2007

A Joint Program of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United

States, Inc., and the National Board of Medical Examiners

BULLETIN OF INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Purpose of the USMLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Three Steps of the USMLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Examination Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Ownership and Copyright of
Examination Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Computer-Based Testing (CBT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ELIGIBILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Step 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Who Is Required to Take Step 2 CS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Graduates of Unaccredited Medical Schools
in the United States and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Sequence of Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Time Limit and Number of Attempts Allowed
to Complete All Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Retakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Official Performance of Record for Examinees
Retaking a Previously Passed Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Formerly Administered Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Change in Eligibility Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
EXAMINATION CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Step 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PREPARING FOR THE TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Sample Test Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Test Lengths and Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Practicing with the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Practice at Prometric Test Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING
YOUR TEST DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Application Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Applying for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS. . . . . 14
Applying for Step 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Examinees Who Require Personal Items in the

Testing Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Examinees with Disabilities Requesting Testing
Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Obtaining an Eligibility Period
for Step 1 and Step 2 CK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Obtaining an Eligibility Period for Step 2 CS . . . . . . 15
Obtaining an Eligibility Period for Step 3 . . . . . . . . . 16
Scheduling Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 . . . . . . . . . 16
Scheduling Step 2 CS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Summary of Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Testing Regulations and Rules of Conduct . . . . . . . . 21
Personal Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Admission to the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Step 2 CS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SCORING AND SCORE REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . 26
Examination Results and Scoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Minimum Passing Scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Official Examinee Score Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Score Rechecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Score Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Official USMLE Transcripts and Providing
Scores to Third Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Electronic Residency Application Service
(ERAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
INDETERMINATE SCORES AND
IRREGULAR BEHAVIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Validity of Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Irregular Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Application and Registration Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Scheduling and Test Center Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Test Administration Problems/Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . 33
General Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Step 3 and Medical Licensure Inquiries. . . . . . . . . . . 33

Copyright 2006 by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc., and the National Board of Medical
Examiners (NBME). The USMLE is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc.,
and the National Board of Medical Examiners.

OVERVIEW
and requires passing an examination that demonstrates
qualification for licensure. Results of the USMLE are
reported to these authorities for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine. The USMLE provides
them with a common evaluation system for applicants
for medical licensure.

INTRODUCTION
The United States Medical Licensing Examination
(USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical
licensure in the United States and is sponsored by the
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the
National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

The USMLE assesses a physician's ability to apply

knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate
fundamental patient-centered skills that are important in
health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe
and effective patient care. Each of the three Steps complements the others; no Step can stand alone in the
assessment of readiness for medical licensure. Because
individual medical licensing authorities make decisions
regarding use of USMLE results, you should contact the
jurisdiction where you intend to apply for licensure to
obtain complete information. Also, the FSMB can provide general information on medical licensure.

The Composite Committee, appointed by the FSMB

and NBME, establishes policies for the USMLE program. Membership includes representatives from the
FSMB, NBME, Educational Commission for Foreign
Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and the American
public.
Note: You must become familiar with the
information in this bulletin if you are an
applicant with an eligibility period in 2007. If
your eligibility period extends into 2008 and
you test in 2008, you must become familiar
with and will be subject to the policies and
procedures detailed in the 2008 Bulletin of
Information. Eligibility periods are explained on
pages 1516. To apply for the USMLE, you must
contact the appropriate registration entity (see
page 32).

USMLE Mission Statement

The United States Medical Licensing Examination
(USMLE) program supports medical licensing
authorities in the United States through its leadership in the development, delivery, and continual
improvement of high quality assessments across the
continuum of physicians' preparation for practice.

Changes in the USMLE program may occur after the

release of this bulletin. If changes occur, information
will be posted at the USMLE website. You must
obtain the most recent information to ensure an accurate understanding of current USMLE rules. If you
are unable to access updated USMLE information via
the Internet, you may contact the USMLE Secretariat
in writing (see page 33) for updated information.

Goals:
 To provide to licensing authorities meaningful
information from assessments of physician
characteristicsincluding medical knowledge,
skills, values, and attitudesthat are important to
the provision of safe and effective patient care.
 To engage medical educators and their
institutions, licensing authority members, and
practicing clinicians in the design and
development of these assessments.

http://www.usmle.org
Visit the USMLE website for
up-to-date information.

PURPOSE OF THE USMLE

 To assure fairness and equity to physicians

through the highest professional testing standards.

In the United States and its territories ("United States"

or "US"), the individual medical licensing authorities
("state medical boards") of the various jurisdictions
grant a license to practice medicine. Each medical
licensing authority sets its own rules and regulations

 To continue to develop and improve assessments

for licensure with the intent of assessing
physicians more accurately and comprehensively.
1

OVERVIEW
examination materials, by any means, including
memorizing and reconstructing them, without explicit written permission, you are in violation of the
rights of the owners. In addition to actions described
on pages 3031, every legal means available to protect USMLE copyrighted materials and secure
redress against those who violate copyright law may
be pursued.

