USMLE Application

USMLE Application Materials

• USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS
  • Students and graduates of LCME- or AOA- accredited programs should apply for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS by following the instructions on the NBME website.
  • Students and graduates of medical schools outside the US and Canada should apply for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS by following the instructions on the ECFMG website.
• USMLE Step 3
  • Graduates with an MD or DO degree from an LCME- or AOA- accredited medical school 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 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 under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• If you are an individual with such a disability and require test accommodations, visit the USMLE website before you apply for each Step or Step Component for information regarding test accommodations, including procedures and documentation requirements.

Examinees Who Require Additional Break Time

• Examinees with physical or health conditions who require additional break time should complete the request form and submit it with a letter from a qualified health care professional documenting the medical need.
• Examples include lactation (to express breast milk) and diabetes (to monitor/treat blood glucose).
• Requests for additional break time should be made prior to or at the same time as registration for a Step examination.

Personal Item Exceptions (PIE)

• Unauthorized possession of personal items, while you are in the secure areas of the testing center, is prohibited. Exceptions to this policy may be made in certain limited circumstances.
• A list of approved personal items permitted in the secure testing area, subject to inspection by test center staff, is available at the USMLE website.

Applying for and Scheduling Your Test

1. USMLE Steps 1 AND 2 CK:
   • Obtaining an eligibility period and scheduling your test date: 
     • When applying for the examination, you must select a three-month eligibility period in which you wish to test (January – March).
     • Once your registration is complete, a scheduling permit with your eligibility period will be issued. You will receive an e-mail with instructions for accessing your permit.
     • After obtaining the scheduling permit, you may visit the Prometric website to schedule a test date. Scheduling may not be available for 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 30 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 nonrefundable and nontransferable.
2. USMLE Step 2 CS:
   • Obtaining an eligibility period and scheduling your test date:
     • When you apply for Step 2 CS, you are assigned a 12-month eligibility period that begins when your application is accepted and eligibility verified.
     • Once your registration is complete, a scheduling permit with your eligibility period will be issued. You will receive an e-mail with instructions for accessing your permit.
     • After obtaining the scheduling permit, you may visit the USMLE website to schedule your test date.
   • Additional information:
     • Once your eligibility period is assigned, it cannot be changed or extended.
     • Please check the Step 2 CS Score Reporting Schedule before scheduling a testing appointment if you need your results by a specific deadline.
     • Test centers fill quickly. Scheduling at least six months in advance is advisable. You are permitted to reschedule within your eligibility period; you must pay a fee if you make a change during the 14 calendar days before your scheduled appointment.
     • If you do not take the examination within your eligibility period, you must reapply by submitting a new application and examination fee. Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
3. Step 3:
   • Obtaining an eligibility period and scheduling your test date:
     • When applying for an examination, you must select a three-month eligibility period in which you wish to test (January – March).
     • Once your application is processed, a scheduling permit with your eligibility period will be issued. You will receive an e-mail with instructions for accessing your permit.
     • After obtaining the scheduling permit, you may visit the Prometric website to schedule your test dates.
   • Additional information:
     • You are permitted to reschedule within your eligibility period; you must pay a fee if you make a change during the 30 calendar days before your scheduled appointment.
     • If you are unable to test within your eligibility period, contact FSMB to inquire about a one-time contiguous eligibility period extension. A fee is charged for this service. Visit the FSMB website for more information on eligibility period extensions.
     • 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 nonrefundable and nontransferable.