request forms. However, the student not allowed to enroll their medical school in EMSWP. It must be done by an official of a medical school only.
For this, any official of the institution must request to EMSWP regarding its access followed by the instructions laid down by EMSWP in their official website EMSWPAdmin@ecfmg.org from which you can get further information about the process plus request the administrator for the request forms. However, the student not allowed to enroll their medical school in EMSWP. It must be done by an official of a medical school only.
Yes, it is possible that the EMSWP may provide the student’s international medical school with your scores in USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CS as well as Step 2 CK.
You are eligible to get back the results from your medical school once you’ve registered for the examination. In order to do that, you need to submit an application requesting for the same with the help of IWA. Also, this must be done 10 days prior to your scheduled exam date. If you’re not informed of such dates, then it should be done 10 days prior to your expiry of eligibility period. Also, one must know that separate requests must be submitted for each examination as one request is valid for getting back only one withheld result.
Moreover, such requests are applicable for getting back the individual performance and not aggregate performances. In case someone’s medical school is receiving aggregate data of their students regarding the examination, then the individual performance cannot be excluded from it.
In order to get the eligibility period for step 1 or step 2 CK of USMLE, one must provide the ECFMG with online part of your application for exam, plus your status needs to be verified as to whether you’re a student or a graduate, from the medical school to which you’re enrolled in.
There are many other documents needed to be submitted and all of this should be done before the 24th day of your eligibility period and the process must be done before the 25th day of your eligibility period. Well, you’re given 24 days to do this job.
However, even if you submit the applications on the 24th, there is not a 100% chance that you’re going to attain the eligibility period on the 25th day. Therefore, if that happens then you’ll be assigned the next period depending on the date your application is sent into process.
One must also refer to the booklet of ECFMG where information regarding the eligibility period is given. However, there is no deadline laid down by ECFMG for submission of USMLE Step 2 CK application. Rather, you are given a 1 year period starting from the date the process of the application is done.
One can request to extend the USMLE Step 1/Step 2 CK only when the eligibility period has begun. The process of the request must completed before the given deadline of the running period, otherwise it’ll get rejected. For further information, you may refer to this link.
However, if you’re applying for both eligibility periods simultaneously, and both of them are different, then the processing will happen following the deadline of the preceding period. The request involves many processes. For instance, verification needs to be done with your medical school to determine your status as to whether you’re a student or a graduate plus the online process.
The verification process is always done by the method laid down by school. For example, if the school has registered for the electronic verification, then they will receive a request from EMWSP (ECFMG Medical School Web Portal). Whereas if they choose the paper verification system, then the process of Certification Statement (Form 183-E) must be completed.
The application process takes around 2 weeks to complete involving the online process and the verification process with the medical school. Well, there are two cases. In the first case, you’re a graduate from a medical school and participate for the purpose of EMSWP status verification but your medical credentials haven’t been verified by ECFMG. Or you’re a student of a medical school that has taken participation in EMSWP.
In both the situations, the process is unable to be completed by ECFMG unless your status of whether you’re a student or graduate is verified by your respective medical schools through EMSWP. For this, ECFMG will request verification from your medical school at any time within 2 weeks of receipt of online process of the application.
Yet the time needed for the entire process to be completed will depend on your medical school’s response to the verification request. One must know that the request will get rejected unless verified by your respective medical school within 12 months from the date your application is given to EMSWP.

Well, it is possible that one can apply for more than one exam simultaneously. To do this, you must finish the item 22 of the application form for the first paper and complete the eligibility requirements for other exams. After this process is completed, you are permitted to apply for other exams too!

You may not need to provide the information again if you’ve already submitted it as it is possible to access some of the information of the previous application you’ve submitted to ECFMG.
The entire information regarding ECFMG application process and other details can be easily accessed at any time. For further details, you may refer to the official website of ECFMG.
Although there is no specific date of the arrival of the Step 1 scores, it has been observed that they are released on either the 3rd or the 4th Wednesday after you have taken the exam
reads your The information regarding the result is generally conveyed to the candidates through e-mails from ECFMG. Once the scores are out, the candidate will receive an e-mail that reads‘Your Score report is available.
The E-mail that you will receive will contain a link that is given below https://oasis2.ecfmg.org/. By clicking in this link, you will be redirected to the OASIS website. The website will then ask for your E-mail ID & password to log you in after you have logged in, you will be provided with a link which will give you access to your report card.
