FAQ

Yes — it is mandatory for the NRMP Match and for starting any accredited Residency programme. Without ECFMG certification, you cannot apply via ERAS to accredited programmes.

Step 1 (Pass/Fail — no longer numerically scored since January 2022) and Step 2 CK are required for ECFMG certification. Step 3 is typically taken after Residency begins.

Step 2 CS was permanently discontinued in 2021. Clinical and communication skills are now assessed through the ECFMG Pathway, which includes a sufficient OET Medicine score.

ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) is the electronic system for submitting application documents to programmes. NRMP (National Resident Matching Program) is the actual Match process in which applicants and programmes rank each other. Both are separate steps — and both are required for most accredited Residency programmes.

It depends on the programme. Some require USCE (e.g. rotations, observerships), others do not. We check this for each programme individually.

Yes. The ECFMG certification window begins from your first passed USMLE step. ERAS and NRMP both have their own annual deadlines — early planning is essential. Important: for Match 2027, OET Medicine must be completed by December 2026 at the latest.

All ECFMG certification requirements — Step 1, Step 2 CK, and acceptance of an approved Pathway — must be completed within seven years from the date of your first passing USMLE performance. Physicians who started Step 1 early and then paused can find themselves under pressure from this deadline. Comprehensive early planning is essential.

We provide organisational support and general information — but we do not offer legal advice on visa, residence, or immigration matters. We recommend a qualified immigration attorney or the relevant programme office for these questions.

No. The decision rests entirely with the programmes and the NRMP Match process. We prepare you as thoroughly as possible — but no one can guarantee a Match outcome.

The Approbation is the permanent, nationwide licence to practise medicine independently. The Berufserlaubnis is a temporary, restricted authorisation allowing supervised work in specific areas — typically used while the Approbation application is being processed.

The Approbationsbehörde (medical licensing authority) of your target federal state. Processes, fees, and processing times vary considerably by state — which makes the choice of federal state strategically relevant.

At least B2 in general German (evidenced by a language certificate), plus C1 in medical specialist language, demonstrated through the Fachsprachprüfung (FSP) at the relevant Landesärztekammer (state medical association).

The Kenntnisprüfung (KP) is a state examination testing medical knowledge where significant differences to German training have been identified. From 1 July 2026, it becomes the standard route for non-EU/EEA qualifications.

The German parliament passed legislation in March 2026: for non-EU/EEA degrees, the Kenntnisprüfung becomes the standard pathway from 1 July 2026 — the document-based equivalence route largely no longer applies. Applications submitted before 1 July 2026 may still be processed under the old rules, provided the authority issues a decision by end of 2026. Physicians already working with a Berufserlaubnis have an 18-month transition period under the new law.

Often yes — via the Berufserlaubnis, which allows supervised work and corresponding income. The exact conditions depend on the federal state and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Yes — all foreign-language documents must be translated into German by sworn translators. Depending on the country of origin, an apostille or legalisation may also be required.

No. The decision on granting Approbation rests exclusively with the competent Approbationsbehörde. We prepare you as thoroughly as possible — but no external party can guarantee the outcome.