USMLE Application

USMLE Application Materials

Note: Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are not offered on major local holidays. Step 3 is not administered during the first fourteen (14) days of January. Available dates will be displayed in the scheduling system.

• USMLE Step 1and USMLE Step 2 CK.
  • Students and graduates of LCME- or AOA- accredited programs should apply for Step 1and USMLE Step 2 CK in the US or Canada:  apply through NBME on NLES (NBME Licensing Examination Services.
    • Application Fee Information
    • Rescheduling Fee
  • Students and graduates of medical schools outside the US and Canada should apply for Step 1and Step 2 CK through ECFMG on IWA (Interactive Web Applications)
    • Application Fee Information
    • Rescheduling Fees
• 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, and have passed Step1and Step 2 CK should apply for Step 3 by following the instructions on the FSMB website.

• • • Application Fee Information
    • Rescheduling Fees

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 non-refundable and non-transferable.
2. 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 non-refundable and non-transferable.