The score report is usually present in the form of a PDF File. The report incorporates a comprehensive analysis of your performance in the Step 1 and a further 3-digit long USMLE Step 1 Score! You can look for your performance statistics in the available graphs and also compare your score with the average score. It would be recommended to save the PDF file of your scores as they tend to become inaccessible after a few weeks.
Although the ECFMG releases the results of almost everyone within this specified time frame, there could some sort of reporting delays in some cases. If you want to find out more about these delays, then click here. So if there is no mention of any delays in the duration, better would be to wait for additional couple of weeks before you make your mind shoot an E-mail to the ECFMG.
These kinds of issues are usually confronted by the International Medical Graduates. The ECFMG, in some cases, require having some further verification before they release your score card for USMLE Step 1. Always remember that such verification's have nothing to do with your scores. Rather, consider it as an extra checkpoint which the ECFMG sometimes take into use.
There is a verification form in such process which is circulated by the ECFMG to your Medical School and generally takes a handful of days to arrive. After the verification is done from the side of your Medical Schools, the form is again sent to the ECFMG and finally, you will receive your USMLE results. However, don’t wait for a Wednesday this time.
There are instances where the students have given excellent performances yet the score card doesn’t suffice their performance. In such cases, feel free to challenge the scores and request for a check. If you are seeking the entire information regarding the rechecking of USMLE score reports, then click here. Moreover, make sure you file the request within 90 days of the release of your USMLE Scores. However, there is a further charge amounting to $80 for a recheck.
Yes, they can. But to do so, there are some standard which need to be fulfill in order to gain eligibility to take the USMLE. However, as a medical student in the US, you must fall into any of the 2 categories given below.
  • Firstly, medical student either enrolled in, or graduated from, a program in the US or Canadian medical school which will lead to the MD Degree which should be accredited by the LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education).
  • Secondly, medical student either enrolled in, or graduated from, a program in the US or Canadian medical school which will lead to the DO Degree which should be accredited by the AOA (American Osteopathic Association).
The USMLE exams can taken up to 4 times. However, there are a few conditions for retaking these exams. Therefore, one of the conditions is that if you pass the exam with a low score, you cannot retake it for 7 years. Similarly, only those candidates can reappear for the exams who have failed in the previous attempt.
And even if you have failed the exam, then out of these 7 attempts, you can appear for a maximum of three times in a one year period. In addition, there must be a gap of at least one year between your first attempt and fourth & subsequent attempts and another gap of 6 months between. Your most recent attempt and fourth & subsequent attempts.
The scores of Step 1 exam range from 1 to 300. Although the passing score for the step 1 is 194, a good score in USMLE Step 1 can be anywhere after the mark of 240 marks. In case your score stands above 250, then be prepare to choose from the best specialties. Therefore, to know more about USMLE step 1, click here.
As of the present situation, the passing score form the USMLE Step 1 is 194, leaping 2 more marks than the previous passing score which was 192. Therefore, to know more about USMLE step 1, click here.
To answer this question, a bunch of factors have to be taken into consideration. The duration to prepare for USMLE Step 1 is subject to your current potential, the score you want, etc. So make sure you set your date while keeping in mind such factors. However, you will find many of the USMLE test-takers recommending you to start 3 months prior to your exam to secure good marks, but a period of six months optimal provided you are a beginner. Therefore, to know more about USMLE step 1, click here.
Since the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) & Step 3 computer-based examinations, it generally takes around 3-4 weeks for the results to come out. However, there are certain factors which can contribute to the delay of the result date. So, you may allow the institution a time period of at least 8 weeks to provide you with your scores. Therefore, to get the entire information regarding the step 2 CK just by clicking here.
The eligibility period for the USMLE Step 1/Step 2 CK can only be extended to the next eligibility period which does not overlap the eligibility period which was earlier assigned to you. For instance, if you were previously given a period of April-May-June, then the extended eligibility period will be July-August-September.
Always remember that the extension will be applicable once for every exam. You must go to the website of ECFMG and request an extension after logging into your account. Do remember that the request of the extension can only made after the beginning of your existing eligibility period. Therefore, if you wish to get any further details of the USMLE Step 2 CK, then click here.
The USMLE exams can be taken up to 6 times. However, there are a few conditions for retaking these exams. One of the conditions is that if you pass the exam with a low score, you cannot retake it for 6 years. Therefore, only those candidates can reappear for the exams who have failed in the previous attempt.
And even if you have failed the exam, then out of these 6 attempts, you can appear for a maximum of three times in a one year period. There must be a gap of at least one year between your first attempt and fourth & subsequent attempts and another gap of 6 months between your most recent attempt and fourth & subsequent attempts. Therefore, to know more about the Step 2 CS, click here.
