Irregular Behavior

Irregular Behavior Defined

Irregular behavior includes any action by applicants, examinees, potential applicants, or others that could compromise the validity, integrity, or security of the USMLE process.

Reporting Irregular Behavior

Please help maintain the integrity of USMLE by reporting irregular behavior. If you have information that a person or entity has compromised the security of the USMLE or violated any exam rule, please submit a report via the STOPit app. Visit Apple or Google Play Store for a free download. Use access code: USMLE-TIP.

STOPit Solutions  Apple Store Badge  Google Play Store Badge

Examples of Irregular Behavior

Specific examples of conduct that may be deemed to be irregular behavior include but are not limited to the following:

  • registering for or taking an exam when ineligible
  • seeking, providing, and/or obtaining unauthorized access to examination materials, including but not limited to in-person or online
  • unauthorized reproduction of examination materials by any means, including but not limited to reconstruction through memorization and/or dissemination via the Internet
  • communicating (including online and via social media) or attempting to communicate about test items, cases, and/or answers with another examinee, potential examinee, or formal or informal test preparation group at any time before, during, or after an examination
  • providing false information or making false statements on or in connection with application forms, scheduling permits, or other USMLE-related documents
  • taking or attempting to take an examination for which you are not eligible 
  • taking or attempting to take an examination for someone else or engaging someone to take an examination for you
  • seeking, providing, or obtaining unauthorized assistance during the examination or attempting to do so
  • making notes of any kind while in the secure areas of the test center, except on the writing materials provided at the test center for this purpose
  • failing to adhere to any USMLE policy, procedure, or rule, or instructions of the test center staff
  • verbal or physical harassment of test center staff or other examination staff or other disruptive or unprofessional behavior during the registration, scheduling, or examination process
  • possessing any unauthorized materials, including but not limited to photographic equipment, communication or recording devices, fitness and tracking monitors, and cell phones in the secure testing areas
  • altering or misrepresenting examination scores or outcomes
  • making violent, threatening, or unprofessional comments to USMLE or test center staff
  • failing to cooperate fully in an investigation concerning a possible violation of the USMLE rules

3rd Party Preparation Courses & Materials

Test preparation courses and materials are available from individuals and companies not associated with the USMLE. It is unlawful for any test preparation service or program to use, disclose, distribute, or solicit content from recent test takers or to otherwise provide access to questions or answers from actual USMLE examinations. If there is evidence that you enrolled in, participated in, or used any test preparation program or service that distributes, provides access to, or uses USMLE content (questions or answers) or provides a forum for others to share such information, your registration and/or testing may be canceled, your scores on the USMLE may be withheld or canceled, and you may be subject to further sanctions.