Your First Step to Practising Medicine in Australia: Understanding ECFMG & EPIC for IMGs

If you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG) looking to live and work as a doctor in Australia, one of the first—and most crucial—steps is getting your medical credentials verified.

You've likely heard of ECFMG and EPIC, but what exactly are they? Why are they required? And how do they fit into the AMC pathway?

This guide breaks it all down for you.

What Is ECFMG?

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is a U.S.-based organization that verifies the qualifications of international medical graduates. While its main role is in the U.S. medical system, it also assists other regulatory bodies—including the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

Official site: https://www.ecfmg.org

What Is EPIC?

EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) is an online platform managed by ECFMG that allows you to:

• Upload and store medical credentials (degree, internship certificates)
• Get documents primary-source verified (directly from your university)
• Share verified credentials with the AMC and other global authorities

Learn more at: https://www.ecfmg.org/psv/index.html

Why Do IMGs Need EPIC for Australia?

Before you can sit for the AMC exams (MCQ and Clinical) or be assessed via the Specialist or Competent Authority Pathways, you must prove that your medical qualifications are genuine.

This is where EPIC comes in.

The AMC requires all IMGs to submit their medical credentials through EPIC for Primary Source Verification (PSV).

AMC official reference

What Documents Do You Need to Verify via EPIC?

Here are the typical documents required:

• Primary Medical Degree (e.g., MBBS, MD)
• Final Medical Diploma
• Internship Completion Certificate (if applicable)
• Medical Registration Certificate (if you're already licensed to practise)
• Specialist Qualification Certificate (for those applying through the Specialist Pathway)

Each document must be submitted and verified individually.

How to Complete EPIC Verification – Step by Step

Step 1: Create Your EPIC Account

• Go to EPIC's website
• Create an account using your personal details
• You'll receive an EPIC ID once registered

Step 2: Identity Verification

• Complete an EPIC Identification Form (EIF)
• Upload a valid passport

Step 3: Upload Your Documents

• Scan and upload high-quality versions of your documents

Step 4: Institution Contacted for Verification

• EPIC will contact your medical school or issuing body
• Your school will confirm authenticity directly with EPIC

Step 5: Share Verified Report with AMC

• Once verified, select AMC as a recipient
• EPIC sends the verified document to AMC
• AMC updates your portfolio status

How Long Does the EPIC Process Take?

Verification timelines vary depending on your institution's responsiveness:

• EPIC processing time: 1–3 business days per document
• Institution response: 2–8 weeks (sometimes longer)

Pro Tip: Begin this process early—ideally before applying for the AMC MCQ exam.

Final Thoughts

Starting your AMC journey as an IMG can feel overwhelming, but ECFMG and EPIC provide the international credibility and verification needed to take your first official step toward becoming a doctor in Australia.

With the right guidance, this process is manageable, and it opens the door to exams, clinical practice, sponsorship, and eventually permanent registration.

Need Help with EPIC or AMC Portfolio Setup?

AMC Gateway specializes in helping IMGs like you:

• Navigate ECFMG & EPIC
• Build your AMC portfolio
• Prepare for AMC MCQ and Clinical Exams
• Explore visa & migration support

Need help with ECFMG? Email us at: ask@amcgateway.com

Start right. Verify right. Practise right.
Your AMC journey begins with us!