THE THREE STEPS OF THE USMLE

Step 1 assesses whether you understand and can apply
important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles
and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and
modes of therapy. Step 1 ensures mastery of not only
the sciences that provide a foundation for the safe and
competent practice of medicine in the present, but
also the scientific principles required for maintenance
of competence through lifelong learning.

USMLE STEP 2 CLINICAL SKILLS (CS)

A clinical skills examination was part of the original
design of USMLE. The NBME was charged with
including a test of clinical skills using standardized
patients when such an examination was shown to be
valid, reliable, and practical. NBME research and the
work of other organizations administering clinical
skills examinations demonstrate that clinical skills
examinations measure skill sets different from those
measured by traditional multiple-choice questions.
Mastery of clinical and communication skills, as well
as cognitive skills, by individuals seeking medical
licensure is important to the protection of the public.

Step 2 assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science
essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and
disease prevention. Step 2 ensures that due attention is
devoted to principles of clinical sciences and basic
patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for
the safe and competent practice of medicine.
Step 3 assesses whether you can apply medical
knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of
medicine, with emphasis on patient management in
ambulatory settings. Step 3 provides a final assessment of physicians assuming independent responsibility for delivering general medical care.

Implementation of the clinical skills examination

began in June 2004. The clinical skills examination is
a separately administered component of Step 2 and is
referred to as Step 2 Clinical Skills, or Step 2 CS.
The computer-based, multiple-choice component of
Step 2 is referred to as Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, or
Step 2 CK.

EXAMINATION COMMITTEES
Examination committees composed of medical educators and clinicians prepare the examination materials. Committee members broadly represent the teaching, practicing, and licensing communities across the
United States. At least two of these committees critically appraise each test item or case. They revise or
discard any materials that are in doubt.

USMLE Step 2 CS is administered at five regional

test centers (CSEC Centers) in the United States.
COMPUTER-BASED TESTING (CBT)
Parts of the USMLE are administered by computer.
Thomson Prometric, a part of The Thomson
Corporation, provides scheduling and test centers for
the computer-based components of USMLE. Step 1
and Step 2 CK are given around the world at
Prometric Test Centers (PTCs). Step 3 is given at
PTCs in the United States and its territories only.

OWNERSHIP AND COPYRIGHT OF

EXAMINATION MATERIALS
The examination materials used in the USMLE are
copyrighted. If you reproduce and/or distribute any

ELIGIBILITY
STEP 1, STEP 2 CK, AND STEP 2 CS
Note: A physician whose basic medical degree or
qualification was conferred by a medical school
outside the United States and Canada may be eligible for certification by the ECFMG if the medical school and graduation year are listed in the
International Medical Education Directory
(IMED) of the Foundation for Advancement of
International Medical Education and Research
(FAIMER). This applies to citizens of the
United States who have completed their medical
education in schools outside the United States and
Canada but not to foreign nationals who have
graduated from medical schools in the United
States and Canada. Specific eligibility criteria for
students and graduates of medical schools outside
the United States and Canada to take Step 1 and
Step 2 are described in the Information Booklet
provided by the ECFMG.

To be eligible, you must be in one of the following

categories at the time of application and on the test
day:
 a medical student officially enrolled in, or a
graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school
program leading to the MD degree that is
accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical
Education (LCME),
 a medical student officially enrolled in, or a
graduate of, a US medical school leading to the
DO degree that is accredited by the American
Osteopathic Association (AOA), or
 a medical student officially enrolled in, or a
graduate of, a medical school outside the United
States and Canada and eligible for examination
by the ECFMG.

Application and other requests for services will

not be processed if it is determined that doing so
would be violative of any applicable federal laws
or regulations.

STEP 3
To be eligible for Step 3, prior to submitting your
application, you must:
 obtain the MD degree (or its equivalent) or the
DO degree,

Note: The USMLE program recommends that for

Step 3 eligibility, licensing authorities require the
completion, or near completion, of at least one
postgraduate training year in a program of graduate medical education accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
Education (ACGME) or the AOA. You should
contact the FSMB or the individual licensing
authority (see pages 3338) for complete information on Step 3 eligibility requirements in the
state where you plan to seek licensure.

 pass Step 1, Step 2 CK, and, if required based

upon the rules referenced below, Step 2 CS,
 obtain certification by the ECFMG or
successfully complete a "Fifth Pathway" program
if you are a graduate of a medical school outside
the United States and Canada (information on
Fifth Pathway programs is available in ECFMGs
Information Booklet [www.ecfmg.org]), and
 meet the Step 3 requirements set by the medical
licensing authority to which you are applying.

AOA-accredited medical schools include passing Step

1 and Step 2. Such individuals must pass Step 2 CS as
part of the examination requirements for Step 3 if
they: (a) have medical school graduation dates in 2005
or later, or (b) graduated from medical school prior to
2005 but did not pass the CK component of Step 2
taken on or before June 30, 2005.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO TAKE STEP 2 CS?

In order to be eligible to register for USMLE Step 3,
the examination requirements for students and graduates of LCME-accredited medical school programs or
3

ELIGIBILITY
 The sponsoring licensing authority certifies
that you have met all of the requirements for
licensure in the jurisdiction except for the
examination requirement.

Step 2 CS replaced the Clinical Skills Assessment

(CSA) formerly administered by the ECFMG.
Effective June 14, 2004, Step 2 CS became a
requirement for ECFMG certification of international medical graduates who have not passed the CSA.
To register for Step 3, ECFMG certificate holders
must have taken and passed either the CSA or the
Step 2 CS.

If these conditions apply to you, the medical licensing

authority should submit the request to sponsor you to the
USMLE Secretariat at the address shown on page 33 in
advance of your application for the Step.

In order to register for Step 3, Fifth Pathway graduates must have taken and passed either the CSA or
the Step 2 CS.

SEQUENCE OF STEPS
If eligibility requirements are met (see page 3), you
may take Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS in any
sequence.

Individuals who have passed Step 2 prior to the

implementation of Step 2 CS are not permitted to
take Step 2 CK, except under the specific exceptions
to the retake policy approved by the Composite
Committee (see page 6), but are permitted to take
Step 2 CS, provided they meet all other eligibility
requirements.

TIME LIMIT AND NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS

ALLOWED TO COMPLETE ALL STEPS
Although there is no limit on the total number of
times you can retake a Step or Step Component you
have not passed, the USMLE program recommends
to medical licensing authorities that they:

Individuals who are not required to pass Step 2 CS

for Step 3 eligibility but elect to take Step 2 CS and
fail the examination are not eligible for Step 3 until
such time as the individuals Step 2 CS performance
of record (i.e., most recent performance) is a pass and
the individual meets all other Step 3 requirements.

 require the dates of passing the Step 1, Step 2,

and Step 3 examinations to occur within a
seven-year period; and
 allow no more than six attempts to pass each
Step or Step Component without demonstration
of additional educational experience acceptable
to the medical licensing authority.

GRADUATES OF UNACCREDITED MEDICAL

SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES AND
CANADA
If you are eligible for licensure by a US medical
licensing authority but are not in one of the eligibility categories listed on page 3, you may take the
USMLE only upon specific request by that medical
licensing authority. A licensing authority may sponsor
you to take Step 1 and Step 2, followed by Step 3 if
Step 1 and Step 2 are passed, if all the following conditions apply to you:

For purposes of medical licensure in the United

States, any time limit to complete the USMLE is
established by the state medical boards. Most, but not
all, use the recommended seven years as the time
limit for completion of the full USMLE sequence.
While medical schools may require students to pass
one or more Steps for advancement and/or graduation, you should understand the implications for
licensure. For states that establish a time limit for
completion of all three Steps, the "clock" starts running on the date the first Step or Step Component is
passed or, in some cases, on the date of the first
attempt at any Step. General information regarding
state-specific requirements for licensure can be
obtained from the FSMB (www.fsmb.org). For defini-

 You are a graduate of an unaccredited medical

school in the United States or Canada;
 You are an applicant for initial medical licensure
in the jurisdiction of the sponsoring licensing
authority; and

ELIGIBILITY
Students who pursue both degrees should understand
that while many states' regulations provide specific
exceptions to the seven-year rule for dual degree candidates, others do not. Students pursuing a dual
degree are advised to check the state-specific requirements for licensure listed by the FSMB.

tive information, you should contact directly the

licensing authority in the jurisdiction in which you
intend to seek licensure.
Special Notice for MD/PhD Candidates
The common pathway for MD/PhD students involves
completing the first two years of medical school and
then moving to graduate school studies and research
for a three- or four-year period. Following completion of PhD course work and all or most of their
research projects, these students return to complete
their two clinical years, thus completing the medical
degree in seven to nine years after first matriculating.

Special Notice for International Medical Students

and Graduates
ECFMG policy requires that applicants pass those
USMLE Steps or Step Components required for
ECFMG certification within a seven-year period.
(You should refer to ECFMGs Information Booklet
for complete details, as some exceptions may apply.)
This policy applies only to ECFMG certification.
The USMLE program recommends, although not all
jurisdictions impose, a seven-year limit for completion of the three-Step USMLE program. You should
contact the FSMB or the medical licensing authority
of the jurisdiction where you plan to apply for licensure for state-specific requirements.

The USMLE program recognizes that the recommended seven-year time limit may pose problems for
medical licensure for some students pursuing a combined degree (i.e., MD/PhD). It is for this reason that
the USMLE program recommends to licensing jurisdictions that they be willing to consider exceptions to
the seven-year limit for MD/PhD students who meet
certain narrow requirements. The recommended
requirements are as follows:

RETAKES
If you fail or do not complete a Step or Step
Component and want to retake it, you must reapply
by submitting a new application and fee.

