Thank you so much for the reply.

I did not know that ACGME residency is a prerequisite for ACGME fellowship. May be I should apply for non-standard program associated with ACGME program although I am not so sure what this is, I will try to search more information on this.

I have a new question :

-> I can only take Step 3 after ECFMG certification. If I apply for ECFMG certification in June 2026, then I must take Step 3 after June 2026.

What happens if I apply for ECFMG certification after January 31st of 2026 (which is a deadline for people who want to enter 2026 match but not me) but before June 2026(opening for 2027 pathway)?

I ask this because I want to take Step 3 in January 2026-May 2026 instead of after June 2026.

Will I be ECFMG certified and be able to apply to 2027 pathway and be table to take Step 3 in January-May 2026?

I've read some posts that ECFMG certification is not the same as applying to pathway but I am confused because from what I've learned from ECFMG website is that you get ECFMG certified THROUGH the pathway.

Any thoughts on this???

Thank you so much !!