USMLE Announcement News

End of year update: USMLE research; potential structural changes

12/23/2011 12:00:00 AM

The USMLE continues to evolve in the manner described previously. Step 2 CS changes anticipated for 2012 have been described. Additionally, new literature interpretation items have already been incorporated in Step 2 and will soon appear in Step 3. Other activities anticipated to occur in 2012 will continue in future years and have the potential to affect USMLE in significant and exciting ways.

Changes to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination

12/15/2011 12:00:00 AM

One of the recommendations emerging from the Comprehensive Review of USMLE (CRU) process is that USMLE consider ways to further enhance the testing methods used in the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination. As previously announced in the 2012 Bulletin of Information, these enhancements are scheduled for implementation in mid-2012. These changes will be introduced in Step 2 CS for examinations delivered beginning June 17, 2012.

Changes to Step 3 examination beginning in mid-February 2012 / Updated Step 3 practice materials available

11/30/2011 12:00:00 AM

Changes to both the Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) and the Computer-based Case Simulation (CCS) sections of the Step 3 examination will occur beginning in mid-February 2012.

Delay in score reporting for Step 3

11/30/2011 12:00:00 AM

Starting in mid-February 2012, a transition period will begin in which the number of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Computer-based Case Simulation (CCS) cases in current forms of the Step 3 examination will change.

Update on copyright infringement suit against Optima University

11/16/2011 12:00:00 AM

As previously announced the sponsors of the USMLE program (the Federation of State Medical Boards [FSMB] and the National Board of Medical Examiners [NBME]) filed suit in the US District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, alleging copyright infringement by Optima University, a provider of USMLE review courses. On February 24, 2009 a US Marshal executed a court order to obtain the Optima prep materials from Optima's offices in McKenzie, Tennessee. In their filing, the NBME and the FSMB alleged that Optima was unlawfully using USMLE test questions that they own and have copyrighted.

Change in minimum passing requirements for Step 3

10/20/2011 12:00:00 AM

As stated in the USMLE Bulletin of Information and as explained in a previous posting to the USMLE website , the level of proficiency required to meet the recommended minimum passing level for each USMLE Step examination is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments are posted at the USMLE website.

Relationship between 2-digit and 3-digit score scales for Step 3 scores now available

10/18/2011 12:00:00 AM

A table allowing users to look up the 3-digit score that corresponds approximately to a specific 2-digit score on recently administered Step 1 (since January 2010) and Step 2 CK (since July 1, 2010) examinations was posted in September 2011.

A table that allows users to look up the 3-digit score(s) that corresponds approximately to a specific 2-digit score on recently administered Step 3 (since May 1, 2008) examinations is now available. This table does not apply for results reported October 1, 2011 and later. Click here to view the conversion table.

Important information about Step 2 CS testing and score reporting in 2012

10/3/2011 12:00:00 AM

As noted in the 2012 USMLE Bulletin of Information, changes to the assessment of communication skills and patient note are planned in mid-2012. In order to introduce these changes to the examination, there will be no Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examinations from May 20 through June 16, 2012.

Additional changes to USMLE procedures for reporting scores

10/3/2011 12:00:00 AM

As was reported previously, the USMLE program has begun the process of eliminating the reporting of results on the 2-digit score scale to parties other than the examinee and any state licensing authority to which the examinee sends results.

Because USMLE will continue to report the 2-digit score to examinees and to state licensing authorities, the program will be making changes in scoring procedures to minimize the impact of future shifts in the relationship between 2-digit and 3-digit scores that result from USMLE’s periodic review of standards. The new scoring procedures will be implemented with the reporting of results for examinees who take a Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3 examination on or after October 1, 2011.

Relationship between USMLE’s 2-digit and 3-digit score scales

9/7/2011 12:00:00 AM

It was recently announced that starting July 1, 2011, USMLE would begin the process of eliminating the reporting of results on the 2-digit score scale to all score users except the examinee and the state licensing authority to whom results are reported at the examinee’s request.

Other users of USMLE results who have focused on the 2-digit score scale in the past will need to transition to using the 3-digit score. A table that will allow users to look up the 3-digit score(s) that corresponds approximately to a specific 2-digit score on recently administered Step 1 (since January 2010) and Step 2 CK (since July 1, 2010) examinations has been posted. This table will not apply for results reported October 1, 2011 and later. Click here to view the conversion table.

New attempt limit for USMLE examinations

8/25/2011 12:00:00 AM

The USMLE Program is introducing a limit on the total number of times an examinee can take the same Step or Step Component. When this limit takes effect, an examinee will be ineligible to take a Step or Step Component if the examinee has made six or more prior attempts to pass that Step or Step Component, including incomplete attempts.

New rules on repeating USMLE examinations: time between examination attempts

8/11/2011 12:00:00 AM

The USMLE Program sets rules on how quickly examinees can repeat the same Step or Step Component. These rules will change for exam applications submitted on or after January 1, 2012.

USMLE takes action against individuals found to have engaged in irregular behavior

8/3/2011 12:00:00 AM

The USMLE Committee on Irregular Behavior (CIB) meets periodically throughout each year to review cases involving allegations of irregular behavior by applicants and/or examinees. At its June meeting, the CIB heard multiple cases involving the following:

• falsified information, including misrepresentation of educational status
• dissemination of test content, including reconstruction of questions from memory and communication of test material to other examinees
• solicitation of test content, through internet posting and otherwise
• disruptive behavior, e.g., failure to follow proctor’s instructions

Review of USMLE Step 3 minimum passing performance

7/12/2011 12:00:00 AM

The USMLE program recommends a minimum passing level for each Step. Medical licensing authorities may accept the recommended pass/fail result, or they may establish their own minimum passing requirements. The USMLE Step Committees are responsible for establishing and monitoring these standards. These committees are made up of physicians and scientists who bring educational, licensing, and practice perspectives to this process. Every three to four years the Step Committees are asked to complete an in-depth review of standards.

