In order to improve services and create efficiencies, the HPCSA has launched a new system. Practitioners who obtained their basic medical qualification outside of South Africa are now required to utilise the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) to have their medical credentials verified.
The Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials is an innovative, online service that practitioners can use throughout their careers. Through EPIC, practitioners are able to build a digital career portfolio of the primary-source verified credentials related to their medical education, training, and registration/license.
The system enables practitioners to request reports verifying the authenticity of their credentials to be provided to any organisation in the world, including medical regulatory authorities and potential employers, such as hospitals and academic institutions.
EPIC will replace the current Educational International Credentials Services (EICS) paper application process. EPIC’s web-based process will provide the HPCSA with the same primary-source verification of medical credentials that it has been receiving through EICS, while also offering practitioners an advantage not available through EICS.
New applicants who obtained their basic medical qualification outside of South Africa are required to create an EPIC account and upload their credentials for verification. Applicants who have submitted their credentials for primary-source verification through EICS before, may continue through the EICS process until such time that their credentials are verified or attempts to have them verified have been exhausted.
The HPCSA and ECFMG are pleased to be working together in making this transition. All foreign qualified practitioners must ensure that the HPCSA has received their full compliant verifications before submitting their applications for registration. All applications received without the full compliant verification via the Epic Portal will be considered non-compliant and returned to the applicant.
For more information on EPIC, visit www.ecfmgepic.org
Last Updated on 12 September 2016 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs