New USMLE® Accommodations Request Process Launching June 1, 2026

Posted: May 12, 2026

Outage Period Scheduled for May 15-31, 2026

As previously announced, the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) program will integrate the test accommodations request process into USMLE co-sponsor NBME’s MyUSMLE℠ Portal. This new online process will launch June 1, 2026, and will be used by all USMLE examinees requesting test accommodations for a Step exam.

Important! While these changes are being implemented, the receipt of new submissions for test accommodations will be paused. Due to a higher than anticipated number of requests, the USMLE program will require additional time to transition to the new system. As a result, the scheduled outage has been extended from one to two weeks and will begin on May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET and will run through May 31, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve the examinee experience.

Requests for test accommodations that were in process prior to the outage period will continue to be processed. Examinees should continue to use the existing process for all test accommodations requests until May 15, 2026.

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.

All requests for test accommodations since 2015, including any in-process requests, will be automatically transferred into the MyUSMLE Portal. Examinees can begin viewing and tracking their requests in the Portal starting June 1, 2026. Examinees with requests that are in process will receive instructions via email for accessing their accommodations requests in the MyUSMLE Portal.

FAQs:

Will there be any service interruptions?
Yes, you will be unable to submit a request for test accommodations starting at 5:00 p.m. ET on May 15, 2026, through May 31, 2026, as migration to the new system occurs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to create an improved examinee experience. All efforts are being made to limit interruptions.
What is the last date to make an accommodations request through the current process?
The last date to make an accommodations request using the current process is May 15, 2026, before 5:00 p.m. ET. If you have submitted a request prior to this date and time, your request will be processed and automatically transferred into the MyUSMLE Portal. You will be able to access your information on June 1, 2026, once the migration is complete. The PDF request forms will no longer be accepted after May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
How will I access my accommodations requests in the MyUSMLE Portal?
- If you have an account in the MyUSMLE Portal, you will be able to see your accommodations request history since 2015 and any open requests when you log into the Portal on June 1, 2026. You will also be able to submit future requests for test accommodations using the MyUSMLE Portal.
- If you do not have an account in the MyUSMLE Portal, you will be able to create a MyUSMLE account after the request migration is completed on June 1, 2026. Once your account is set up, you will be able to see your accommodations request history since 2015 or any open requests in your account. You will also be able to submit future requests for test accommodations using the MyUSMLE Portal.
Does the new request process change when I should apply for test accommodations?
No. The USMLE program still recommends that you complete your exam application and submit your 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 (excluding holidays and weekends) to receive a decision about your request for test accommodations. If you do not submit the PDF request form and supporting documentation prior to May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, you will need to use the MyUSMLE Portal to submit your request beginning June 1, 2026.
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. Please note that the Certification of Prior Test Accommodations (CPTA) form is still required. However, for a more streamlined process, we recommend you obtain this completed document from your school official and upload it with your other supporting document in the MyUSMLE Portal. Forms submitted directly by your school via email will still be accepted. Find more information about the guidelines for all requests on the USMLE website.
Does this change affect all Step exams?
Yes. Starting June 1, 2026, you will need to use the MyUSMLE Portal to request test accommodations for all three Step exams. The PDF request forms will no longer be accepted after May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Does this change affect students and graduates of international medical schools (IMGs)?
Yes. Starting June 1, 2026, you will need to use the MyUSMLE Portal to request test accommodations, regardless of the location of your medical school. The PDF request forms will no longer be accepted after May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

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.