The USMLE Service Transition will simplify the examinee journey and create a more consistent and efficient process for examinees. To do this, all service functions, including exam registration, score report delivery and customer service, will be combined under the USMLE co-sponsors, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and NBME.
In addition to a list of FAQs for All Examinees, we’ve organized the USMLE Service Transition FAQs into four sections to make it easy for you to find information that’s most relevant to your needs.
Click the link below that best describes you to view common questions tailored just for you.
Am I a new or in-progress examinee?
You are considered an “in-progress” examinee if you fall into one of the below categories:
If you are a student or graduate of an international medical school (IMG), and you are an in-progress examinee, please also refer to the FAQs for In-progress IMGs for more information.
If you are a student or graduate of a U.S. medical school, and you are an in-progress examinee, please also refer to the FAQs for In-progress Students and Graduates of U.S. Medical Schools for more information.
When will these changes take effect?
On January 12, 2026, USMLE services currently provided to IMGs by ECFMG will transition to FSMB.
On January 26, 2026, Step 3 services currently provided to students and graduates of U.S. medical schools by FSMB will transition to NBME.
Will there be any service interruptions?
Yes, and all efforts are being made to minimize service interruptions. In the first phase, FSMB’s USMLE portal will be temporarily unavailable and ECFMG’s MyIntealth portal will be briefly unavailable starting on January 8, 2026. The USMLE program will announce when the transition is complete and FSMB’s USMLE portal is available again, which is expected to be on January 12, 2026. ECFMG will announce when the MyIntealth portal becomes available again.
In the second phase, FSMB’s USMLE portal will be temporarily unavailable starting on January 23, 2026. During this period, all Step 3 services will be unavailable. The USMLE program will announce when the transition is complete, which is expected to be on January 26, 2026. At that time, all Step 3 services will be available, and NBME will begin managing all USMLE registration services for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools through the MyUSMLE℠ Portal.
What is the reason for these changes?
The goal of these changes is to create a more consistent and efficient examinee experience by consolidating all services with the USMLE co-sponsors, FSMB and NBME.
Does this transition change the eligibility requirements for the USMLE?
No. These changes will not affect the eligibility requirements for taking any of the USMLE Step exams. Learn more about USMLE eligibility for each of the Step exams.
How will I register for the USMLE Step exams after the transition?
To apply for a USMLE Step exam, you must read the USMLE Bulletin of Information and submit an application through the appropriate registration entity. All USMLE registration services and communication will now occur under these registration entities.
| I am a... | Registration Entity |
|---|---|
| STUDENT / GRADUATE OF A LCME-OR COCA-ACCREDITED MEDICAL PROGRAM IN THE US | NBME |
| STUDENT / GRADUATE OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL LOCATED OUTSIDE THE US* | FSMB |
*Note: Individuals who graduate from Canadian medical schools on or after July 1, 2025, are considered IMGs. Please refer to the USMLE Bulletin of Information for additional information.
Will this change where I can take the Step exams?
No. All examinees will continue to schedule and take USMLE exams in authorized Prometric test centers. Step 1 and Step 2 CK will continue to be administered at available test centers worldwide, and Step 3 will continue to be administered only in the U.S. and its territories.
Will the costs of the Step exams change with the transition?
No. The costs of the Step exams will remain the same after the transition. The USMLE Budget Committee meets annually to review fees charged for USMLE examinations and ancillary fees. For the most up-to-date information about exam fees, visit USMLE.org.
Will the process for requesting test accommodations change?
No. The test accommodations process will not change with the transition. It is recommended that you submit your request as early as possible, and please allow at least 60 business days to receive a decision. You can find more information about requesting test accommodations on USMLE.org. For any questions about test accommodations, please contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@nbme.org or +1 (215) 590-9700.
Will the transition affect the process of requesting an eligibility period extension?
No. If you are unable to test during your eligibility period, you can request a one-time, contiguous eligibility period extension through your registration entity (FSMB for IMGs; NBME for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools). Learn more about eligibility period extensions in the Bulletin of Information.
Will the transition affect the process of changing my name?
No. You will continue to change your name in the portal of your registration entity (FSMB for IMGs; NBME for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools) and will be required to submit supporting documentation. Name change requests must be received and processed no later than seven business days before your scheduled testing appointment. Please note that a revised scheduling permit will be issued to you with your new name. You must bring your new permit to the test center, or you will not be permitted to test.
Will the process of receiving my scheduling permit change?
No. These changes will not affect the process of receiving your scheduling permit. Once your registration is complete and your application is approved, a scheduling permit with your chosen eligibility period will be issued. You will receive your scheduling permit via email from your registration entity (FSMB for IMGs; NBME for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools).
Will the transition affect how I schedule, reschedule, or cancel a testing appointment with Prometric?
No. The process for scheduling, rescheduling, or cancelling a testing appointment with Prometric will not change. A fee applies for rescheduling, canceling, or changing test center locations within 45 days of the scheduled exam date. Changes can be made up to the day before the exam (not on the exam date), and fees are determined by the local time at the Regional Registration Center for the Prometric Testing Region.
Scheduling: After obtaining your scheduling permit, you may visit the Prometric website to schedule a test date.
Rescheduling: You are permitted to reschedule during your eligibility period. Please visit the Prometric website to reschedule a test date.
Cancelling: Please visit the Prometric website if you need to cancel a testing appointment.
Will the transition affect how I receive my score report?
No. There will not be changes to how you receive your USMLE score report. When your score is available, you will receive an email notification from your registration entity (FSMB for IMGs; NBME for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools). Your score report will remain available on the website of your registration entity for 365 days from the date of the email notification. After that time, your scores will be provided to you only in the form of an official transcript.
How can I have my USMLE score withheld from my medical school after the transition?
The USMLE program reports the results to medical school programs for their students and graduates. If you are an IMG and do not want your USMLE results reported to your medical school, you must specify your reporting preference on your USMLE application. If you are a student or gradate of a U.S. medical school and do not want your results reported to your medical school, you must send a request from your email account of record to webmail@nbme.org at least 10 business days before your scheduled test date for Step 1 and Step 2 CK. For Step 3, you must specify your reporting preference on your USMLE application.
Will this affect how I request my USMLE transcript?
No. FSMB will still provide all USMLE transcripts. For more information on requesting an official transcript, please consult the USMLE Transcripts page.
Who do I contact if I have questions or need help?
Please use the chart below to determine who to contact with questions.
| I am a... | Registration Entity | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| STUDENT / GRADUATE OF A LCME-OR COCA-ACCREDITED MEDICAL PROGRAM IN THE US | NBME | webmail@nbme.org | +1 (215) 590-9700 |
| STUDENT / GRADUATE OF A MEDICAL SCHOOL OUTSIDE THE US | FSMB | usmle@fsmb.org | +1 (817) 868-4041 |
*Note: Individuals who graduate from Canadian medical schools on or after July 1, 2025, are considered IMGs. Please refer to the USMLE Bulletin of Information for additional information.
I’ve already taken the USMLE Step exams. Do I need to retake them?
No. These changes will not affect your USMLE exam history.
What services will change with this transition?
All Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) services currently provided to IMGs by ECFMG will transition to USMLE co-sponsor FSMB. These services include exam registration, score report delivery, eligibility period extensions, testing region changes, and USMLE customer service.
Is there a deadline to submit USMLE applications to ECFMG prior to the USMLE Service Transition?
We recommend that you submit your application and all supporting documentation, if applicable, to ECFMG via the MyIntealth portal no later than December 31, 2025, if you plan to apply for Step 1 or Step 2 CK, an eligibility period extension, a testing region change, or a score recheck prior to the USMLE Service Transition. Please note that this date is provided as general guidance for applicants. ECFMG will make every effort to process applications and service requests received prior to the transition. However, receipt by this date does not guarantee completion before the USMLE Service Transition.
If your USMLE application or service request is not processed prior to the USMLE Service Transition, it will need to be resubmitted with FSMB. If you are a student, the processing of your exam application includes enrollment verification by your medical school to complete your registration.
Will the new registration process take longer for IMGs?
No. The new registration process will not take longer for IMGs. As part of the standard process, there may be brief processing times while the USMLE program verifies your eligibility, but these are not expected to vary widely from current timelines. Please allow at least two weeks for your exam registration to be approved and to receive your scheduling permit.
What steps will I need to take before registering for my first Step exam after the USMLE Service Transition?
As an IMG, you will need to complete two important steps before you can register for your first USMLE Step exam.
Once you have completed the steps above, you may begin the registration process for your Step exam.
Will the transition affect the process of selecting or changing a testing region?
No. There will be no change to the process of selecting or changing a testing region.
You will select your testing region as part of the exam application process, and your selected testing region will be included on your scheduling permit.
If you need to change your testing region, you must do so through FSMB’s USMLE portal. Once your testing region change has been confirmed, you will receive a new scheduling permit and can then schedule your exam with Prometric.
Will these changes affect the requirements for ECFMG Certification?
No. There are no changes to the requirements for ECFMG Certification resulting from the centralization of USMLE service functions. Learn more about ECFMG Certification at ecfmg.org.
I’m an IMG entering a U.S. residency or fellowship program. Do I still need ECFMG Certification?
Yes. The centralization of USMLE service functions will not change the requirement for IMGs to be ECFMG Certified before entering graduate medical education (GME) programs in the U.S. that are accredited by the ACGME. Learn more about ECFMG Certification at ecfmg.org.
I’ve already applied for ECFMG Certification. Do I need to start over?
No. These changes will not affect your Application for ECFMG Certification. Learn more about ECFMG Certification at ecfmg.org.
I’ll be graduating from a Canadian medical school in 2026. What does this change mean for me?
Individuals who graduate from Canadian medical schools on or after July 1, 2025, are considered IMGs for the purpose of entry into GME programs in the U.S. In order for these graduates to enter Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency programs, the ACGME will require that they either obtain ECFMG Certification or hold a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S. licensing jurisdiction in which the ACGME-accredited program is located. For more information, please refer to the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
You are considered an “in-progress” examinee if you fall into one of the below categories:
Is there a deadline to submit USMLE applications to ECFMG prior to the USMLE Service Transition?
We recommend that you submit your application and all supporting documentation, if applicable, to ECFMG via the MyIntealth portal no later than December 31, 2025, if you plan to apply for Step 1 or Step 2 CK, an eligibility period extension, a testing region change, or a score recheck prior to the USMLE Service Transition. Please note that this date is provided as general guidance for applicants. ECFMG will make every effort to process applications and service requests received prior to the transition. However, receipt by this date does not guarantee completion before the USMLE Service Transition.
If your USMLE application or service request is not processed prior to the USMLE Service Transition, it will need to be resubmitted with FSMB. If you are a student, the processing of your exam application includes enrollment verification by your medical school to complete your registration.
I am currently registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG. Will my exam registration transfer to FSMB with the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If you are currently registered for a Step exam through ECFMG, your exam registration will be transferred to FSMB at the time of the USMLE Service Transition.
I have an incomplete USMLE application with ECFMG. Will my application transfer to FSMB with the USMLE Service Transition?
No. If your USMLE application is incomplete with ECFMG at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, it will not transfer to FSMB. In this case, your USMLE application will be cancelled, and you will receive a full refund. You will need to reapply for your exam with FSMB.
If I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG, can I change my name after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If you are registered for an exam through ECFMG before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam registration will be transferred to FSMB. You will be able to submit a request to change your name through FSMB’s USMLE portal after the USMLE Service Transition. Name change requests must be received and processed no later than seven business days before your scheduled testing appointment. Please note that a revised scheduling permit will be issued to you by FSMB with your new name. You must bring your new permit to the test center and must have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification with your new name, or you will not be permitted to test.
If I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG, can I change my testing region after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If you are registered for an exam through ECFMG before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam registration will be transferred to FSMB. You will be able to submit a request to change your testing region through FSMB’s USMLE portal after the USMLE Service Transition. Please note that a revised scheduling permit will be issued to you by FSMB with your new testing region.
If I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG, can I extend my eligibility period after the USMLE Service Transition
Yes. If you are registered for an exam through ECFMG before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam registration will be transferred to FSMB. If you have not already received (paid for) an eligibility period extension, you will be able to submit a request to extend your eligibility period through FSMB’s USMLE portal after the USMLE Service Transition. Please note that the charge of $75 USD to create an account with FSMB cannot be applied to eligibility period extensions.
I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG, but my scheduling permit is on hold at the time of the USMLE Service Transition because I requested test accommodations. What action should I take?
None. If you are registered for an exam through ECFMG and are waiting for a response on your official request for test accommodations at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, you do not need to take any additional action. Your exam registration will be transferred to FSMB, and FSMB will issue your scheduling permit once a decision has been made on your test accommodations request. You will receive an email from Disability Services when a decision is made regarding your test accommodations request. Please allow approximately 60 business days from the time of submission to receive a decision about your request. This timeframe will not change with the transition. For any questions about test accommodations, please contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@nbme.org or +1 (215) 590-9700.
I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG but have not yet received my scheduling permit. Will I receive it after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If you are registered for an exam through ECFMG before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam registration will be transferred to FSMB. You will receive your scheduling permit via email from FSMB within a few days after the USMLE Service Transition and can then schedule your exam through Prometric. Please note that scheduling permits are not sent more than six months before a selected eligibility period begins, and any scheduling permits on hold for a test accommodations request will remain so until a decision is made.
Will I have access to my scheduling permit after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If you have an active scheduling permit issued by ECFMG, then your scheduling permit will be reissued by FSMB after the USMLE Service Transition and will be made available within a few days through FSMB’s USMLE portal. However, your original scheduling permit will still be valid and can be used to test unless you need to change your name or testing region. Please download your original scheduling permit via ECFMG’s MyIntealth portal ahead of the USMLE Service Transition to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit. Your new scheduling permit provided after the USMLE Service Transition will list FSMB as the issuing entity and will provide FSMB’s contact information for any questions.
I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG and have received my scheduling permit, but I have not yet scheduled my exam date at the time of the USMLE Service Transition. What action should I take?
If you already have your scheduling permit issued by ECFMG, you can schedule your exam with Prometric at any time. Please note that FSMB will be generating new scheduling permits listing FSMB as the issuing entity, and this new permit will be available through FSMB’s USMLE portal within a few days after the USMLE Service Transition. However, your original scheduling permit will still be valid and can be used to schedule your exam and to test. Please download your original scheduling permit via ECFMG’s MyIntealth portal ahead of the USMLE Service Transition to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit.
I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG and have scheduled my exam date. However, I will not have tested by the time of the USMLE Service Transition. What action should I take?
Please download your scheduling permit via ECFMG’s MyIntealth portal ahead of the USMLE Service Transition to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit. FSMB will be generating new scheduling permits listing FSMB as the issuing entity, and this new scheduling permit will be made available through FSMB’s USMLE portal within a few days after the USMLE Service Transition. However, your original scheduling permit will still be valid and can be used to test.
I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG and have scheduled my exam date. Can I reschedule or cancel my exam after the transition?
Yes. Rescheduling or cancelling a test date will still be done via Prometric. Prometric charges a fee for rescheduling, canceling or changing test center locations within 45 days of the scheduled exam date. Changes can be made up to the day before the exam (not on the exam day), and fees are determined by the local time at the Regional Registration Center for the Prometric Testing Region.
I am scheduled to take a USMLE Step exam during the USMLE Service Transition. What action should I take?
Please download your scheduling permit via ECFMG’s MyIntealth portal before January 8, 2026, to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit. FSMB will be generating new permits listing FSMB as the issuing entity, and this new permit will be available through FSMB’s USMLE portal after the USMLE Service Transition. However, your original scheduling permit issued by ECFMG will still be valid and can be used to test. If you are taking an exam during the USMLE Service Transition, you do not need to take any additional action.
If I am currently registered for a USMLE Step exam or have a previous exam registration through ECFMG at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, how will I obtain my score report after the transition?
After the USMLE Service Transition, all active score reports will be made available through FSMB’s USMLE portal. Examinees whose score report has already been released by ECFMG will be able to access their score report with FSMB for 365 days from the date they received their score report from ECFMG.
