So, you’re a doctor with a medical degree from outside the UK, and you’re ready to take the next step toward practising medicine in the UK. Great! But before you can apply for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) , there’s one important hurdle you’ll need to clear: EPIC verification.

Don’t worry, this guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about EPIC verification, why it matters, and how to get it done smoothly. Let’s dive in!

Why Is EPIC Verification Important for GMC Registration?

The GMC wants to ensure that all doctors practising in the UK meet strict international standards. To do this, they require primary-source verification of your medical qualifications. This means they need confirmation directly from the institution that issued your degree.

Here’s who needs EPIC verification:

• Doctors with a PMQ (Primary Medical Qualification) from outside the UK.
• Doctors who don’t already hold provisional GMC registration.

The process for verification may be longer than you expected, particularly if the medical school or university has a slow response time. In order to avoid anxiety and stress It is best to begin before the deadline rather than wait to the very last second. Be aware that if your application isn’t submitted within the 90-day timeframe, the GMC will reject it so it is imperative to plan ahead.

Steps to Complete EPIC Verification

Step 1: Check GMC Requirements

Before you dive into EPIC make sure that you’re in the right place:

• Does your Primary Medical Qualification have the approval of the GMC? Make sure to check their website for confirmation.
• Which is your preferred method of registration? Do you prefer the PLAB method, utilizing any acceptable postgraduate qualifications or applying for sponsorship?
• Are you able to prove that your medical school is recognized? If it is listed included on the list of not-acceptable qualifications or possibly acceptable ones you should contact them prior to proceeding.

Tips: If you hold refugee status within the UK It is possible that you are in a position to receive assistance for EPIC costs. Get in touch with the GMC for more information about this possibility.

Step 2: Set Up Your EPIC Account

For the first time it is necessary to set up the EPIC account. This is what you’ll need:

• A colour scanned copy of your passport’s ID page.
• A recent passport-sized photo of yourself.
• Details about your medical education (e.g., your school’s name, graduation year, etc.).
• Any relevant medical licensure information.
• If applicable, your ECFMG/USMLE ID or EICS ID.

Once your account is set up, you’ll need to verify your identity by submitting an EPIC Identification Form (EIF). Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. The process involves a quick video call with a notary service called NotaryCam, which ECFMG will arrange for you.

Step 3: Upload and Verify Your Qualifications

With your EPIC account active, it’s time to upload your documents:

• Scan and upload your Final Medical Diploma (or an alternate document if your diploma isn’t available yet).
• Select the GMC as the recipient of your verification report. This ensures they’ll automatically receive updates once your qualification is verified.

ECFMG will review your documents and then contact your medical school directly to confirm their authenticity.

Good News: If your qualifications were already verified through EPIC for another purpose (e.g., ECFMG Certification), you don’t need to re-upload them. Simply request a new EPIC Report for the GMC.

Step 4: Submit Your GMC Application

After your PMQ is verified After that, you are able to proceed in completing the GMC enrollment application. Be aware of these suggestions:

• Provide your EPIC ID when filling out your GMC application.

Make use of the EPIC account you have created to monitor your EPIC account to monitor the progress of your verification.

Important Note: If you’re submitting an Alternate Graduation Document (like a graduation certificate) instead of your Final Medical Diploma, you must contact the GMC for manual processing instructions.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Postgraduate Qualifications and Specialist Registration

If you’re applying for full GMC registration via the Specialist or GP route, you may also need to verify:

• Your postgraduate qualifications (PGQ) .
• Any specialist or GP certifications .
• Accompanying certificates, if required by the GMC.

Each document must be uploaded and verified separately through EPIC. It’s a bit more work, but keeping your application moving smoothly is worth it.

What If My Medical School Is Slow to Respond?

Let’s face it, some medical schools aren’t known for their speedy responses. To avoid delays:

• Get started with the EPIC verification procedure earlier and ideally before you apply for an GMC.
• Make sure to contact your medical school should you observe the delay.
• Be sure that the documents you submit are precise and up-to-date to stop rejections.

If ECFMG is unable to verify your qualification, the GMC may still consider your application, but you’ll need to discuss alternative options with them directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will the GMC automatically receive my verified documents?

Yes, but only if you select the GMC as the recipient when uploading your documents to EPIC. If you forget, you’ll need to log in and manually send an EPIC Report to the GMC.

2. Can I still use my EPIC account after my GMC application?

Absolutely! Your verified qualifications stay in your EPIC Portfolio, so you can share them with other licensing boards or employers in the future. Think of it as a secure digital vault for your credentials.

3. Do I need to verify my qualifications again if they were already checked by ECFMG?

Nope! If your credentials were previously verified for another purpose, you can simply request an EPIC Report for the GMC. No need to go through the process again.

4. How much does EPIC verification cost?

The fees vary depending on the number of qualifications you’re verifying. Check the EPIC website for the latest pricing. And remember, if you have refugee status, you might qualify for fee assistance.

5. What happens if I don’t complete my GMC application within 90 days?

If your application remains incomplete after 90 days, the GMC will close it. Ultimately, you’ll need to start over again, which could delay your plans.

The Gist:

EPIC certification might appear to be an administrative step yet it’s a vital component of maintaining that the integrity and integrity of this UK healthcare system. Plan ahead, remain calm, and adhere to these steps. In a matter of minutes you’ll be just an inch closer to fulfilling the dream of practicing medicine within the UK.

Need Help?

For EPIC-related questions, contact ECFMG at [email protected] or call +1 (215) 966-3900 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Eastern Time).

For GMC-specific queries, contact the GMC directly through their official website .

Start your EPIC verification today, and take the next step in your medical journey!