What Is an FCVS and How Can You Benefit from Using It

The Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) is an essential tool for physicians when applying
for medical licensure. It helps physicians to maintain a repository of all essential verified documents,
from diplomas to a list of hospitals they have received credentials in. This is extremely valuable for
physicians since verification is often difficult, costly and time-consuming. By utilizing FCVS, physicians
can avoid the hassle of assembling all documents every time they need to be licensed or credentialed.

The FCVS is a service implemented by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), a non-profit
organization comprising of the 70 state medical and osteopathic regulatory boards within the US, its
territories and the District of Columbia. The FSMB created FCVS to provide hospitals, medical boards,
and other health care entities, such as insurance providers, with a record of physicians’ core credentials.

What is an FCVS profile?

An FCVS profile will serve as your primary-source of verified credential. These verifications are kept in a
permanent portfolio which can be accessed anytime by you or the designated boards for the purpose of
state licensure or professional memberships. The following are the core credentials included in an FCVS
profile:

• Your Identity
• Verification of your Medical education
• Verification of your Postgraduate training
• Graduate medical education records
• Licensure examination history
• Exam scores
• ECFMG and/or Fifth Pathway
• Board actions
• American Board of Medical Specialties Certification

Creating an FCVS Profile

To create your FCVS profile, you may visit www.fsmb.org and accomplish the new user registration
process. It will take you only a few minutes to fill out the necessary information, such as your residence,
email address, date of birth and Social Security Number.

Once your profile is created, you just need to complete the FCVS application by following a few steps
indicated on their website. You will also be asked to provide notarized certification for identity
verification, including a copy of your original birth certificate or passport. These copies may be sent to
FSMB via mail or uploaded electronically. Moreover, FCVS also requires completion of the Affidavit and
Release form and Authorization for Release of Information form.

The application process can take as long as six months, so it’s a good idea to create your FCVS profile
long before you actually need it. Once FCVS has established your profile with your credentials, it is
available for use any time throughout your career.

Advantages of FCVS
Utilizing the use of FCVS can significantly lessen the hassle and trouble of licensing. It can make the
process faster and easier. To give you a picture of how useful it is, the following are the key advantages
of having a completed FCVS:

1. Simplifies the Process of Credential Verification

Once FCVS has obtained your primary source verifications, the money cost and time spent for
processing your licensure is reduced. You don’t have to distress on getting another copy of your
transcript from your medical school or looking over again your stored documents. All your
credentials are ready for use from FCVS.

2. Serves as a Repository of Professional Information

Your records are stored in a central location for ease of access at any time. Moreover, you are
prepared if ever you lose your documents due to disaster or emergency situations. By having an
FCVS profile, you won't lose your verifications and information in times when your original
record is somehow destroyed.

3. License Portability

Physicians who seek to practice medicine in more than one state must complete individual
licensure applications for each respective state. FCVS will be very handy for you if you plan to
obtain multiple state licenses.

4. Some States Require Physicians to Use an FCVS Profile

In several states, it’s mandatory for physicians to use FCVS in their medical licensure application.
These states are the following:

• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine (Medical)
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Nevada (Osteopathy)
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Utah (Medical)
• Utah (Osteopathy)
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Wyoming

Applying for a medical license can be a daunting task, so taking advantage of the benefits of FCVS can
help you lessen the overwhelming task and outweigh any of the initial cost. Seeking the aid of FCVS
when you apply for licensure simplifies the whole process for you and enables you to access medical
credentials whenever you need them, especially in obtaining a license from other state boards.
References:

http://www.fsmb.org/about-fsmb/
http://www.fsmb.org/fcvs/participating-boards-for-physicians/
https://www.bartonassociates.com/blog/what-is-fcvs/
https://journal.practicelink.com/blog/what-do-physicians-need-to-know-about-the-fcvs/