Why is the USMLE program transitioning to Designated Testing Dates?
The USMLE program is transitioning to Designated Testing Dates to strengthen exam integrity, support standardization, and protect the value of exam results. Moving from an on-demand model to a limited number of testing days will allow the USMLE to better control secure test content, minimizing the possibility that exposed content can be reproduced, shared, and unfairly impact the test performance of examinees.
Consistent with sound measurement principles, other high-stakes examination programs are moving toward this enhanced security approach, which reduces opportunities for item exposure. The transition to Designated Testing Dates helps ensure the USMLE remains a rigorous and valid measure of the knowledge and skills physicians need to provide safe and effective patient care.
The USMLE program recognizes this transition, which is the result of several years of research, analysis, and preparation, as a meaningful change for examinees and the broader medical education community. We are committed to implementing this transition as responsibly as possible by engaging with stakeholders through the summer 2026 community engagement sessions and follow-up.
When will the transition to Designated Testing Dates take effect?
The transition to Designated Testing Dates is expected to take place in 2028. This timeline reflects the stakeholder communication and engagement required to implement the change responsibly. Please monitor the Designated Testing Dates Information Hub on USMLE.org for more details as they become available.
When will the Step exam administration dates be published?
When the USMLE program transitions to Designated Testing Dates, Step exam administration dates will be published more than a year in advance of each calendar year. A planned 2028 calendar indicating the number of Step exam administrations for each month is shown here. Please note that the number of testing dates will most likely not change, but individual dates on this calendar may be updated. We will share any changes as soon as they are available.
How were the Designated Testing Dates selected?
The designated testing dates were selected through rigorous analysis of historical testing patterns in the U.S. and globally for each Step exam, along with consideration of medical education and licensure milestones. The goal was to identify a structure that augments exam integrity while providing adequate access for all examinees.
Why will Step 2 CK not be offered in certain months?
The designated testing months were selected based on rigorous analysis of historical testing patterns in both the U.S. and globally. The planned 2028 testing calendar is designed to align with demand trends across all USMLE Step exams, including Step 2 CK.
We recognize that reduced availability during certain months may be challenging for some examinees. In developing this schedule, we carefully balanced the need to enhance exam security with the importance of maintaining consistent access overall, including providing adequate opportunities for retesting.
Where can more information be found on Designated Testing Dates?
More information can be found on the Designated Testing Dates Information Hub on USMLE.org. More details, including information on timing, will be shared as they become available.
How will the transition to Designated Testing Dates impact exam validity and integrity?
Designated Testing Dates strengthen exam security and help the USMLE program better manage factors that could threaten score validity. Concentrating exam administration within defined periods allows the USMLE program to take a more proactive and controlled approach to protecting content and thus the validity of results.
Designated Testing Dates help protect examinees by supporting exam validity and fairness. It reduces opportunities for security violations, such as unauthorized reproduction of exam materials or communicating about test items, that could provide an unfair advantage and undermine confidence in exam results. Additional safeguards help ensure that exam outcomes reflect individual knowledge and readiness, protecting examinees who prepare and test honestly.
If the transition to Designated Testing Dates will help further safeguard exam integrity, why is this transition not happening earlier?
The USMLE program recognizes that the transition to Designated Testing Dates represents a significant shift in test administration and requires careful planning, coordination, and communication. The implementation timeline reflects the need to communicate clearly and transparently with stakeholders, ensuring that everyone involved in the testing process can plan responsibly.
The transition to Designated Testing Dates will be sequenced intentionally to help ensure that implementation is responsible, sustainable, and provides both schools and learners with time to prepare for this change.
In the meantime, the USMLE program continues to enhance and enforce a rigorous, multilayered approach to exam security and fairness.
What else is the USMLE program doing to protect exam security?
Safeguarding exam integrity requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. In addition to transitioning to Designated Testing Dates, the USMLE program employs a range of security policies, forensic data analysis, and monitoring strategies to deter, detect, and address security threats.
To protect the effectiveness of these efforts, the program does not publicly share specific details. These measures are in place to protect examinees who test honestly and preserve the integrity of USMLE outcomes.
How will the transition to Designated Testing Dates impact school curricula?
The USMLE will continue to assess the same knowledge and skills published in the content outline and exam blueprints. However, the USMLE program acknowledges that testing schedules can influence how learners and schools plan milestones and align with school curricula. To help support this, the USMLE program will offer testing dates throughout the year that provide appropriate capacity (determined by a review of historical testing patterns and previous demand) and flexibility. We will also be transparent about the number of testing dates and will provide those dates over a year in advance of each calendar year.
How will the transition to Designated Testing Dates impact school timelines and milestones?
The USMLE program understands that assessment timing is connected to academic progression, graduation planning, and transitions into residency or application for licensure. To help support this transition, the program will offer testing dates throughout the year that provide capacity and flexibility. We will also be transparent about the number of testing dates and will provide those dates over a year in advance of each calendar year.
Does this transition change the eligibility requirements for the USMLE?
No. The transition to Designated Testing Dates does not change the eligibility requirements for any USMLE Step exam.
Eligibility criteria, as outlined in the USMLE Bulletin of Information, will continue to apply.
Will the transition to Designated Testing Dates affect the registration process for the Step exams?
The fundamental components of the registration process will remain in place, and examinees must follow the requirements described in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
Specific details, such as length of eligibility periods and scheduling/rescheduling processes, may change to support Designated Testing Dates. These details are still being developed, and further information about the registration and scheduling processes will be shared as it becomes available.
Will the transition to Designated Testing Dates impact where the Step exams are administered?
As part of the change to Designated Testing Dates, the USMLE program will improve worldwide access by expanding the number of Prometric testing centers and reserving seats specifically for USMLE examinees.
The USMLE program recognizes the importance of widespread geographic access and will continue to consider this as the implementation of Designated Testing Dates progresses.
The USMLE program will release additional information about testing center availability and locations when available.
How will the transition to Designated Testing Dates impact test accommodations on the USMLE Step exams?
Consistent with longstanding principles, the USMLE program remains committed to providing reasonable and appropriate test accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The move to Designated Testing Dates does not change that commitment.
The transition to Designated Testing Dates does not change the USMLE program’s process for requesting test accommodations or the guidelines and documentation needed for requesting accommodations. Requests for test accommodations will continue to be reviewed through an individualized assessment to provide equitable access to the examination program.
Additionally, to address the thousands of requests for accommodations received each year, the USMLE program is working to expand capacity to support examinees who are approved for accommodations by increasing overall test center availability and by expanding the availability of separate rooms where needed.
Further information will be shared as it becomes available.
Will the transition to Designated Testing Dates impact when scores are reported?
No. Score reporting timelines are expected to remain consistent with current stated practices. Although exam results may be available two to four weeks after a test date, various factors may impact score reporting timelines. Therefore, when selecting a test date and inquiring about results, examinees should allow at least eight weeks to receive notification that their score report is available.