1. The candidate is working toward both degrees in

an institution or program accredited by the
LCME and regional university accrediting body
and is a student in good standing, enrolled in the
institution or program.
2. The PhD studies should be in a field of biological
sciences tested in the Step 1 content. These fields
include but are not necessarily limited to
anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology,
pharmacology, pathology, genetics, neuroscience,
and molecular biology. Fields explicitly not
included are business, economics, ethics, history,
and other fields not directly related to biological
science.
3. Candidates seeking an exception to the sevenyear rule should be required to present a
verifiable and rational explanation for the fact
that he or she was unable to meet the seven-year
limit. Although these explanations will vary
considerably, each licensing jurisdiction will
need to decide on its own which explanation
justifies an exception.

 You may take the failed or incomplete Step or

Step Component no more than three times within
a 12-month period.
 No Step or Step Component may be taken sooner
than 60 days after your previous test date.
 For Step 1 and Step 2 CK: You may retake the
examination no earlier than the first day of the
month that begins at least 60 days after your
previous test date.
 For Step 2 CS and Step 3: Your eligibility period
for the retake will begin no earlier than 60 days
after the date of your prior attempt.
 For Step 3: You may not reapply sooner than 60
days after your last attempt.

Note: Eligibility periods are explained on pages

1516. To apply for the USMLE, you must contact
the appropriate registration entity (see page 32).
5

ELIGIBILITY
If you pass a Step or Step Component, you are not
allowed to retake it, except to comply with the time
limit of a medical licensing authority for the completion of all Steps or a requirement imposed by another
authority recognized by the USMLE program for this
purpose. The medical licensing or other authority
must provide information indicating that you are
applying to retake the passed Step or Step Component
in order to comply with its requirement. If you are
repeating a Step or Step Component because of a time
limit, you may apply to retake the examination only
after the applicable time limit has expired.

OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE OF RECORD FOR

EXAMINEES RETAKING A PREVIOUSLY
PASSED STEP
In order to meet the examination requirements for
Step 3 eligibility, you must achieve a passing
performance on the most recent administration of the
examinations intended to meet those requirements.
If you have not yet passed Step 3 and wish to retake
a previously passed Step 1 or Step 2 examination in
order to meet a time limit imposed by a medical
licensing or other recognized authority, you should
understand the implications for Step 3 eligibility of a
failing performance on a retake. Specifically, if a failing performance on a retake is the most recent
administration of that examination, that failing score
will preclude Step 3 eligibility.

An exception to the policy of requiring the time limit

to expire before applying to retake a previously
passed Step or Step Component can be granted if, at
the time of application and testing:
 you are currently enrolled in an LCME- or AOAaccredited medical school program leading to the
MD or DO degree;

FORMERLY ADMINISTERED EXAMINATIONS

The NBME certifying examinations, Part I, Part II, and
Part III, and the Federation Licensing Examination
(FLEX) Components 1 and 2 are no longer administered.
Use of the former NBME Parts or FLEX Components to
fulfill eligibility requirements for Step 3 is no longer
accepted. If you have passed all or a portion of these
examinations and have never been granted a medical
license by a US medical licensing authority, you may
take any Step(s) for which you are otherwise eligible.

 you have previously passed Step 1 and/or Step 2

but have not passed Step 3;
 you are expected to graduate from the medical
school program six or more years after the date
you first passed Step 1 and/or Step 2; and
 you are otherwise eligible to retake the
examination.

CHANGE IN ELIGIBILITY STATUS

The number of attempts allowed to pass each Step or
Step Component and the time allowed to complete all
Steps vary among jurisdictions. To obtain specific
information, you should contact the medical licensing
authority in the jurisdiction where you intend to
apply for medical licensure or the FSMB.

If your eligibility for a Step or Step Component

changes after you submit your application but before
your scheduled test date(s), you must notify your registration entity promptly. Failure to notify your registration entity that you may no longer be eligible to
take the examination may result in a determination of
irregular behavior (see pages 3031). If you take a
Step or Step Component for which you are not eligible, scores for that examination may not be reported
or, if previously reported, may be revoked.

See pages 3238 for information on how to

contact the FSMB and medical licensing authorities.

EXAMINATION CONTENT
STEP 1
Table 1: USMLE Step 1 Specifications*

Step 1 includes test items in the following content

areas:









System**

anatomy,
behavioral sciences,
biochemistry,
microbiology,
pathology,
pharmacology,
physiology,
interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition,
genetics, and aging.

40%50%
50%60%

Step 1 is a broadly based, integrated examination.

Test items commonly require you to perform one or
more of the following tasks:

General principles
Individual organ systems
hematopoietic/lymphoreticular
nervous/special senses
skin/connective tissue
musculoskeletal
respiratory
cardiovascular
gastrointestinal
renal/urinary
reproductive
endocrine

Process

 interpret graphic and tabular material

 identify gross and microscopic pathologic and
normal specimens
 apply basic science knowledge to clinical
problems.

30%50%
30%50%
15%25%
10%20%

Step 1 classifies test items along two dimensions,

system and process, as shown in Table 1.

Normal structure and function

Abnormal processes
Principles of therapeutics
Psychosocial, cultural,
occupational, and environmental
considerations

* Percentages are subject to change at any time.