The Step 3 Committee is scheduled to review the minimum passing score for the USMLE Step 3 examination at its meeting on October 18-19, 2011.

Owners of Optima University indicted

7/8/2011 12:00:00 AM

As announced on its website, the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, reported that a grand jury has indicted Eihab Suliman and Egija Kuka on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud; two counts of wire fraud; and three counts of mail fraud in connection with the activities of Optima University, a provider of USMLE prep courses. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), sponsors of the USMLE program, are cooperating fully with federal authorities in this matter.

Use caution in selecting review courses:

6/29/2011 12:00:00 AM

Orientation, Practice, and Self-Assessment Materials Available through USMLE, NBME, and Third Parties

The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) program recognizes the importance of providing all examinees the opportunity to learn about the design and content of its examinations and to have some exposure, before examination day, to samples of testing formats and materials. USMLE provides orientation and practice materials for all USMLE Steps and Step Components. These materials, which are available at no cost on the USMLE website, include:

• Informational materials on the overall USMLE program and content descriptions for each of the USMLE examinations,
• Tutorials that illustrate the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), Step 3 multiple-choice question software and the Step 3 computer-based case simulation (Primum® CCS) software,
• Sample multiple-choice test questions with answer keys for each Step,
• Sample Step 3 Primum cases with feedback, and
• Orientation materials for Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS).

Change in number of items / Delay in score reporting for Step 2 CK

6/16/2011 12:00:00 AM

Starting on or around August 3, a transition period will begin in which the number of items in current forms of the Step 2 CK examination will change from 352 items to 346 items. Although the transition will occur quickly at many test centers, there may be some locations where the changes take slightly longer to complete. The overall transition period will likely last approximately 6 weeks.

New question formats in Step 2 CK examination starting August 2011

6/15/2011 12:00:00 AM

Items with an associated drug ad or abstract will be introduced into the USMLE Step 2 CK Examination beginning in August 2011. Each drug ad or abstract will appear as a 2- or 3-item set*; examinees will see no more than 5 of these item sets in their examination. A description of the purpose of these new item formats is provided in the Comprehensive Review of USMLE update.

Changes to USMLE procedures for reporting scores

5/4/2011 12:00:00 AM

Starting July 1, 2011, USMLE transcripts reported through the ERAS reporting system will no longer include score results on the 2-digit score scale. USMLE results will continue to be reported on the 3-digit scale. This affects the Step 1, 2 CK, and 3 examinations only; Step 2 CS will continue to be reported as pass or fail. These changes do not alter the score required to pass or the difficulty of any of the USMLE Step examinations.

March 2011 Comprehensive Review of USMLE Update

3/17/2011 12:00:00 AM

USMLE Update: A progress report on previously described projects and overview of announcements anticipated for 2012 is now available.

Step 2 CS examinees will be required to type patient notes on a computer beginning July 17, 2011

1/19/2011 12:00:00 AM

As of July 17, 2011, all examinees taking the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination will be required to type the patient note. Examinees will not be permitted to handwrite the note unless technical difficulties make the patient note typing program unavailable. A simulation of the computerized patient note program, which examinees may use to practice typing the patient note, is available on the USMLE website.

Effective January 1, 2011: new fees for changing appointments at Prometric Test Centers

12/20/2010 12:00:00 AM

Effective January 1, 2011, Prometric will charge a fee if USMLE examinees change testing appointments (e.g., reschedule, cancel, change test center location) at Prometric Test Centers thirty or fewer days before their scheduled test date. No fee is charged for changing testing appointments 31 or more days prior to the first day of the scheduled test.

Important announcement regarding Fifth Pathway certificates and USMLE Step 3

5/4/2010 12:00:00 AM

The USMLE program will cease acceptance of Fifth Pathway certificates for the purpose of meeting Step 3 eligibility requirements, effective January 1, 2017. Individuals who hold valid Fifth Pathway certificates, and are otherwise eligible, may use their Fifth Pathway certificates to meet Step 3 eligibility requirements, and may apply for Step 3, through December 31, 2016.

Biometric Enabled Check In System (BECS)

6/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

Starting on or about July 8, 2009, the USMLE® program will begin using the Biometric Enabled Check In System (BECS) in many test center locations.

Optima test prep sued

3/11/2009 12:00:00 AM

The sponsoring organizations of the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) have filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, alleging copyright infringement by Optima University, a provider of USMLE review courses.

Important reminder to check headphones and volume during tutorial

1/26/2009 12:00:00 AM

The tutorial includes a screen where examinees can confirm that the audio headphones and sound levels are functioning appropriately.

Notice of change in Step 3 eligibility requirements for graduates of LCME- and AOA-accredited medical schools

10/24/2008 12:00:00 AM

After June 30, 2012, all graduates of LCME- and AOA-approved medical schools/programs will be required to take and pass Step 2 CS.

Expressing breast milk during a USMLE examination

10/23/2007 12:00:00 AM

Recent inquiries have prompted the NBME to offer this Q&A (at www.nbme.org) about policies and circumstances that may affect women who wish to express milk during a USMLE examination.

Important information for Step 2 CS registrants attempting to schedule or reschedule a testing appointment

11/16/2006 12:00:00 AM

The Step 2 CS Scheduling system does not allow an applicant to reserve his/her testing appointment for another applicant...