Investigation Process

The USMLE program will conduct an investigation if it receives information that an individual may have engaged in cheating or other irregular behavior. During this time, anyone alleged to have engaged in such activity will be prohibited from registering for additional exams; previously unreleased scores, if any, may be withheld; and pending examination appointments will be canceled. If the evidence suggests that the alleged violation affects score validity, the score will also be reviewed as described in the Scoring and Score Reporting section of the Bulletin of Information.

If you are the subject of a USMLE investigation, you will be advised of the matter and will have an opportunity to provide information that you consider relevant. Individuals who are the subject of an investigation must cooperate fully with the investigation, including providing all requested documentation and truthfully answering all questions posed during investigative interviews conducted on behalf of the USMLE program.

If requested, individuals who are the subject of an investigation shall provide a signed release authorizing the USMLE program to obtain information and records from educational institutions and other third parties. Failing to cooperate with an investigation or providing misleading or untruthful information in the course of an investigation will constitute irregular behavior that may be the basis of separate proceedings or other actions by the USMLE program.

If it is determined that you engaged in cheating or irregular behavior, information regarding this determination will become part of your permanent USMLE history. Your score report (if applicable) and USMLE transcript will contain an annotation of the finding of irregular behavior. The USMLE program will provide information about the violation to third parties that receive or have received your USMLE transcript and may also report to other legitimately interested entities, as determined by the USMLE program.

You may be barred from taking future examinations, and/or special administrative procedures or conditions may be implemented for your future examinations. The USMLE program also reserves the right to take such action when information regarding cheating or irregular behavior on predecessor examinations suggests that such actions may be appropriate to ensure the security of the USMLE.