Posted: June 8, 2026

The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) program is conducting a comprehensive practice analysis study. A practice analysis study is a credentialing activity used to ensure that the knowledge, skills and behaviors assessed on an exam reflect what is needed to engage effectively in a certain profession. Conducted periodically, the USMLE program's study will gather information from licensed physicians on the scope of professional practice.

The practice analysis study will help ensure the USMLE remains relevant to current clinical practice, fair and accurate in assessing fundamental physician competencies, and foundational in supporting medical licensure decisions that safeguard patient care. The study will ultimately inform potential updates to the USMLE content outline and task list.

The practice analysis study is organized into three phases:

• Phase one: Subject matter expert review of the current USMLE content outline and task list
• Phase two: Development and administration of the practice analysis survey
• Phase three: Analysis of survey results to inform potential updates to the USMLE blueprint

Phase one was completed in January 2026 during a multi-day, in-person meeting with a panel of subject matter experts. The panel represented a broad range of medical specialties, clinical experiences and professional roles (including USMLE governance members), providing diverse perspectives on current practice. The panel’s recommended revisions to the USMLE content outline and task list shaped the development of the practice analysis survey, which underwent further review by groups of physicians.

Please monitor USMLE.org for additional updates, including any future changes to the USMLE content outline and task list.