Applying & Scheduling

Applying for the test and Scheduling Your Test Date

To apply for a USMLE Step, you must submit an application through the appropriate registration organization.

Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are administered at Prometric centers. Step 3 is administered only in the US and its territories. Visit the Prometric website to find the test center closest to you and to schedule an appointment. Appointments at some test centers fill up quickly. Examinees are encouraged to schedule at their preferred test center as soon as they have received their scheduling permit.
 

Application Materials

 

For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Inside the US/Canada

Step 1 and Step 2 CK

Students and graduates of LCME- or COCA-accredited programs should apply for Step 1 and Step 2 CK by following the instructions on the NBME website.

Step 3

Graduates with an MD or DO degree from an LCME- or COCA-accredited medical school should apply for Step 3 by following the instructions on the FSMB website.

 

For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Outside the US/Canada

Step 1 and Step 2 CK

Students and graduates of medical schools outside the US and Canada that are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements should apply for Step 1 and Step 2 CK by following the instructions on the ECFMG website.

Step 3

Graduates of medical schools outside the US and Canada that are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements should apply for Step 3 by following the instructions on the FSMB website.

Examinees with Disabilities Requesting Test Accommodations

The USMLE program provides reasonable accommodations for examinees with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are an individual with a disability under the ADA and require test accommodations to access the exam, visit the USMLE website before you apply for information regarding test accommodations, including procedures, guidelines and documentation requirements.

Requesting Additional Break Time Only

Examinees who require additional break time for medical conditions, such as diabetes, or for other reasons, such as nursing mothers who wish to use a breast pump for lactation in the test center, may apply for additional break time/standard testing time by submitting the form found on the USMLE website. Examinees should select the option for test accommodations during the step exam application, which places a temporary hold on the scheduling permit, then submit the request form to Disability Services.

Pre-Approved Items

A list of approved personal items that may be permitted in the secure testing area, subject to inspection by test center staff, is available on the Pre-Approved Items page of the USMLE website. See also the Personal Belongings – What You Can Bring into the Testing Room section.

If you have a medical condition that requires use of an item not listed on the website, you should make a request for test accommodations. Visit the Test Accommodations page of the USMLE Website for more information including procedures, guidelines and documentation requirements. If you have questions, please contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@NBME.org or (215) 590-9700.

Applying for and Scheduling Your USMLE Steps

 

  • When applying for the examination, you must select an eligibility period during which you wish to test.
  • Once your registration is complete, a scheduling permit with your eligibility period will be issued. You will receive your scheduling permit via email.
  • After obtaining the scheduling permit, you may visit the Prometric website to schedule a test date. Scheduling may not be available more than six months in advance.

Additional Information

  • You are permitted to reschedule within your eligibility period; you must pay a fee if you make a change during the 45 calendar days before your scheduled appointment.
  • If you are unable to test within your eligibility period, contact the organization that registered you for your examination to inquire about a one-time contiguous eligibility period extension. A fee is charged for this service.
  • If you do not take the examination within your original or extended eligibility period, you must reapply by submitting a new application and fee(s). Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Test dates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The USMLE program cannot guarantee the availability of test centers. Therefore, you should contact Prometric to schedule as soon as possible after receiving your scheduling permit. It is also recommended that you schedule your test dates early in your eligibility period to provide flexibility in case you need to reschedule.

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