NExT (National Exit Test) replaced FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) as the licensing exam for foreign medical graduates. NExT is a common exam taken by both domestic MBBS graduates and FMGs, making the system unified. The syllabus is similar but NExT adds a clinical skills component.
| Parameter | FMGE (Old) | NExT (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes it? | Only foreign medical graduates | Both domestic MBBS + FMG graduates |
| Exam Structure | MCQ only โ 300 questions, 3.5 hours | Step 1 (Theory) + Step 2 (Clinical Skills) |
| Conducted by | NBE (National Board of Examinations) | NMC (National Medical Commission) |
| Passing Standard | 50% (150/300) | NMC-determined standard |
| Frequency | Twice a year | Twice a year |
| Clinical Component | None | Yes โ NExT Step 2 is clinical skills |
| Purpose | License for FMGs only | Unified exit for all MBBS graduates |
Direct admission to Davao Medical School Foundation, Philippines. No agent commission. No donation. No hidden charges. 500+ DMSF students passed FMGE Dec 2025.