The step 2 CS scores are again released on every Wednesday over a corresponding gap of around 4-5 weeks between the test period and the reporting period. Majority of the candidates (98%-99%) get their results on this day. However, a small percentage of 1%-2% may not get their results due to certain reasons.
The USMLE exams can be taken up to 6 times. However, there are a few conditions for retaking these exams. One of the conditions is that if you pass the exam with a low score, you cannot retake it for 6 years. Therefore, only those candidates can reappear for the exams who have failed in the previous attempt.
And even if you have failed the exam, then out of these 6 attempts, you can appear for a maximum of three times in a one year period. There must be a gap of at least one year between your first attempt and fourth & subsequent attempts and another gap of 6 months between your most recent attempt and fourth & subsequent attempts. Therefore, to know more about the Step 2 CS, click here.
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The Initial step you need to take is to apply for the Step 2 CS Scheduling permit through ECFMG. The rest of the process is followed by choosing one of the five test centers where you could reach easily for taking the exam. However, the registration in these 5 centers is subject to availability. Therefore, below given the 5 centers where you can take the Step 2 CS.
  • Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Chicago, Illinois.
  • Houston, Texas.
  • Los Angeles, California.
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
After you have selected the test center, you will have to book an appointment and that can only be done after you have received your scheduling permit. The appointment shall be booked 6 months prior to your test-taking dates in order to book it before anybody else does. Therefore, to know more about the Step 2 CS, click here.
yes you can!
But the ideal time to take USMLE is during MBBS. You can take Step 1 from 3rd year and Step 2 from internship. This is how your time won't get waste. Otherwise, the sooner the better.
It is considered to be apt among IMGs (International Medical Graduates) and US med students to complete at least first year of residency training before taking the USMLE Step 3. Reason being, the training serves as a preparation for the USMLE exam so many med students tend to prepare for the exam along the USMLE Step 3. Of course one can do the other way around if he has made up his mind.
The ECFMG certification is required for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and so, graduates from med schools based out of US & Canada do not fall into such category. However, a Canadian med graduate may require ECFMG identification number at times of Exchange Visitor Sponsorship (J-1 Visa).
Yes. You need to be certified by ECFMG to not only apply for residency or fellowship programs but to take the USMLE Step 3, obtain license to practice medicine without any restriction, etc. One can only gain certification if he has cleared the USMLE Step 1 and 2 (CK & CS).
Yes. The average stipend one receives during the residency program ranges between $40,000-$50,000.
No. Stipends and income aren’t a part of clinical experience. The clinicals enables you to witness a real-world learning space under the supervision and guidance of licensed nurses.
It is a prerequisite for the US med students to take the USMLE Steps. Just like the IMGs, the US med students to take the USMLE Steps. Only exception to this rule is the DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) that conducts its own exam called ‘COMLEX’. However, the MD & DO will soon be merged together in 2020.
One doesn’t get paid during clinical rotations. Rather, you will need to pay for the clinical rotations because it is a crucial aspect of your training in medicine. There is a multitude of reasons why clinical rotations are important for you, such as gaining an in-depth review of the medical environment, shadowing the physicians and residents and thereby, gaining invaluable experience.
Yes. The anaesthesiologists are paid about $50,000 during the residency period. Moreover, many anaesthesiology residency programs further provide paid vacations (About 2-3 weeks), sick leaves, etc. to their residents so that they could attend conferences related to anaesthesiology
For the application of residency, you must need to clear the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK & CS first. By doing so, you will be certified by ECFMG which in turn will enable you to apply for residency program. Moreover, you must have received your visa before applying for residency.
Nursing externship is done at hospital units while the students are still in nursing school. While most of the externships are unpaid, the nursing externship serves as an exception as the nurses indeed get paid at the time of externships. However, the amount of paycheck they receive at the time of externship is way lesser than what they earn after their graduation.
ECFMG registration is important to appear for the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS exams. You can register for ECFMG at their official website https://www.ecfmg.org/ . Once you have registered with them, you will be given an identification number. Afterwards, you will have to send them Form 186, identification form ratified by a dean as well as by a notary service.
Before applying for USMLE Step 1, one needs to register with the ECFMG first. Click here to visit the official website of ECFMG where you need to register with them. Once you have registered with them, you will be given an identification number. Afterwards, you will have to send them Form 186, identification form ratified by a dean as well as by a notary service.