If I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG at the time of the transition, how can I request a score recheck after the USMLE Service Transition?
After the USMLE Service Transition, you may submit a request for a score recheck through FSMB’s USMLE portal.
I am registered for a USMLE Step exam through ECFMG and requested that my score be withheld from my medical school. My test date is not until after the USMLE Service Transition. Will my score still be withheld?
Yes. If you requested that your score be withheld from your medical school, it will still be withheld after the USMLE Service Transition.
What Step 3 services will change with this transition?
All Step 3 services currently provided to students and graduates of U.S. medical schools by FSMB will transition to USMLE co-sponsor NBME. These services include exam registration, score report delivery, and eligibility period extensions.
Is there a deadline to submit Step 3 applications to FSMB prior to the USMLE Service Transition?
We recommend that you submit your application and all supporting documentation, if applicable, to FSMB no later than January 15, 2026, if you plan to apply for Step 3, an eligibility period extension, or a score recheck prior to the USMLE Service Transition. Please note that this date is provided as general guidance for applicants. FSMB will make every effort to process applications and service requests received prior to the USMLE Service Transition. However, receipt by this date does not guarantee completion before the USMLE Service Transition. If your USMLE application or service request is not processed prior to the USMLE Service Transition, it will need to be resubmitted with NBME.
Will the new Step 3 registration process take longer for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools?
No. The new Step 3 registration process will not take longer for students and graduates of U.S. medical schools. The steps for registering for Step 3 with NBME will be the same as the current process of registering for Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
Where do I register for Step 1 and Step 2 CK after the transition?
NBME will still provide all services for Step 1 and Step 2 CK to students and graduates of U.S. medical schools. These services include exam registration, score report delivery, and eligibility period extensions.
You are considered an “in-progress” examinee if you fall into one of the below categories:
What steps should I take now to ensure a smooth transition?
We recommend that you submit your application to FSMB no later than January 15, 2026, if you plan to apply for Step 3 before the USMLE Service Transition is complete on January 26, 2026. Please note that there is no guarantee that your application will be approved before the outage period on January 23, 2026. If your application is incomplete at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, FSMB will cancel and refund your application, and you will need to reapply with NBME.
We also recommend that you download your scheduling permit from FSMB’s USMLE Portal by January 22, 2026, to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit.
What is the last date that I can apply for Step 3 before the USMLE Service Transition?
We recommend that you submit your application to FSMB no later than January 15, 2026, if you plan to apply for Step 3 before the USMLE Service Transition is complete on January 26, 2026. Please note that there is no guarantee that your application will be approved before the outage period on January 23, 2026. If your application is incomplete at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, FSMB will cancel and refund your application, and you will need to reapply with NBME.
My Step 3 application has already been approved with FSMB. Will my application be transferred to NBME with the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If your application has been approved by FSMB, it will be transferred to NBME at the time of the USMLE Service Transition.
I have an incomplete Step 3 application with FSMB. Will my application be transferred to NBME with the USMLE Service Transition?
No. If your application is incomplete at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, it will not be transferred to NBME. In this case, your Step 3 application will be cancelled, and you will receive a full refund. You will need to reapply for your Step 3 exam with NBME.
If my incomplete Step 3 application is cancelled, will I receive a refund?
Yes. FSMB will automatically process refunds back to the credit card used to make the original payment. If the card originally used is now expired, FSMB will contact you to make other arrangements for the refund. If you have questions about the refund process, please contact FSMB at usmle@fsmb.org or (817) 868-4041.
If I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB, can I change my name after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If your Step 3 application has been approved with FSMB before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam application will be transferred to NBME. You will be able to submit a request to change your name through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal after the transition. Name change requests must be received and processed no later than seven business days before your scheduled testing appointment. Please note that a revised scheduling permit will be issued to you with your new name. You must bring your new permit to the test center and must have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification with your new name, or you will not be permitted to test.
If I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB, can I extend my eligibility period after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If your Step 3 application has been approved with FSMB before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam application will be transferred to NBME. If you have not already received (paid for) an eligibility period extension, you will be able to submit a request to extend your eligibility period through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal after the transition.
