As part of a larger effort to create a more efficient examinee experience, the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) program will integrate the test accommodations request process into USMLE co-sponsor NBME’s MyUSMLE℠ Portal. Launching in June 2026, this online process will be used by all USMLE examinees requesting test accommodations for a Step exam.
The integration of the test accommodations request process into the MyUSMLE Portal will provide more transparency into the request process by allowing examinees to track the submission, status, and history of their requests through the portal. The integration is also expected to help streamline the submission process, allowing the USMLE program a more agile way to process the thousands of applications for test accommodations it receives each year.
To implement these changes, Disability Services will not receive requests for test accommodations for one week prior to the launch date. Examinees should continue to use the existing process for all test accommodations requests until then.
All previous and current requests for test accommodations that are in process will be automatically transferred into the MyUSMLE Portal and access to the information is expected to be available starting in June 2026. Examinees with requests that are in process will receive instructions via email for accessing their accommodations requests in the new system.
The USMLE program will release additional information about the timing of this change in the coming weeks. Please continue to monitor USMLE.org for program updates.
For more information, please refer to the common questions below:
FAQs:
- Will there be any service interruptions?
Yes, and all efforts are being made to limit interruptions. You will not be able to submit a request for test accommodations one week prior to the launch as migration to the new system occurs. The USMLE program will communicate the dates in the coming weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to create an improved examinee experience.
Does the new Portal change when I should apply for test accommodations?
No. The USMLE program still recommends that you complete your exam application and submit your completed test accommodations request as early as possible to ensure there is ample time for your request to be processed. Please allow approximately 60 business days to receive a decision about your request for test accommodations.
Does this change affect the guidelines for requesting test accommodations?
No. This change does not affect the guidelines or the documentation for requesting test accommodations. Find more information about the guidelines for all requests on the USMLE website.
Does this change affect all Step exams?
Yes. Starting in June 2026, you will use the MyUSMLE Portal to request test accommodations for all three Step exams.
- Does this change affect students and graduates of international medical schools (IMGs)?
Yes. Starting in June 2026, you will use the MyUSMLE Portal to request test accommodations, regardless of the location of your medical school.
If you are an IMG, you will need to create an account in the MyUSMLE Portal to access services for test accommodations.
If you are a student or graduate of a U.S. medical school, you will be able to access services for test accommodations through your existing MyUSMLE account.
- What is the reason for this change?
The integration of the test accommodations request process into the MyUSMLE Portal will provide more transparency into the request process by allowing you to confirm your submission, track the status of your requests, and access your accommodation history through the Portal. The integration is also expected to help streamline the submission process, allowing the USMLE program a more agile way to process the thousands of applications for test accommodations it receives each year.