Let’s be honest…figuring out how to verify your medical credentials can feel overwhelming. Different websites, confusing forms, and endless document uploads… sound familiar?
Well, here’s the good news: the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and ECFMG joined forces to make things easier. This partnership ensures your qualifications are verified once, securely, globally, and without unnecessary stress. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how it works, step by step.
Why Verification Matters and What the AMC Does
The Role of the AMC
Think of the AMC as Australia’s “medical quality gatekeeper.”
It ensures that every doctor practising in Australia meets consistent education and training standards.
While the Medical Board of Australia is the one that officially registers doctors, the AMC handles verification and assessment for all international medical graduates.
Why Primary Source Verification Is Important
Primary source verification (PSV) means your credentials are confirmed directly from the institution that issued them. This is crucial because it:
- Ensures public trust in the medical system.
- Prevents fraudulent or forged qualifications.
- Speeds up the registration process once verified.
Who Are ECFMG and MyIntealth?
The ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) is a trusted U.S.-based organization that verifies medical credentials worldwide. They’ve been doing this for decades and work directly with medical schools across the globe.
EPIC and MyIntealth
| Platform | Purpose | How It Helps IMGs |
| EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) | An online system where you upload your medical documents. | ECFMG verifies your credentials directly with your university or institution. |
| MyIntealth | A personal account portal linked to EPIC. | Lets you manage your documents, track verification progress, and share verified reports with organizations like the AMC. |
Once your credentials are verified through EPIC/MyIntealth, you can share them instantly with the AMC or even other global institutions later on.
The AMC–ECFMG Collaboration: What It Means for You
In 2015, the AMC partnered with ECFMG to make credential verification digital, transparent, and globally standardized.
What this means for you:
- You upload your documents to EPIC/MyIntealth.
- ECFMG verifies them directly with your university.
- The AMC receives the verified results and updates your AMC account.
Understanding Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Primary Source Verification (PSV) means your documents are checked directly with your issuing institution, no middlemen, no shortcuts.
So, if you upload your degree to EPIC, ECFMG contacts your medical school, confirms it’s valid, and sends a verified report to the AMC.
Why It’s Required by Law
Under Australia’s national health law, every IMG must have their medical qualifications verified before they can be registered. This requirement applies across all states and territories, it’s not optional.
AMC Pathways for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
Depending on your qualifications and experience, there are three main pathways through which you can apply.
| Pathway | Who It’s For | Main Requirements |
| Standard Pathway | IMGs whose qualifications aren’t from a “competent authority” country. | Credential verification + AMC MCQ and Clinical exams. |
| Competent Authority Pathway | IMGs from approved countries (e.g., UK, NZ, Canada, Ireland, USA). | Credential verification + supervised practice. |
| Specialist Pathway | IMGs with recognized postgraduate or specialist qualifications. | Credential verification + college assessment. |
No matter which path you take, credential verification through ECFMG is always the first step. If you are thinking about taking the standard pathway, then make sure you enrol in Academically’s AMC Preparation Course. Because once you join ,you will get all the resources and guidance you need to clear the exam on the first attempt.
Step-by-Step: How to Use EPIC/MyIntealth for AMC Applications
Here’s a simplified roadmap for your verification process:
| Step | What to Do | Helpful Tips |
| 1 | Check your medical school’s eligibility | |
| 2 | Create your MyIntealth account | This will connect you to your EPIC portfolio. |
| 3 | Open an AMC account | |
| 4 | Upload your credentials | Submit your medical degree and transcript. |
| 5 | Nominate the AMC as a recipient | This ensures your verified report goes directly to them. |
| 6 | Track your verification | ECFMG will update you once verification is complete. |
Once you see “Verified” in your AMC account, you’re ready to move forward with your pathway (exams, training, or registration).
Eligibility: Schools, Degrees, and Graduation Years
To avoid delays, always check your school’s eligibility before you start.
| Requirement | Description |
| Listed in WDoMS | Your school must appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools. |
| Correct degree title | Your qualification title (like MBBS, MD) must match the WDoMS record. |
| Graduation year match | The graduation year must be within the eligible period listed. |
If your school isn’t listed or has an outdated note, contact your institution for an update before applying.
Documents That Need Verification
| Document Type | Who Needs It | Notes |
| Final Medical Diploma | All IMGs | Your MBBS/MD degree – the most important document. |
| Academic Transcript | Some IMGs | Required if your diploma isn’t yet available. |
| Specialist Qualification | Specialist pathway applicants | Include fellowship or postgraduate certificates. |
Tip: Upload clear, high-resolution copies and make sure your name matches exactly across all documents.
Timeframes, Fees & Smooth-Process Tips
| Aspect | Typical Details |
| Timeframe | 4–12 weeks, depending on your university’s response time. |
| Fees | Paid separately to ECFMG (for verification) and AMC (for application). |
| Delays | Usually happen due to incomplete or mismatched documents. |
| Pro Tip | Start early, schools can take weeks to respond to verification requests. |
Quick Tips for Success:
- Check eligibility first.
- Nominate the AMC immediately.
- Use official spellings for your name and degree title.
- Keep copies of every submission.
Benefits and Limitations of the AMC–ECFMG Partnership
| Benefits | Limitations |
| Streamlined process – verify once, use globally. | Verification doesn’t equal registration. |
| Trusted by medical boards worldwide. | Still need exams or training after verification. |
| Secure, digital record of your credentials. | Some specialist credentials may require extra steps. |
This partnership gives IMGs a globally recognized verification record, saving time and effort when applying for work or study abroad.
After Verification: What’s Next?
Once your verification is done and appears in your AMC account, you can proceed with the next step in your pathway:
| Next Step | Description |
| AMC Exams | Required for those in the Standard Pathway. |
| Supervised Practice | For doctors under the Competent Authority Pathway. |
| College Assessment | For those applying through the Specialist Pathway. |
After completing these requirements, you can apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia and begin practising under supervision or independently (depending on your level).
Final Thoughts
The AMC–ECFMG partnership has turned what used to be a complicated verification maze into a smooth, secure, and globally recognized process.
If you’re serious about pursuing your medical career in Australia, there’s no better time to start. Create your MyIntealth account, verify your credentials, and take that first confident step toward your Australian medical future.
Your dream career is waiting and this is exactly where it begins.
For any more information or questions, you can reach out to the AMC experts at Academically.