I submitted my Step 3 application with FSMB, and my scheduling permit will be on hold at the time of the USMLE Service Transition because I requested test accommodations. What action should I take?
None. If you have submitted your Step 3 application and are waiting for a response on your official request for test accommodations at the time of the USMLE Service Transition, you do not need to take any additional action. Your Step 3 application will be transferred to NBME, and NBME will issue your scheduling permit once a decision has been made on your test accommodations request. You will receive an email from Disability Services when a decision is made regarding your test accommodations request. Please allow approximately 60 business days from the time of submission to receive a decision about your request. This timeframe will not change with the transition. For any questions about test accommodations, please contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@nbme.org or (215) 590-9700.
I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB but have not yet received my scheduling permit. Will I receive it after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If your Step 3 application has been approved with FSMB before the USMLE Service Transition, your exam application will be transferred to NBME. You will receive your scheduling permit via email from NBME within a few days after the transition and can then schedule your exam through Prometric. Please note that scheduling permits are not sent more than six months before a selected eligibility period begins, and any scheduling permits on hold for a test accommodations request will remain so until a decision is made.
Will I have access to my Step 3 scheduling permit after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. If you have an active scheduling permit issued by FSMB, then your permit will be reissued by NBME after the USMLE Service Transition and will be made available within a few days through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal. However, your original scheduling permit will still be valid and can be used to test. Please download your original scheduling permit via FSMB’s USMLE portal by January 22, 2026, to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit. Your new scheduling permit provided after the USMLE Service Transition will list NBME as the issuing entity and will provide NBME's contact information for any questions.
I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB and have received my scheduling permit, but I have not yet scheduled my exam date at the time of the USMLE Service Transition. What action should I take?
If you already have your scheduling permit issued by FSMB, you can schedule your exam with Prometric at any time. Please note that NBME will be generating new permits listing NBME as the issuing entity, and this new scheduling permit will be available through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal within a few days after the USMLE Service Transition. However, your original scheduling permit will still be valid and can be used to schedule your exam and to test. Please download your original scheduling permit via FSMB’s USMLE portal by January 22, 2026, to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit.
I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB and have scheduled my exam date. However, I will not have tested by the time of the USMLE Service Transition. What action should I take?
Please download your scheduling permit by January 22, 2026, via FSMB’s USMLE portal to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit. NBME will be generating new scheduling permits listing NBME as the issuing entity, and this new scheduling permit will be available through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal within a few days after the USMLE Service Transition. However, your original scheduling permit issued by FSMB will still be valid and can be used to test.
I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB and have scheduled my exam date. Can I reschedule or cancel my exam after the USMLE Service Transition?
Yes. Rescheduling or cancelling a test date will still be done via Prometric. Prometric charges a fee for rescheduling, canceling or changing test center locations and/or dates within 45 days of the scheduled exam date. Changes can be made up to the day before the exam (not on the exam day).
I am scheduled to take Step 3 during the USMLE Service Transition (January 23-26, 2026). What action should I take?
Please download your scheduling permit via FSMB’s USMLE portal by January 22, 2026, to ensure you have it for your exam day. Examinees are not allowed to test without a scheduling permit. NBME will be generating new permits listing NBME as the issuing entity, and this new permit will be available through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal after the USMLE Service transition. However, your original scheduling permit issued by FSMB will still be valid and can be used to test. If you are taking Day 1 or Day 2 of Step 3 during the USMLE Service Transition, you do not need to take any additional action.
If I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB, how will I get my score report after the USMLE Service Transition?
After the transition date, all active Step 3 score reports for graduates of U.S. medical schools will be available through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal. Examinees whose score report has already been released by FSMB will be able to access their score report with NBME for 365 days from the date they received their score report from FSMB.
I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB. How do I request a score recheck after the USMLE Service Transition?
After the USMLE Service Transition, you may submit a request for a score recheck through NBME's MyUSMLE Portal.
I have an approved Step 3 application with FSMB and requested that my score be withheld from my medical school. I’m not testing until after the USMLE Service Transition. Will my score still be withheld?
Yes. If you requested that your score be withheld from your medical school, it will still be withheld after the USMLE Service Transition.