Afterwards, you will then apply for the USMLE Step 1 exam. Here, you will be asked to book an eligibility period wherein you plan to appear for the Step 1. After doing so, you will be provided with a scheduling period along with instructions regarding the process to apply for the exam.
Start your preparations at least 3 months prior to the exam date. The first and foremost thing that you need to consider is the selection of resources. The most recommended books while preparing for USMLE are First Aid, USMLE World, Pathoma, etc. This is then followed by making a study plan and sticking to it. Moreover, take as many NBME tests as possible. If you follow this up, you aren’t far away from acing the exam.
Here are a few tips for those getting into the clinical rotations.
Firstly, keep studying throughout the rotations. This will allow you to comprehend what you observe during the rotations. The more you will study of what you are seeing on a daily basis, the better you will understand the profession of medicine.
Secondly, in case if you do not understand anything during the rotations, feel free to ask your physicians as the more you ask questions to them, the more you will get engaged into the process.
Thirdly, always dress professionally. Your appearance is also one of the many important points that add to your clinical rotation performance.
Lastly, work hard. You need to be careful as well as engaged at every step during your clinical rotations. Therefore, you need to put tremendous effort during the period of your rotations and that’s what requires you to work hard.
The duration of the clinical rotation is subject to the strength & focus of the hospital you are doing your electives in. It can be either three weeks while at some other hospital it can be a matter of three months as well.
The process for ECFMG certification commences by fulfilling two criteria which are clearing the USMLE Steps (1, 2 CK & 2 CS) and verification of your medical credentials. Once you are done through this process, you can apply for ECFMG certification. Moreover, it will take approximately 2 weeks for the certification to be done after you submit the application for certification.
It will take about 3-4 weeks for ECFMG to provide you with the results of your Step 2 CS.
The students generally appear for USMLE Step 1 after 3rd year of their MBBS and Step 2 CK during their internship phase. Later on, you need to get to the US to appear for the rest of the exams. Keeping that in mind, it will take you around 1-2 years after the completion of your MBBS to clear all the USMLE Steps.

The residencies emphasize on a specific specialty. They can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years which is subject to their nature. For instance, the surgical residencies last for a minimum of 5 years.

The USMLE Step 2 is divided into two types, namely the step 2 CK and Step 2 CS. The USMLE Step 2 CK is a 9 hour long test which is divided into 8 blocks of 60 minutes. There are variations in the amount of questions in each block. However, no amount of question can be more than 40. Furthermore, the step 2 CS is also an 8 hour long examination assessing your practical skills. Similarly, it encompasses 12 patient encounters which needed to be done within the prescribed time period.
The nursing clinicals are conducted 2 days a week. However, the rest of the week is devoted towards the classroom & laboratories.
As far as the computer-based examinations are concerned (Step 1, 2 CK & 3), they can be taken up to six times with only 3 attempts to be taken within a period of 12 months. However, this shouldn’t be your concern as to how many times you can take the exam. Rather, focus on passing the exam with a good score because in case if you clear the exam but with a poor score, the score gets registered for a period of 7 years and you cannot retake it till that time. Same goes with the practical examination, i.e., USMLE Step 2 CS.
The computer-based examinations (Step 1, Step 2 CK & Step 3) can be taken up to six times with only 3 attempts to be taken within a period of 12 months. However, this shouldn’t be your concern as to how many times you can take the exam. Rather, focus on passing the exam with a good score because in case if you clear the exam but with a poor score, the score gets registered for a period of 7 years and you cannot retake it till that time.
The clinical rotation cost is subject to many factors. To provide you with a rough figure, a standard clinical rotation of 4 weeks may cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $4,200. Furthermore, this cost is entirely dependent on the physician you are doing your rotations with, their affiliations, the type of location and the area where it is located in.
It is free of cost to reschedule USMLE step 1, given that you have done so 31 days before the date of the examination. In case you do so between 6-30 days of the exam, you will be charged $50. If the same is done within 5 days prior to the examination, then you need to pay a relatively higher fee which is subject to the prometric test region where you are taking the exam in.
Yes. There are several reasons why you need to take the USMLE Step 3 and clear it as well. The Step 3 is the final step in the USMLE series, the completion of which will accredit you a license to practice medicine in the United States. Also, the IMGs are required to clear the USMLE Step 3 in order to attain an H1 visa.