See the USMLE website for the most up-to-date
information.
** The general principles category includes test
items concerning those normal and abnormal
processes that are not limited to specific organ
systems. Categories for individual organ systems
include test items concerning those normal and
abnormal processes that are system specific.

http://www.usmle.org
Sample Step 1 test materials and further
information on Step 1 test content are
available from your registration entity
and at the USMLE website.

EXAMINATION CONTENT
STEP 2 CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE (CK)
Table 2: USMLE Step 2 CK Specifications*
Step 2 CK includes test items in the following
content areas:








Normal Conditions and Disease Categories

 Normal growth and development and general
principles of care
 Individual organ systems or types of
disorders
immunologic disorders
diseases of the blood and blood-forming
organs
mental disorders
diseases of the nervous system and
special senses
cardiovascular disorders
diseases of the respiratory system
nutritional and digestive disorders
gynecologic disorders
renal, urinary, and male reproductive
systems
disorders of pregnancy, childbirth, and
the puerperium
disorders of the skin and subcutaneous
tissue
diseases of the musculoskeletal system
and connective tissue
endocrine and metabolic disorders

internal medicine,
obstetrics and gynecology,
pediatrics,
preventive medicine,
psychiatry,
surgery,
other areas relevant to provision of care under
supervision.

Most Step 2 CK test items describe clinical situations

and require that you provide one or more of the
following:
 a diagnosis,
 a prognosis,
 an indication of underlying mechanisms
of disease,
 the next step in medical care, including
preventive measures.
Step 2 CK is a broadly based, integrated examination. It frequently requires interpretation of tables and
laboratory data, imaging studies, photographs of
gross and microscopic pathologic specimens, and
results of other diagnostic studies. Step 2 CK classifies test items along two dimensions: disease category and physician task, as shown in Table 2.

Physician Task
15%20% Promoting preventive medicine
and health maintenance
20%35% Understanding mechanisms
of disease
25%40% Establishing a diagnosis
15%25% Applying principles of management

Please note that much of the content that addresses

normal growth and development and general principles of care is also related to the individual organ
systems categories, so that the number of questions
that deal solely with normal growth and development
and general principles of care is relatively small.

* Percentages are subject to change at any time.

See the USMLE website for the most up-to-date
information.

http://www.usmle.org
Sample Step 2 CK test materials and further
information on Step 2 CK test content are
available from your registration entity
and at the USMLE website.

EXAMINATION CONTENT
STEP 2 CLINICAL SKILLS (CS)

United States.

Step 2 CS assesses whether you can demonstrate the

fundamental clinical skills essential for safe and
effective patient care under supervision. There are
three subcomponents of Step 2 CS (see Table 3):
Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE), Communication
and Interpersonal Skills (CIS), and Spoken English
Proficiency (SEP).

The cases that make up each administration of the

Step 2 CS examination are based upon an examination blueprint. An examination blueprint defines the
requirements for each examination, regardless of
where and when it is administered. The sample of
cases selected for each examination reflects a balance
of cases that is fair and equitable across all examinees. On any examination day, the set of cases will
differ from the combination presented the day before
or the following day, but each set of cases has a comparable degree of difficulty.

Table 3: The Subcomponents of Step 2 CS

Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE)

The intent is to ensure that examinees encounter a

broad spectrum of cases reflecting common and
important symptoms and diagnoses. The criteria that
are used to define the blueprint and create individual
examinations focus primarily on presenting complaints and conditions. Presentation categories
include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular, constitutional, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric, respiratory, and
women's health. Examinees will see cases from
some, but not all, of these categories. The selection
of cases is also guided by specifications relating to
acuity, age, gender, and type of physical findings presented in each case.

Data gathering patient information

collected by history taking and physical
examination
Documentation completion of a patient
note summarizing the findings of the patient
encounter, diagnostic impression, and initial
patient work-up
Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS)
Questioning skills
Information-sharing skills
Professional manner and rapport
Spoken English Proficiency (SEP)

http://www.usmle.org
Further information on Step 2 CS
is available from your registration entity
and at the USMLE website.

Clarity of spoken English communication

within the context of the doctor-patient
encounter

Step 2 CS uses standardized patients, i.e., people

trained to portray real patients. You are expected to
establish rapport with the patients, elicit pertinent historical information from them, perform focused physical examinations, answer questions, and provide
counseling when appropriate. After each interaction
with a patient, you will record pertinent history and
physical examination findings, list diagnostic impressions, and outline plans for further evaluation, if necessary. The cases cover common and important situations that a physician is likely to encounter in common medical practice in clinics, doctors offices,
emergency departments, and hospital settings in the

STEP 3
Step 3 is organized along two principal dimensions:
clinical encounter frame and physician task (see
Table 4). Step 3 content reflects a data-based model
of generalist medical practice in the United States.
Encounter frames capture the essential features of
circumstances surrounding physicians' clinical activity with patients. They range from encounters with
patients seen for the first time for nonemergency
problems, to encounters with regular patients seen in
9

EXAMINATION CONTENT
the context of continued care, to patient encounters in
(life-threatening) emergency situations. Encounters
occur in clinics, offices, skilled nursing care facilities, hospitals, emergency departments, and on the
telephone. Each test item in an encounter frame also
represents one of the six physician tasks. For example, initial care encounters emphasize taking a history
and performing a physical examination. In contrast,
continued care encounters emphasize decisions
regarding prognosis and management.

