The Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS), operated by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), is a secure, centralized platform for verifying core medical credentials. It is designed to streamline the credentialing process for physicians and physician assistants (PAs), particularly those:
- Applying for licensure in multiple states
- Retrieving records from closed or international institutions
Once established, your FCVS profile becomes a lifetime repository of verified credentials. You can transmit this profile to multiple state medical boards, reducing administrative burden and ensuring consistency across applications.
Intended Users
The FCVS profile is built for individuals who require verified documentation of their professional qualifications. This includes U.S. and international medical graduates seeking licensure, postgraduate training positions, or board certification. It is especially beneficial for those applying to multiple state boards or institutions, as it consolidates all required credentials into a single, standardized format. FCVS is especially beneficial for:
- International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
If you trained outside the U.S. or Canada, FCVS helps simplify complex credentialing requirements. - Multi-State Applicants
Physicians and PAs applying for licensure in more than one state can avoid repetitive verification processes. - Credential Portability Seekers
If you want a centralized, reusable record for future applications or career transitions, FCVS offers a streamlined solution.
FCVS Profile Content
Each FCVS profile contains the following verified components:
- Identity Documentation
Authenticated copies of legal identification documents such as passports, birth certificates, or other government-issued IDs are included to confirm the physician’s identity. - Medical Education
Transcripts and diplomas from medical schools are verified directly with the issuing institutions. International medical graduates may be required to submit additional documentation, such as the ECFMG Certification Report, depending on the destination board’s requirements. - Postgraduate Training
Records of internships, residencies, and fellowships are verified with the training institutions to confirm participation and completion dates. - Examination History
Results from licensing examinations—including USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or other applicable exams—are verified and documented. - Physician Data Center (PDC) Report
The FSMB PDC Profile is used by medical boards for licensure purposes and includes licensure and disciplinary information.
Sending Your FCVS Profile to Non-Medical Board Recipients
The Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) allows you to share your verified credentials beyond state medical boards through two distinct profile types: Personal Profile and Institution Profile. Each serves a different purpose and includes specific limitations.
A Personal Profile is intended for your own use. It provides a copy of your FCVS profile that you can retain for personal reference or review. This version is useful for maintaining a record of your verified credentials but does not include:
- Examination transcripts (e.g., NBME, NBOME, USMLE, FLEX, SPEX)
- ECFMG Certification Status Report (for international medical graduates)
- Medical education verification obtained through ECFMG (for international medical graduates)
An Institution Profile is designed for third-party organizations that require credential verification. You can send this version of your FCVS profile to:
- Hospitals
- Managed care organizations
- Other institutions that request education credentials
Like the Personal Profile, the Institution Profile also excludes:
- Examination transcripts (e.g., NBME, NBOME, USMLE, FLEX, SPEX)
- ECFMG Certification Status Report (for international medical graduates)
Both options allow you to share your FCVS profile outside of state licensing boards, but it's important to note what is and isn’t included depending on the recipient’s needs.