FMGE vs USMLE: Know Difference and Overview

Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) are crucial examinations for medical graduates. Candidates who want to appear in any of these exams must be careful about their career goals and aspirations before considering them. Check the article below to know more about FMGE and USMLE exams.

FMGE is a screening test designed for medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in India. FMGE is a mandatory exam conducted twice in June and December sessions by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for Indian and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) who have obtained their degrees from foreign universities.

In contrast, USMLE is conducted for international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the United States. USMLE is a three-step examination with a clear structure. The exam is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

It is essential for candidates to understand the differences between FMGE and USMLE exams to clear their doubts about which exam to follow without finding it challenging and confusing. To know more about the FMGE and USMLE, read this article and get acquainted with the registration, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, USMLE full form, FMGE full form and others

FMGE Full Form

The full form of FMGE is Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. The FMGE is a mandatory exam for medical graduates who want to practice medicine in India. The exam is conducted for candidates who have done their medicine from foreign medical institutions. Through FMGE, candidates can obtain the registration certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council (SMC) and grants them permission to practice medicine in the country.

USMLE Full Form

The full form of USMLE is the United State Medical Licensing Examination. The USMLE exam is conducted for international medical students and graduates who want to pursue their medical career in the United States. It is a three-step exam for all international medical graduates. Each step has its own USMLE eligibility criteria and pattern. Candidates who pass the Step 1 and Step 2 CK can appear in Step 3. USMLE empowers graduates to apply for residency programs, practice medicine, fellowships and research opportunities in the US.

FMGE vs USMLE - Eligibility Criteria

FMGE eligibility criteria: Candidates must be an Indian national or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI. Aspirants should hold an MBBS degree from the institution included in the World Directory of Medical Schools. The eligibility criteria of FMGE requires candidates to provide documents in support of the primary medical education from the foreign medical institution as evidence before the specified date.

USMLE eligibility criteria: For Step 1 & 2, candidates must be officially enrolled in, or a graduate, a medical school outside the US and Canada listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements. Aspirants must fulfil any other ECFMG criteria as may be mandated.

USMLE Step 3 requires scores of Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Candidates must have MD or an equivalent degree from US and Canada accredited medical school or outside the US and Canada included in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Aspirants should meet ECFMG eligibility requirements and obtain ECFMG certification.

FMGE vs USMLE - Exam Pattern

FMGE exam pattern: FMGE is conducted in computer-based mode and is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B consisting of 300 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). A total of 2 hours and 30 minutes will be allotted to complete each part of FMGE exam. There is no negative marking in FMGE. To pass the FMGE exam, candidates need to score at least 150 marks out of 300.

Also, read:

• FMGE exam pattern

• USMLE exam date
  

USMLE exam pattern: The USMLE comprises three steps- Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3. USMLE Step 1 is a single day exam of around 8 hours duration.. There will be around 280 MCQs, divided into seven 60-minute blocks. Like Step 1, the USMLE Step 2 CK is a one day exam. A total of around 318 MCQs, divided into eight 60-minute blocks will be asked in 9 hours duration. The USMLE Step 3 exam is the last step or final assessment. The exam is conducted over a 2-day period and is divided into two parts including Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP) and Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM).