Applying for the Test and Scheduling Your Test Date

To apply for a USMLE Step, you must submit an application through the appropriate organization.

Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are administered at Prometric centers. Step 3 is administered only in the US and its territories. Visit the Prometric website to find the test center closest to you and to schedule an appointment.

Appointments at some test centers fill up quickly. Examinees are encouraged to schedule at their preferred test center as soon as they have received their scheduling permit.

Application Materials

For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Inside the US/Canada

Step 1 and Step 2 CK

Students and graduates of LCME- or COCA-accredited programs should apply for Step 1 and Step 2 CK by following the instructions on the NBME website.

Step 3

Graduates with an MD or DO degree from an LCME- or COCA-accredited medical school should apply for Step 3 by following the instructions on the FSMB website.

For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Outside the US/Canada

Step 1 and Step 2 CK

Students 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 1 and Step 2 CK by following the instructions on the ECFMG website.

Step 3

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 as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are an individual with a disability under the ADA and require test accommodations to access the exam, visit the USMLE website before you apply for information regarding test accommodations, including procedures, guidelines and documentation requirements.

Requesting Additional Break Time Only

Examinees who require additional break time for medical conditions, such as diabetes, or for other reasons, such as nursing mothers who wish to use a breast pump for lactation in the test center, may apply for additional break time/standard testing time by submitting the form found on the USMLE website. Requests for additional break time should be made prior to or upon registration for a Step examination.

Personal Item Exceptions

A list of approved personal items that may be permitted in the secure testing area, subject to inspection by test center staff, is available on the USMLE website. See also the Personal Belongings – What You Can Bring into the Testing Room section. If you have a medical condition that requires use of an item not listed on the website, contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@NBME.org or (215) 590-9700.

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