Primum Computer-Based Case

Simulations (CCS)
Step 3 examinees test using two formats: multiplechoice questions and Primum computer-based case
simulations (CCS), a testing format that allows you
to provide care for a simulated patient. You decide
which diagnostic information to obtain and how to
treat and monitor the patient's progress. The computer records each step you take in caring for the patient
and scores your overall performance. This format
permits assessment of clinical decision-making skills
in a more realistic and integrated manner than other
available formats.

Table 4: USMLE Step 3 Specifications*

Clinical Encounter Frame
20%30%
50%60%
15%25%

In Primum CCS, you may request information from

the history and physical examination; order laboratory studies, procedures, and consultants; and start
medications and other therapies. Any of the thousands of possible entries that you type on the "order
sheet" are processed and verified by the "clerk."
When you have confirmed that there is nothing further you wish to do, you decide when to reevaluate
the patient by advancing simulated time. As time
passes, the patient's condition changes based on the
underlying problem and your interventions; results of
tests are reported, and results of interventions must
be monitored. You suspend the movement of simulated time as you consider next steps. While you cannot
go back in time, you can change your orders to
reflect your updated management plan.

Initial care
Continued care
Emergency care

Physician Task
8%12%
8%12%
8%12%
8%12%
8%12%
45%55%

Obtaining history and performing

physical examination
Using laboratory and diagnostic
studies
Formulating most likely diagnosis
Evaluating severity of patient's
problems
Applying scientific concepts and
mechanisms of disease
Managing the patient
health maintenance
clinical intervention
clinical therapeutics
legal and ethical issues

The patient's chart contains, in addition to the order

sheet, the reports resulting from your orders. By
selecting the appropriate chart tabs, you can review
vital signs, progress notes, patient updates, and test
results. You may care for and move the patient
among the office, home, emergency department,
intensive care unit, and hospital ward.

* Percentages are subject to change at any time.

See the USMLE website for the most up-to-date
information.

http://www.usmle.org
Sample Step 3 test materials and further
information on Step 3 test content
are available from the FSMB
and at the USMLE website.

High-frequency, high-impact diseases also organize

the content of Step 3. Clinician experts assign clinical
problems related to these diseases to individual clinical encounter frames to represent their occurrence in
generalist practice.
10

EXAMINATION CONTENT
infectious/parasitic diseases, injuries/wound/toxic
effects/burns, and health maintenance issues.
Presenting locations include the outpatient office,
emergency department, inpatient unit, intensive care
unit, and the patient's home.

The cases used in the CCS portion of the Step 3

examination are based upon a CCS examination blueprint. The blueprint defines the requirements for CCS
examination forms. The CCS blueprint is used to
construct CCS examination forms focusing primarily
on presenting symptoms and presenting locations.
Presenting symptoms relate to the Step 3
Problem/Disease List and are associated with the
central nervous system, eye/ear/nose/mouth/throat,
respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system, behavioral/emotional disorders, musculoskeletal
system, skin/subcutaneous tissue, endocrine/nutrition/metabolic disorders, kidneys/urinary tract, reproductive system, pregnancy/childbirth, neonate/childhood illnesses, blood and blood-forming organs,

Examinees will see cases related to some, but not all,

of these problem/disease and ___location categories. The
intent is to ensure that all examinees encounter a
broad range of cases reflecting common and important symptoms and diagnoses. The selection of cases
is also guided by specifications relating to age and
gender. Each CCS examination form is structured to
reflect a balance of cases that is fair and equitable for
all examinees.

11

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

items in each block, you may answer the items in any
order, review your responses, and change answers.
After you exit the block, or when time expires, you
can no longer review test items or change answers.

SAMPLE TEST MATERIALS

The best preparation for the USMLE is a general,
thorough review of the content reflected in the examination descriptions on pages 711. You should also
review further information on the examination content
and test formats available on the USMLE website or
from your registration entity and run the sample test
materials available on the USMLE website or on the
2007 USMLE compact disc (CD). The 2007 USMLE
CD is available through your registration entity.

Step 2 CS cases and Step 3 case simulations must be

taken in the order presented. After you exit the case
or session, or when time expires, you can no longer
review test items or cases, change answers, or collect
additional information.

http://www.usmle.org

There are no test preparation courses affiliated with

or sanctioned by the USMLE program. Information
on such courses is not available from the ECFMG,
FSMB, NBME, USMLE Secretariat, or medical
licensing authorities.

Note: The test descriptions provided here, including test length and number of test items or cases,
may be changed at any time. Notice of any
changes will be posted at the USMLE website.