Let’s break down the figures of USMLE cost as per the different steps it encompasses. The examination fee for Step 1 & Step 2 CK is $940 each while for Step 2 CS, the amount is $1,580. The Step 3 is administered by FSMB and it charges $895 as examination fees for USMLE Step 3. If we consider other fees, the fee for extension of eligibility period and change of testing region for USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK is $80 & $75 respectively. In conclusion, the rescheduling fees for Step 2 CS can fall anywhere between $0 and $1,290 which is subject to the date of cancellation.
While residency is a phase in which you earn a decent amount in the form of stipend, you still need to spend a few dollars before you start earning them. If you apply for up to 10 programs, you need to pay a total of $99. If the volumes of program fall under 11-20, then you will have to pay $15 for each program. Likewise, if the number of programs falls in the category of 21-30, then the amount grows to $19 for each specialty. Similarly, if you apply for more than that, you will have to pay $26 for each program. An additional fee of $80 is to be further paid for the USMLE transcripts. Once you get into residency, you get an average stipend of $50,000 annually.
The examination fee for Step 1 & Step 2 CK is $940 each while for Step 2 CS, the amount is $1,580. The Step 3 is administered by FSMB and it charges $895 as examination fees for USMLE Step 3. If we consider other fees, the fee for extension of eligibility period and change of testing region for USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK is $80 & $75 respectively. However, the rescheduling fees for Step 2 CS can fall anywhere between $0 and $1,290 which is subject to the date of cancellation.
The examination fee for Step 1 & Step 2 CK is $940 each while for Step 2 CS, the amount is $1,580. The Step 3 is administered by FSMB and it charges $895 as examination fees for USMLE Step 3. Moreover, if we consider other fees, the fee for extension of eligibility period and change of testing region for USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK is $80 & $75 respectively. The rescheduling fees for Step 2 CS can fall anywhere between $0 and $1,290 which is subject to the date of cancellation.
Yes. The dermatology residency is hard to match into. But of course there are few ways in which you can ensure the dermatology residency. You should be able to reflect your zeal for dermatology. Show up early and stay late. Furthermore, maintain professionalism but always be ready to help. Besides, get involved in as much research as you can as it’ll do wonders to your CV. At last never give up on yourself. Keep trying.
Indeed. Dermatology falls in the category of most competitive specialities. However, it is further counted among the top 5 specialities among the physicians in terms of happiness and remuneration.
Yes. If you have completed your MBBS plus you have obtained ECFMG certification, then you are equivalent to an MD.
No. This is because Canada does not accept your USMLE scores and hence, your ECFMG certification does not hold any validity. In order to work in Canada, you need to go through the entire Canadian process for certification once again. In addition, the process involves the passing of exams like MCCEE, MCCQE Part 1, MCCQE Part 2, etc.
Exams like IELTS and TOUFL are not compulsory for someone who seeks to practice medicine in US. However, anyone who has a medical graduation degree acceptable in the United States is eligible to take the USMLE Steps.
No. It is not necessary to take the USMLE Step 3 before the commencement of residency program. However, you need to clear the USMLE Step 3 before the start of the 3rd year of your residency.
The audition rotation is often termed as ‘Away externships’ or ‘Away rotations’. The audition rotation is a sort of clinical rotation usually undertaken by a med student usually in his 4th year. In conclusion, this is usually done if the students have a keen interest in a particular residency program. 
The med students generally shadow the activities of physicians and residents at the teaching hospitals. The motive behind clinical rotations is to get an existent approach to the patients which ultimately provide an invaluable experience. This further hones their skills to handle complex medical problems.
The content of the USMLE Step 1 exam is relevant to what one learns in the initial years of MBBS. The subjects that will be tested in the USMLE Step 1 are
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Fundamental pathology and pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Endocrine system
  • GI system
  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Musculoskeletal/Dermatology
  • Nervous system
  • Psychiatry
  • Renal system
  • Reproductive system
  • Respiratory system
  • Biochemistry
FCVS stands for Federation Credentials Verification Services. This is a service available for the medical students to store their credentials which can later on be accessed by the State Medical Boards with the purpose of primary-source verification. Click here to know the list of participating state medical boards.
The research elective is probably a sort involving no-clinical tasks. The candidates are required to work on a research project. However, it might be that you need to fulfil certain prerequisites (Which are entirely subject to the nature of project) before engaging into the research project.
The externship is much like the apprenticeship and internship. Here, an employer of a private business gets into agreement with the educational institutions, the purpose of which is to provide the students with the practicability of the disciplines they have undertaken.
The clerkship is simply a practical training of the medical students often conducted during their final year of undergraduate. As the curriculum says, the former years of MBBS training are concerned with the classroom setting while the practical training entails with the latter period.
