USMLE Registration Process 2024

Aspiring to practice medicine in the United States, international medical students and graduates must undergo the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) registration process. This comprehensive process involves distinct steps for each of the three exam components: Steps 1, 2, and 3.

USMLE Registration Dates 2024

Eligibility Periods:

• Start: November 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024
• End: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

USMLE Registration 2024

Step 1 Registration Process:

1. Create an ECFMG Account:
   • Register through ECFMG’s Interactive Web Applications (IWA).
2. Apply for Form-186:
   • Fill Form-186, make a fee payment of $160, and notarize it.
3. Fill out the Step 1 Application Form:
   • Complete the application through the ECFMG account.
4. Obtain the Schedule Permit:
   • Permit issued after verification by the medical school.
5. Book the Test Dates:
   • Use the scheduling permit to schedule the exam at a Prometric center.

Documents Required for Step 1 Registration:

• Passport
• Passport size photo
• Form-186
• Medical school degree certificate (for graduates)

Step 2 CK USMLE Registration

Indian or international medical candidates can register for USMLE Step 2 online through ECFMG, while candidates from the US or Canada use NBME for registration. The process is akin to Step 1, and those who have obtained Form-186 during Step 1 need not reapply.

Registration Process:

1. Login to ECFMG Account:
   • Access your ECFMG account and fill out the Step 2 application form.
2. Select Eligibility Period and Test Location:
   • Choose a 3-month eligibility period and preferred test location.
3. Pay Registration Fee:
   • Submit the Step 2 USMLE registration fee.
4. Schedule Permit Issuance:
   • Upon completion of online med school verification/Status Verification, a scheduling permit will be sent to the applicant’s email.
5. Book Exam Date and Center:
   • Log in to the Prometric website using the scheduling number from the permit.
   • Select the preferred exam date and test center to complete the Step 2 USMLE registration.

Documents Required: Candidates registering for Step 2 before Step 1 need the following documents. If ECFMG certification is already obtained at Step 1, these documents are not required at this stage.

• Passport
• Passport size photo
• Form-186 (obtained during the registration process)
• Medical school degree certificate (for graduates only)

Additional Information for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK:

• Test dates can be scheduled up to six months in advance.
• If unable to take the test within the eligibility period, contact ECFMG for a one-time eligibility period extension, with a fee for this service.
• Failure to take the examination within the eligibility period requires re-application with a new application and fee.
• The application fee is nonrefundable.

Step 3 USMLE Registration

Candidates from any location can register for USMLE Step 3 through the FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards). Here are the details for the Step 3 USMLE registration:

Basic Requirements for Indian Candidates to Register for USMLE Step 3:

• Passed USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 exams
• Qualified for the Occupational English Test (OET)
• ECFMG Certification
• Completed MD or DO degree from medical schools listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

Registration Process:

1. Create a New FSMB Account:
   • Set up a new account on the FSMB website.
2. Login and Apply for Step 3:
   • Log in, fill in the form with required personal and academic information, and choose the suitable eligibility period.
3. Upload Documents and Pay Fee:
   • Upload necessary documents, make the fee payment, and submit.
4. Permit Status and Test Date Booking:
   • Check the scheduling permit status. Once confirmed, proceed to book the USMLE Step 3 test date on the Prometric website.
5. Documents Required:
   • ECFMG Certification.
   • Candidates who qualified in Step 1 and Step 2 and OET exam are eligible for ECFMG Certification.

Additional Information for USMLE Step 3:

• Test dates can be scheduled up to six months in advance.
• If unable to test within the eligibility period, contact the FSMB for a one-time eligibility period extension; a fee is charged, and restrictions may apply.
• If the exam is not taken within the eligibility period, the candidate has to re-apply with a new application and fee.
• The application fee is nonrefundable.

USMLE Registration Fee for Step 1, 2, 3:

Candidates must pay the USMLE exam fee for registration, with different fees for each step:

• Step 1 and Step 2 CK:
  • USD 1000 Examination Fee + USD 195 International surcharge
  • Payment Methods: Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), or electronic check (U.S. bank accounts only).
• Step 3:
  • USD 925
  • Payment Methods: American Express, MasterCard, or Visa

USMLE Test Centers:

Candidates need to book test centers during the USMLE registration. For Step 1 and 2, Indian applicants can appear for tests in India. For Step 3, candidates must test at USA Prometric test centers.