TEST LENGTHS AND FORMATS

 Step 1 has approximately 350 multiple-choice
test items, divided into seven 60-minute blocks,
administered in one eight-hour testing session.

PRACTICING WITH THE SOFTWARE

For Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3 you should acquaint yourself with the test software well before your test
date(s). Practice time is not available on the test day,
and test center staff are not authorized to provide
instruction on use of the software. A brief tutorial on
the test day provides a review of the test software,
including navigation tools and examination format,
prior to beginning the test. It does not provide an
opportunity to practice. Step 3 examinees should
review the Primum CCS orientation materials and
practice with all of the sample cases well in advance
of the testing day to have a thorough understanding
of how the software works.

 Step 2 CK has approximately 370 multiple-choice

test items, divided into eight 60-minute blocks,
administered in one nine-hour testing session.
 Step 2 CS has 12 patient cases. You will
have 15 minutes for each patient encounter and
10 minutes to record each patient note. If you do
not use the entire 15 minutes for the patient
encounter, the remaining time will be added to
the time you have to record the patient note. The
testing session is approximately eight hours.
 Step 3 has approximately 480 multiple-choice
test items, divided into blocks of 35 to 50 items.
You will have 45 to 60 minutes to complete each
of these blocks. There are approximately nine
computer-based case simulations (see page 10),
with one case in each block. You will have a
maximum of 25 minutes to complete each of
these blocks. Step 3 is administered in two eighthour testing sessions.

Sample test materials to practice with the software

(both multiple-choice questions and Primum CCS
cases) are available to eligible applicants from their
registration entity and at the USMLE website.
PRACTICE AT PROMETRIC TEST CENTERS
If you wish to experience some of the conditions of
test administration for Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3,
you may schedule time to review sample test materials at a Prometric Test Center for a fee. Although
shorter than an actual USMLE examination and con-

For Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 multiple-choice

sections, during the defined time to complete the
12

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

taining the same sample test materials provided by
the USMLE registration entities and at the USMLE
website, this option allows you to experience
USMLE sample test materials in the same environment as your actual test. After your registration for a
Step or Step Component is complete and you have
received your Scheduling Permit, you may register
for a practice session for that examination by following the instructions at the USMLE website.

Note: If you register for the practice session, you

will receive a separate Scheduling Permit specifically for the practice session. You must have this
Permit before you can contact Prometric to
schedule the practice session. You should allow
two weeks to receive your practice session
Scheduling Permit.

The sample materials available for the practice session will continue to appear in the Prometric software
until further notice. If you wish to practice with the
NBME FRED test delivery software (the software
used in the actual examination), you should use the
2007 sample materials available on the USMLE website and on the USMLE orientation CD. It is expected
that the sample materials used for the practice sessions will be available in the FRED software in fall
2006.

13

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

After you obtain application materials, review and
follow the application instructions to complete your
application and submit it to the medical licensing
authority or the FSMB as directed in the instructions.

APPLICATION MATERIALS
If you meet the eligibility requirements on page 3,
you can apply for Step 1, Step 2 CK and CS, or Step
3. Applications are available from the appropriate
registration entity. You must use current application
materials to apply.

EXAMINEES WHO REQUIRE PERSONAL

ITEMS IN THE TESTING ROOM
As more fully explained on page 21, unauthorized
possession of personal items while you are in the
secure areas of the testing center is prohibited.
However, in certain limited circumstances, exceptions to this policy may be made for medical reasons,
provided that permission is granted in advance of test
administration. If you believe that you have a medical condition that requires you to use food, drink,
medication, an external appliance, or electronic
device in the secure areas of the test center, please
submit a written request via email to [email protected],
via fax to 215-590-9422, or via mail to Personal Item
Exception Coordinator, 3750 Market Street,
Philadelphia, PA, 19104. You will need to explain the
necessity for the exception and provide documentation from your medical professional substantiating
your need to use the item(s) during test administration. Examples of appliances and devices to which
this policy applies include insulin pumps, inhalers,
medications (oral, inhaled), TENS units, breast
pumps, hearing aids, non-standard stethoscopes (for
Step 2 CS), wheelchairs, canes, crutches and casts.
This list is not exhaustive; if you are unsure whether
you should request an exception, please contact the
Personal Item Exception Coordinator via email at
[email protected].

Note: See page 32 for information on how to

contact your registration entity to apply for a Step
or Step Component.

APPLYING FOR STEP 1, STEP 2 CK, AND

STEP 2 CS
Students and graduates of LCME-accredited programs and AOA-accredited medical schools should
apply for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS by following the instructions at the NBME website
(http://www.nbme.org). Review and follow the application instructions, complete your application, and
submit it to the NBME.
Students and graduates of medical schools outside the
United States and Canada should apply for Step 1,
Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS by following the instructions at the ECFMG website (http://www.ecfmg.org).
Review and follow the application instructions, complete your application, and submit it to the ECFMG.
APPLYING FOR STEP 3
To request information on Step 3 eligibility requirements and application procedures, follow the instructions at the FSMB website (http://www.fsmb.org), or
contact the FSMB or the medical licensing authority
to which you wish to apply.

