Blog

When the discussion is around medical licensing, USMLE and FMGE are two major tests that stay in the focus. The purpose and eligibility of these examinations are misinterpreted most of the time, leaving medical graduates confused. Let us examine what FMGE and USMLE are and try to understand the major differences between them in detail.

Understanding USMLE and FMGE

USMLE, or the United States Medical Licensing Examination is a test that provides eligibility to practise in the US and is recognised by all State Medical Councils. The examination is jointly conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). International Medical Graduates from any country shall be awarded with a license for medical practice within the United States with specialisations after passing USMLE, provided they complete their residency training in the United States.

FMGE, or the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination is a screening examination for Indian nationals who have completed their medical graduation from other countries to be able to practise in India. It is a mandatory procedure for foreign-graduated Indian doctors to get registered under the National Medical Council and the State Medical Councils.

What Makes USMLE Different from FMGE?

Even though USMLE and FMGE are both medical licensing examinations, they differ significantly in purpose, pattern of the examination and eligibility criteria. It would be easier for medical graduates to take the next step in their career once they perceive these distinctions.

Purpose of the Examinations:  As discussed, USMLE is a licensing examination that allows foreign nationals to take up medical practice with specialisation in the United States. FMGE, on the other hand, is a mandatory test for Indian nationals who possess an international medical degree to get registered with the medical council in India and begin their practice here.

Eligibility criteria: USMLE is open to doctors of different nationalities for a medical  license to practice in the United States. A medical graduate who has undertaken or is undertaking (for Step 1,2) a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools is eligible to attend the examination. However, in order to appear for FMGE, the medical graduate must be an Indian citizen or an overseas Indian citizen.

Examination Pattern: USMLE is a 3-step examination that analyses the subject knowledge, practical expertise and patient care abilities of the candidates. USMLE Step 1 is a computer-based assessment to test the theoretical knowledge of the candidates. USMLE Step 2 CK is also conducted as a computer-based assessment and evaluates the ability of the candidates to apply their knowledge into a clinical practice, focusing on patient care. USMLE Step 3 is an advanced level of assessment which focuses on the candidates’ ability to assume responsibilities in delivering medical care and work independently.

FMGE has a simpler examination procedure with just one paper to solve. It comprises 300 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours and 30 minutes. The candidates need to secure 50% of the total score to clear the examination and be eligible to get the medical registration.

Post-Examination training: After passing USMLE, a candidate must complete a residency training in order to get licensed and begin to practise in the United States with specialisations. After clearing FMGE, the candidates are required to complete a one year internship in order to get a permanent registration with the National Medical Council of India. However, passing FMGE does not directly grant admissions to students for postgraduate studies.

USMLE and FMGE are two different licensing examinations with distinct purposes. It would be desirable for medical graduates to identify their career requirement and begin timely preparation  for the appropriate examination. StudyMEDIC offers well-structured preparatory courses for both USMLE and FMGE to help you establish a reputed medical career. Connect with our team to know more about your preferred examination and courses.

Authored By: Pooja premraj