EPIC Verification for GMC Registration after PLAB Exam

Passed PLAB 1? Congratulations — that’s a huge step! Now, it’s time to keep the momentum going with your EPIC verification through ECFMG. This is a key part of securing your GMC registration and moving closer to practising medicine in the UK.

So, what’s next? You’ll need to create an account on the ECFMG website, log in to the EPIC portal, and upload your medical credentials for verification. This step might sound a little technical, but once you get started, it’s pretty straightforward.

If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t stress — here’s a simple breakdown of this next step towards your UK medical license.

What Exactly Is ECFMG EPIC Verification for GMC registration?

EPIC stands for Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials. It’s an online service by ECFMG where international medical graduates (IMGs) can get their primary medical qualifications (PMQ) verified.

If you’ve passed PLAB and are aiming for GMC registration, EPIC verification is an essential step. Without it, you won’t be able to move forward in your UK medical license process or officially practise as a doctor in the UK.

When Should You Start EPIC Verification for GMC Registration?

EPIC verification through ECFMG is a one-time process — once completed, it’s valid for life. The best time to start is right after passing PLAB 1. You can technically do it after PLAB 2, but that often delays things by an extra month or more.

Most IMGs find there’s usually a gap after PLAB 1, so it’s smart to use that time to complete your EPIC verification. That way, once you clear PLAB 2, all that’s left is applying for GMC registration — no extra waiting around.

Another tip is to get into clinical attachment after PLAB 1. This not only helps you prepare for PLAB 2 but also helps in improving CV for TRAC jobs applications.

What is the EPIC verification cost?

To start your EPIC verification process, creating an ECFMG account costs $130 USD. This is a one-time fee for setting up your account.

Beyond that, you’ll also pay a verification fee for each document you submit — for example, your primary medical qualification. As of now, the document verification fee is $100 USD per credential.

Do check out post on how to prepare for MRCP 1 while full time work.

How Long Does EPIC Verification Take?

After you create your ECFMG account, it usually takes up to 3 working days to receive your temporary username and password. Once you’ve logged in and submitted your documents, the full EPIC verification process typically takes around 4–6 weeks.

That said, it can move quicker if your medical college or university responds promptly when contacted by ECFMG for confirmation. So, if possible, stay in touch with your institution to help things along.

Documents Required for EPIC Verification for GMC Registration

1. A scanned, full-colour copy of the photograph page of your current, unexpired passport.
2. A scanned, full-colour copy of the passport page showing the expiration date (if it’s on a separate page).
3. A scanned, full-colour copy of any section of your passport written in Latin characters (if applicable).
4. A recent full-colour photograph of yourself that meets EPIC identity confirmation guidelines.
5. Details of your medical education:
   • Medical school name
   • Medical school identification number (if applicable)
   • Dates of attendance and degree issue date
6. Medical licensure information, including any identification numbers.
7. Your USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number (if you have one).
8. Your ECFMG International Credentials Services (EICS) Identification Number (if you have one).

In short, EPIC requires just three main items to get started:

1. A clear, full-colour photograph of yourself.
2. A scanned, colour copy of the relevant pages of your valid passport.
3. A completed EPIC Identification Form (EIF), which confirms your identity.

Photograph Requirements

1. It should show a clear, front-facing view of your full face only — face centred, with a neutral expression and eyes looking straight at the camera.
2. The photo must be in colour with a plain, light-coloured background.
3. It needs to be sharp and well-lit — no blurry, dark, or overexposed images.
4. The photo must be recent, taken within the last six months.
5. It should be high enough resolution to print clearly on your EPIC Identification Form and EPIC Reports.
6. Format: JPEG (.jpg file).
7. Maximum file size: 2MB.

Passport Requirements

1. Show your passport at its actual size — no cropping or resizing.
2. Be clear, sharp, and fully legible.
3. Be in colour.
4. Include the page showing your name and photograph.
5. Show the passport expiration date.
   • If that’s on a separate page, upload both the name/photo page and the expiration date page.
6. Include the section of your passport in Latin characters (if applicable).
   • If your name/photo page isn’t in Latin characters, upload that section as well.
7. Match exactly the name, gender, and date of birth details you provided when setting up your EPIC account.
   • If there’s a mismatch, ECFMG will update your EPIC account details to match the passport.
8. Show a complete, unobstructed view of the machine-readable zone (MRZ code), if present.
9. Be in JPEG format (.jpg).
10. File size must be 2MB or less.

EPIC Identification Form (EIF) Requirements

• The EPIC Identification Form (EIF) confirms your identity as the person who created the EPIC account.
• You must have a valid EIF on file to:
  • Upload your medical credentials to EPIC
  • Request verification reports for your verified documents
• After your EPIC account is set up, you’ll find your EIF under the “My Identity Documents” tab as a downloadable PDF.
• The EIF includes your:
  • Name
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Passport image
  • Uploaded photograph
• The EIF must be certified by an authorised official.
  • Who qualifies as authorised depends on when your EPIC account was created.
• Your EIF must be submitted within six months of being generated.
• If your EIF is not received within six months:
  • It will be rejected.
  • Your uploaded photograph will also become invalid.
  • You’ll need to upload a new photograph and generate a new EIF via “My Identity Documents.”
• ECFMG will notify you once they receive and review your EIF.
• You can track your EIF’s status anytime through the “My Identity Documents” tab in your EPIC account.

