Exam Day Information

View the USMLE checklist for a list of key things to do and remember during the application and testing process. You can also find information on testing regulations and rules of conduct in this section.

USMLE Checklist

  • Review the applicable USMLE Bulletin of Information.
  • Ensure that you are eligible to register to take the USMLE.
  • Log in to the registration website of the appropriate organization (dependent on your medical school and the Step for which you are applying).
  • Ensure that the name you enter on your application matches your unexpired, government-issued photo identification exactly.
  • Choose an eligibility period.
  • Indicate on your application if you plan to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Submit your application and other required forms.
  • After your application is processed, you’ll receive your scheduling permit via email and may schedule your test date. If you are unable to test during your eligibility period, contact the organization that registered you to request an eligibility period extension (fees and restrictions may apply).
  • Prepare for the USMLE by using the free practice materials that are available on the USMLE website. You can also register for a practice session at a Prometric test center or purchase an NBME Self-Assessment.
  • Contact Prometric  if you need to reschedule your test date.

  • Before you go to the test center, review the Rules of Conduct. Make sure you understand what behaviors violate the rules. This includes understanding what items you may and may not access during the exam.
  • Report to the test center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled testing appointment.
  • Bring a paper or electronic copy of your scheduling permit to the test center.
  • Bring an acceptable form of unexpired, government-issued photo identification.
  • Comply with security checks when entering the test center and throughout the test day.
  • Report any issue or suspicious behavior you encounter on test day.
  • Consider rescheduling your examination if you do not feel well or otherwise feel unprepared to test.

Be sure to contact us if you have any questions

Testing Regulations 

Administration of the USMLE Steps are monitored by test center staff, in person and through audio and visual recording. Test center staff are required to report any violations of the USMLE or test center rules. You must follow instructions from test center staff throughout the examinations; failure to do so may result in a finding that you have engaged in irregular behavior and a permanent annotation of your transcript. Test center staff are not authorized to answer questions regarding registration, examination content or format, or testing software, scoring, or retesting.

Rules of Conduct

When you submit your application to take the USMLE, you agree to the following:

  1. You are the person named on the scheduling permit for the examination.
  2. You will not seek, provide, or obtain any form of unauthorized assistance at any time, including during the examination or during breaks.
  3. You will not have prohibited materials, including formulas, study materials, notes, papers, or electronic devices of any kind in your possession while you are in the secure areas of the center.
  4. You will place in a locker or cubicle all personal belongings, including cell phones, watches, pagers, tablets, iPods/media players, fitness and tracking monitors, any device with transmitting or receiving capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth), formulas, study materials, notes, papers, pens/pencils, and your purse and/or wallet, before you enter the testing room.
  5. You will leave your testing station for breaks only when the break screen is visible on your monitor. It is a violation of the Rules of Conduct if you indicate on the center log that your break screen is visible when it is not.
  6. You may use a telephone or other communication device only when outside the secure testing area and during an authorized break.
  7. You will not remove examination content from the test center by any means.
  8. You will maintain the confidentiality of the materials, including but not limited to the multiple-choice items and the case content for Primum CCS. You will not reproduce or attempt to reproduce examination materials through recording, memorization, or any other means. Also, you will not provide information relating to examination content to anyone, including those who may be taking or preparing others to take the examination. This includes postings regarding examination content and/or answers on the internet.
  9. You will not write on anything other than the laminated note boards.

Caution  If you violate these Rules of Conduct, you may be directed to leave the test center before completing your examination. Also, evidence of violation of any test administration rule, including these Rules of Conduct, will result in actions being taken under the USMLE Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior. If you are found to have engaged in irregular behavior, your score report and transcripts will include this finding, you may be barred from taking the USMLE in the future, and your score may be canceled.