Step 3

Step 3 assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings. Step 3 provides a final assessment of physicians assuming independent responsibility for delivering general medical care. A principal organizing dimension for Step 3 design is normal conditions and disease categories. Second and third organizing dimensions are the clinical encounter frame and physician tasks. Step 3 content reflects a data-based model of generalist medical practice in the United States.

Step 3 Content Description

The Step 3 2010 content description is available in html and PDF. Learn more

Step 3 Test Formats

Step 3 has multiple-choice test items and computer-based case simulations.

• Learn more about Step 3 multiple-choice test question formats
• Learn more about software to run tutorials and sample test materials, including Step 3 computer-based case simulations

Orientation/Practice

USMLE orientation materials, including Step 3 software with practice test items, are available to download from this website. Learn more

Primum Beta Test

The NBME is conducting a beta test of the new Primum software. Individuals who are interested in participating in the beta test may download and run the sample Step 3 CCS cases using the new software. Please note - this is not the orientation materials.
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