Personal Item Exceptions (PIEs)
The personal items listed below are permitted in the secure testing area subject to inspection by test center staff. If you have a medical need for one or more of these items during your USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3 examination, you do NOT need to make a request or submit documentation to NBME for approval. Please show the item to test center staff when you check in for your examination.
If you have a medical condition that requires use of an item NOT on the list below, contact disabilityservices@NBME.org or 215-590-9700 for additional information on how to request a personal item exception. *Please note any devices that have external communication capability such as cellular, wireless, Bluetooth, etc., require approval and may not be authorized in the secure testing room. This also applies to devices that may sound audible alerts, vibrate, or otherwise emit sounds.