FCVS FAQ

Applicants who complete the FCVS verification process establish a permanent, lifetime portfolio of primary-source verified credentials - allowing easy and cost-effective access to medical credentials whenever they are needed. This service is especially valuable to those physicians graduating from medical school outside the United States or Canada, where verification can be time-consuming, costly and difficult. It is also extremely useful for those applicants applying to several state boards simultaneously, or those whose postgraduate training programs have closed.

Nearly all state medical and osteopathic boards accept or require FCVS. View a list of boards that accept or require FCVS’ Physician or Physician Assistant profile.

All applications include one profile sent to one recipient.

All: Additional Profiles with each application are $65 (each)

Additional fees apply for other verifications as applicable.

*Note: FCVS does not accept checks.

FCVS makes every effort to process applications as quickly as possible. Average processing time for initial applications is 45 days or less and for subsequent applications, 20 days or less. Processing times vary based on responsiveness to FCVS requests for verification or clarification.

Whenever possible, requests for verification of medical education and accredited postgraduate training are sent electronically immediately upon submission of the application. Mailed requests, including those that require a check, are sent within 2-3 days of submission.

For physicians who are ECFMG certified, requests for verification of medical education are processed by ECFMG based on information obtained during the ECFMG certification process.

If a response is incomplete or not received in a timely manner, FCVS will make up to 3 requests at regular intervals to obtain complete verification.

The Self-Designation is designed to accommodate those applicants who wish to establish their core credentials but have not yet chosen an entity to receive their profile or wish to have a copy of the profile for personal reference. 

Please note the following items are not included in a Self-Designation profile:

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

Profiles sent to a state medical board will require these documents and additional fees will apply. 

To view information regarding documents verified by FCVS, please visit Credentials Verification Process.

The FCVS application is NOT the same as an application for state licensure. Each state licensing authority requires a licensure application and will most likely require information and verification of credentials in addition to those verified by FCVS. Many state boards accept or require the Uniform Application as their licensing application. Please visit your designated board(s) website to view their specific application and requirements.

Federation of State Medical Boards

Attn: FCVS

400 Fuller Wiser Road

Euless, TX 76039

FCVS permanently stores all documents related to your identity, medical education and postgraduate training. Upon submission, these documents will be reviewed to ensure they meet specific board requirements and may require additional contact with the institition(s). Any newly reported or updated training must also be verified.

Examination transcripts and ECFMG certification Status Reports must be requested for each board designation as FCVS is prohibited from storing and/or duplicating these documents. Additional processing time and surcharges will be required to obtain these documents.

The Certification of Identification form requires the attachment of a photocopy of the proof of identity document presented to the notary. The applicant should also provide a translation of the photocopied birth certificate or passport, if not in English. If an English translation is not available, the applicant may request translation by FCVS’s professional translation service. 

Note: The Affidavit Release form and Certification of Identification Form, along with your photocopies of identity may be uploaded through your FCVS Application. 

FCVS
The Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) is a service provided to physicians and physician assistants that creates a lifetime repository of core credentials that can simplify the medical licensure process. FCVS obtains primary source verification of medical education, post graduate training, and examinations to create a permanent credentials profile that can be used throughout the medical professional’s career. Initial and Subsequent applications for FCVS are used for verification of your credentials and is not an application for licensure. Learn more about FCVS

Uniform Application (UA)
The Uniform Application (UA) is a standard licensure application used by many state medical boards. The UA serves as the core application for medical licensure without replacing unique state-level requirements and eliminates the redundancy of entering information when applying for licensure in multiple states. Learn more about UA