The Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) provides physicians and organizations worldwide with primary-source verification of medical credentials.
What is EPIC?
EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) is ECFMG’s online verification portal. The EPIC website is where you will set up an account and submit your qualification for verification.
The EPIC verification process is managed entirely by ECFMG.
When should I start the EPIC verification process for GMC registration?
It’s recommended to start the verification process after your PLAB 1 and before your PLAB 2 if possible. However, you can verify your primary medical qualification at any time, as this verification is permanent.
Please be aware that ECFMG verification does not expire, but the final EPIC report sent to the GMC remains there for only one year. If you have not submitted an application for GMC registration within one year of sending the EPIC report to GMC, you will be required to resend it at an additional fee.
How does the EPIC verification work?
Physician establishes an EPIC account and verifies identity
To start using EPIC, a doctor must submit a request to create an EPIC Account, which must also include basic biographical data, information about their medical education and licensure history (if applicable), a recent photo, and a scanned copy of their passport’s photograph page. The photo and passport will appear on the EPIC Identification Form (EIF), which the physician must have certified by an authorized official. The physician must have a valid EIF on file with ECFMG in order to use EPIC.
Physician uploads the credential to EPIC
With a valid EIF on file, the physician is able to upload electronic copies (PDF, JPG, or TIF) of his/her medical credentials to EPIC. Currently, the types of credentials a physician can upload to EPIC are:
- Final Medical Diploma
- Alternate Graduation Document
- Final Medical School Transcript
- Student Medical School Transcript
- Pregraduate Internship Credential
- Postgraduate Medical Education Credential
- Specialist Qualification
- Certificate of Medical Registration
- License to Practice Medicine
- Advanced Degree in the Medical Sciences
If a physician uploads a credential that is not in English, he/she also must provide an English translation that meets ECFMG’s translation requirements.
ECFMG Primary-source verifies the credential
For every credential uploaded to EPIC, ECFMG uses its established process to primary-source verify the credential directly with the issuing institution. The process is not complete until ECFMG receives and accepts verification of these credentials directly from the issuing institution. Once a credential has been verified, it will become part of the physician’s secure EPIC Portfolio.
Physician requests to have an EPIC report sent
Using EPIC, the physician can request verification reports demonstrating the authenticity of the primary-source verified credentials for organizations worldwide. EPIC Reports include the physician’s name, photo, date of birth, EPIC ID, the physician’s name as it appears on the credential, and information on the institution that issued the credential. Verification reports are accompanied by a copy of the credential and, if the credential is not in English, an English translation of the credential.
Organization receives EPIC report
EPIC offers organizations the flexibility to choose between two options for secure, electronic access to reports
.If the organization establishes an EPIC Report Portal Account, reports will be delivered through the secure EPIC Report Portal. Through the portal, the organization’s authorized users can view all reports sent to the organization; sort these reports; and access copies of the reports, credentials, and the verification forms completed by the institutions that verified the credentials.
If the organization does not establish an EPIC Account, reports will be delivered through a secure, one-time-use version of the portal. Instructions for obtaining the report will be sent to the e-mail address provided by the physician at the time the report is requested.
Frequently asked questions
How does ECFMG provide my EPIC ID (EPIC number)?
When your EPIC Account has been established, ECFMG will send you three separate e-mails with information on how to access the EPIC Physician Portal; your EPIC ID will be included in one of these welcome e-mails. Your EPIC ID also will be available in your EPIC Account. It will appear on the right-hand side of any page in your account, just underneath the main menu bar. It is also in the “Biographics” sub-tab under the “My Profile” tab of your account.
How much does it cost to use EPIC?
EPIC fees vary based on the services you require. Please see EPIC Fees for current pricing for EPIC’s services.
Do my medical school credentials need to be from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (World Directory)?
No. The medical school credentials you add to your EPIC Portfolio do not need to be from a medical school listed in the World Directory.
However, the organization to which you are applying may require that your medical school be listed in the World Directory or another resource on medical education.
How long will it take to verify my credential?
The time it takes to verify your credential depends on a number of factors, including the time it takes for your institution to receive the verification request, the time it takes for the institution to respond, and whether the institution charges a fee to verify credentials. Through EPIC, approximately 50% of credentials are verified within 45 days and 75% of credentials are verified within 90 days.
What if my medical credentials have been verified previously by ECFMG?
If your credentials have been primary-source verified by ECFMG for ECFMG Certification or on behalf of a medical regulatory authority through ECFMG’s International Credentials Services (EICS), you may not need to upload these credentials through EPIC. Within 10 business days of establishing your EPIC Account, ECFMG will review your file, and if these verifications are acceptable, they will add the verified credentials to your EPIC Portfolio at no cost. Simply provide your ECFMG/USMLE ID and/or EICS ID when you establish your EPIC Account.
How will I know when my credentials have been verified through EPIC?
EPIC will notify you by e-mail when a credential has been verified. You can also monitor the status of the verification process through your EPIC Account.
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