Personal Item Exceptions (PIEs)

The personal items listed below are permitted in the secure testing area subject to inspection by test center staff. If you have a medical need for one or more of these items during your USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS, or Step 3 examination, you do NOT need to make a request or submit documentation to NBME for approval. Please show the item to test center staff when you check in for your examination.

If you have a medical condition that requires use of an item NOT on the list below, contact disabilityservices@NBME.org or 215-590-9700 for additional information on how to request a personal item exception.

Medicine and Medical Device

Arm/shoulder sling
Bandages
Braces – neck, back, wrist, leg, or ankle
Casts/cervical collar
Cough drops (must be unwrapped and not in a bottle/container)
Earplugs (foam with no strings) Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 only
Epi-Pen
Eye drops
Eye patches
Eyeglasses (without the case)
Glucose monitor
Glucose tablets
Handheld magnifying glass (non-electric, no case)
Heating pads (non-electric)
Ice packs
Inhaler
Medical alert bracelet
Nitroglycerin tablets
Pillow/lumbar support
Pills (must be unwrapped and not in a bottle/container)
Stool for elevating a limb
Surgical face mask Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 only
Walking boot casts

Medical Device Attached to a Person’s Body

All devices in the testing area must be on silent mode. If your device cannot be silenced, and makes any noise, including vibration, please contact Disability Services before you test.

Catheter
Colostomy bag
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and receiver (smart phones and app are not permitted)
Heart rate monitor
Insulin pump
Oxygen tank
Spinal cord stimulator
TENS units
Urine drainage bag

Communication Aids

Hearing aid/cochlear implant without Bluetooth/wireless enabled
Vocal cord magnifiers

Mobility Devices

Cane
Crutches
Walker
Wheelchair