Summary to Open an EPIC Verification ECFMG Account

1. Go to the EPIC portal via the ECFMG website and start the account creation process.
2. Pay the one-time $130 USD fee for creating your account.
3. Wait up to 3 working days for ECFMG to send you your temporary username and password by email.

Documents and Information Required During EPIC Account Creation

1. Passport – A scanned, full-colour copy.
2. Passport Photograph – A clear, full-colour picture of yourself following EPIC guidelines.
3. Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) Details Only –
   • Start date
   • End date
   • Degree awarding date
4. Medical Council Name – If you are registered with any medical council, simply provide the name (no certificate upload required at this stage).

Get these documents ready for EPIC verification for GMC or AMC beforehand. However, if you are looking to get into GP training, you will need a CREST form. You can find details on what it is and how to fill it.

Once your account is created and you receive your login details, you can proceed with uploading your EPIC Identification Form (EIF) and other required credentials.

Steps for EPIC Verification for GMC Registration

Creating EPIC Account

Go to the ECFMG Registration and Login portal and click on “Establish an EPIC Account.”

Getting Started

Read the information provided and click continue.

Biographics – Part 1: Name

Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport.

Biographics – Part 2: Contact Information

Enter your address exactly as shown in your passport. The first three rows should match your passport address lines.

Biographics – Part 3: Other Information

1. Use your passport details again.
2. Fill in your National Identification Number (for example, Aadhaar Number for Indian applicants).

Medical School

1. Select “Graduate” and search for your medical college.
2. Add your medical degree information in the following steps.

Medical School – Part 1: Adding Degree Medical School

Select the country and name of your medical school from the drop-down list.

Medical School – Part 2: Attendance Dates for Medical School

1. Enter your MBBS duration (excluding internship unless stated otherwise on your degree certificate).
2. Write “MBBS” or the equivalent degree title from your country.

Medical Registration/Licensure

Mention all the medical councils you’re registered with (in India, usually up to two).

Medical Registration/Licensure – Part 1: Adding Authority Details

Enter the country and authority name (such as state medical council).

Medical Registration/Licensure – Part 2: Organization to which I Am Applying

Tick “General Medical Council.”

Photo/Passport

Upload both your photo and passport in JPEG format, each under 2MB.

Photo/Passport – Part 1: Uploading Photo

Follow the EPIC guidelines: JPEG format, under 2MB, clear, and recent.

Photo/Passport – Part 2: Uploading Passport

1. Ensure your passport is in JPEG format.
2. If your passport is in PDF, use tools like PDF2JPG to convert it, then merge image files if needed using tools like Merge Images.

Photo/Passport – Part 2: Uploading Passport – Additional Information and Passport Information

1. Leave tick boxes unchecked if your passport’s photo page includes the expiration date and is in Latin characters.
2. Enter your passport details as shown.

Certification by Applicant

Tick all applicable boxes after reading through the certification statements.

Summary

Review all entered information carefully, then proceed to payment.

Payment

Pay the $130 fee. Credit cards that support international transactions are recommended.

Success

1. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
2. It takes up to three working days for ECFMG to set up your account and email you a temporary username and password for the EPIC Physician Portal.

Receiving Confirmation Mail

Once your account is established, check your email for a confirmation message from ECFMG.

What Happens After EPIC Account Confirmation?

Your EPIC verification for GMC registration is still not complete. Once you receive your temporary username and password from ECFMG, here’s what to do next:

1. Log in to the EPIC Portal
   • Use your temporary login details to access your EPIC account.
   • Set up your permanent username and password.
2. Download and Complete Your EPIC Identification Form (EIF)
   • Go to the “My Identity Documents” tab and download your EIF.
   • Your EIF includes your photo, passport details, and personal information.
3. Get Your EIF Certified via NotaryCam (Online Video Call)
   • ECFMG now recommends using NotaryCam for EIF certification.
   • You’ll have a live video call with a certified notary. During the call:
     • Hold your passport up to the camera for identity confirmation.
     • Sign the EIF while the notary watches.
   • Once complete, NotaryCam will submit your EIF directly to ECFMG.
4. Wait for Identity Confirmation
   • ECFMG will review your EIF after receiving it from NotaryCam.
   • This typically takes a few weeks. You’ll receive an email once your identity is confirmed.
5. Submit Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)
   • Once your identity is verified, upload your medical degree for verification.
   • Pay the document verification fee (usually $100 USD per credential).
6. Monitor Status and Send Reports
   • ECFMG will contact your medical school for verification.
   • You’ll get updates via email, and can check your EPIC account for status changes.
   • Once verified, send your EPIC report to the General Medical Council (GMC) as part of your GMC registration.

Tip: Contact your college or university early and directly to let them know that they will be receiving a mail from ECFMG. The principal then will have to sign the form and return it back to ECFMG. Once this is done, your EPIC verification will be complete.

Once you are done with GMC registration, you will have to look for jobs at best places (usually TRAC jobs) and prepare for your interviews. This has been a tough journey lad but you are almost there!

Final Thoughts

Completing EPIC verification might feel like a long process, but once it’s done, you don’t have to repeat it again. It’s a permanent part of your portfolio and one of the key steps towards GMC registration after PLAB.

FAQs