Irrespective of whatever field of medicine one hails from, be it MBBS or nursing or pharmacy or dentistry, he/she has to undergo a period of medical training often termed as clerkship  or rotation where the students shadow a professional in the concerned field and learns the practicability of the course through him.
Here in the term ‘Clinical Setting’, the word ‘setting’ conveys the idea of surroundings within which an activity occurs. Putting together both the words, you may envisage a setting of a hospital or a doctor’s clinic or any setting where the profession of medicine can be undertaken.
The ECFMG CSA (Clinical Skills assessment) is the requirement for the fulfilment of the clinical skills requirement ultimately leading to the ECFMG certification. In conclusion, the assessment tests your ability of English language proficiency. Thus, interpreting the patient’s data and many other things.
When you register for the USMLE Steps, you are assigned an eligibility period in which you can take the Steps. The eligibility period for Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3 is 3 months each while the Step 2 CS eligibility period lasts for 12 months. However, you may extend your eligibility period for USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK but that comes along with an additional charge which is $80.
The MCAT exam is a computer-based examination consisting of multiple choice questions. The students need to clear this examination if they seek to attend any medical school based in US and Canada.
In the concept of observership, the individual with our without any sort of prior knowledge of medicine can take part in observing the medical professional catering to the need of the patients and thereby, performing their duty. The observership lasts for a specific period of time and as the name suggests, the individuals are only allowed to observe the medical practices and not to actively participate in the process.
For someone to get certified by ECFMG, he/she needs to pass the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK & CS first. Once this criterion is fulfilled, you are then required to verify your medical credentials such as your medical degree, the name of medical school and year of graduation to be mentioned in IMED (International Medical Education Directory), primary source verification of your medical diploma as well as transcripts from ECFMG. Hence, after fulfilling the two aforementioned criteria, you can apply for certification. However, the time to get the certification done varies for different individual.
The score for every USMLE Steps ranges between 0-300. Speaking of the Step 2 CK, it is an exam that lasts for 9 hours which is divided into 8 blocks of 55 minutes each, taking away 45 minutes from the exam which is reserved as a break time.
The Step 3 is the final curtain of the USMLE Series. The exam is generally taken after the completion of one year of residency program. The USMLE Step 3 exam is necessary for the accreditation of the license to practice medicine in the United States as well as to apply for a H1 Visa.
Irrespective of whatever field of medicine one hails from, be it MBBS or nursing or pharmacy or dentistry, he/she has to undergo a period of medical training often termed as clinical rotation or clerkship  where the students shadow a professional in the concerned field and learns the practicability of the course through him.
The score for USMLE Step 1 score may range anywhere between 1 and 300 while the passing score is 194. The examinees usually score in the category of 140-260 marks. The ideal score for USMLE Step 1 is anything exceeding 240 marks.
OJT is on-the-job-training where you are exposed to the mechanism of a specific company or organization while being at a job. Whereas internship provides a mere opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in the practical aspects of the course you are studying. Moreover, internship is, most of the time, done during an academic year while OJT is done after the completion of studies.

The ECFMG administers 3 exams, namely, the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CS & CK. After clearing these exams, one may apply for ECFMG certification in order to be eligible to apply for residency.  Following the clearance of the steps is the verification process. You are required to verify your medical credentials such as your medical degree, the name of medical school and year of graduation to be mentioned in IMED (International Medical Education Directory), primary source verification of your medical diploma as well as transcripts from ECFMG.
Hence, after fulfilling the two aforementioned criteria, you can apply for certification. However, the time to get the certification done varies for different individuals.

The score for USMLE Step 1 score may range anywhere between 1 and 300 while the passing score is 194. The examinees usually score in the category of 140-260 marks. The ideal score for USMLE Step 1 is anything exceeding 240 marks.
The score for USMLE Step 1 score may range anywhere between 1 and 300 while the passing score is 194. The examinees usually score in the category of 140-260 marks. The ideal score for USMLE Step 1 is anything exceeding 240 marks.
The students need to score a minimum of 209 marks in order to pass the USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge).
A clinical experience simply means a hands-on experience in the medical field encompassing the interaction with the patients, interpretation of medical reports, etc. Speaking of the US clinical experience, it refers to an experience in the US medical hospitals or any sort of medical environment based in the US.
In the concept of US observership, the individual with our without any sort of prior knowledge of medicine can take part in observing the work of medical professional working in US hospitals. The observership lasts for a specific period of time and as the name suggests, the individuals are only allowed to observe the medical practices and not to actively participate in the process.