You are not required to obtain advance permission to

wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during testing, or to
consume food or medication on authorized breaks.
All personal items, including those permitted as an
exception under this policy, are subject to inspection
at the test center. If you bring an item, including an
appliance or device, to your test administration without obtaining permission in advance, you may not be
permitted to test, you may be required to relinquish
the item, you may be investigated for irregular
behavior, and/or your score may be held until you
provide adequate documentation from your medical
professional.

Note: See pages 3338 for information on how to

contact medical licensing authorities.
Application procedures for Step 3 vary among jurisdictions. You should begin inquiries at least three
months in advance of the dates on which you expect
to take the test.
14

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

ly four weeks for processing of your application. On
receipt of your Scheduling Permit, you are able to
contact Prometric immediately to schedule a test date.

EXAMINEES WITH DISABILITIES REQUESTING TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

The USMLE program provides reasonable accommodations for examinees with disabilities who are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). If you are a disabled individual covered
under the ADA and require test accommodations, the
following guidelines apply to you:

Prometric schedules testing appointments for

Steps 1 and 2 CK up to six months in advance of the
assigned eligibility period. If your application is
submitted more than six months in advance of your
requested eligibility period, it will be processed, but
your Scheduling Permit will be issued no more than six
months before your assigned eligibility period begins.

 You must obtain information regarding

procedures and documentation requirements in
advance of applying for each Step or Step
Component. This information is available from
the USMLE website, from your registration
entity if you are applying for Step 1, Step 2 CK
or Step 2 CS, or from the FSMB website if you
are applying for Step 3.

If you are unable to take the test within your eligibility period, contact your registration entity to inquire
about a one-time contiguous three-month eligibility
period extension. A fee is charged for this service.
Visit your registration entitys website for more information. If you do not take the test within your original or extended eligibility period and wish to take it
in the future, you must reapply by submitting a new
application and fee(s).

 Your application and your request for

accommodations and accompanying
documentation must be submitted at the same
time to the appropriate addresses. If you
are applying for Step 2 CS, review the
informational materials available on the USMLE
website before requesting test accommodations.

http://www.prometric.com
Use the Prometric website for
up-to-date information on the locations
of Prometric Test Centers and to schedule
an appointment.

 When test accommodations are granted for

USMLE Steps and Components, score reports
and transcripts may include an annotation that an
accommodation was granted. Score recipients
who inquire about the annotation will be
provided with information about the nature of
the accommodation only.

OBTAINING AN ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR

STEP 2 CS
Step 2 CS is offered regularly throughout the year;
however, there may be occasional, brief periods when
all centers are closed. In planning the timing of your
application, see below for information on how Step 2
CS eligibility periods are assigned. You should be
aware that demand for test dates/centers at certain
times during the year may exceed the number of testing spaces available.

OBTAINING AN ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR

STEP 1 AND STEP 2 CK
When applying for Step 1 or Step 2 CK, you must
select a three-month period, such as JanuaryFebruary-March or February-March-April, during
which you prefer to take the examination. A
Scheduling Permit with instructions for making an
appointment at a Prometric Test Center will be issued
to you after your registration entity processes your
application and determines your eligibility. The
Scheduling Permit specifies the three-month eligibility period during which you must complete the examination. During peak periods, allow up to approximate-

When you apply for Step 2 CS you are assigned a 12month eligibility period that begins when processing
of your application is completed. A Scheduling
Permit with instructions for making a testing appointment is issued to you.

15

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

Your eligibility period will be listed on your
Scheduling Permit. You must take the exam during
your eligibility period. You can schedule a testing
appointment for any available date in your eligibility
period. Once your eligibility period is assigned, it
cannot be changed. If you do not take the exam within your eligibility period, you must reapply to take
the exam, including payment of the examination fee.
Although you cannot change your assigned eligibility
period, you can reschedule a scheduled testing
appointment within your eligibility period (see
Rescheduling). A fee is charged if a change is made
during the 14 days before your scheduled appointment.

SCHEDULING STEP 1, STEP 2 CK, AND STEP 3

Testing Regions
Step 1 and Step 2 CK are administered in the United
States and Canada and in more than 50 other countries. International testing locations are distributed
among defined international testing regions. There is
an additional international test delivery surcharge.
Your Scheduling Permit
Your Scheduling Permit will be issued to you when
the processing of your application is complete. You
should verify the information on your Scheduling
Permit before scheduling your appointment. Your
Scheduling Permit includes the following:

OBTAINING AN ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR

STEP 3








Step 3 eligibility periods are assigned immediately

once your application has been processed and
approved. Time for processing will vary depending
on the particular medical licensing authority and the
volume of applications. Check the FSMB website
for more detailed information on processing times.
Upon complete processing of your Step 3 application and confirmation of eligibility, a Scheduling
Permit will be issued to you with instructions for
making an appointment at a Prometric Test Center.
On receipt of your Scheduling Permit, you should
contact Prometric immediately to schedule the test
dates. The Scheduling Permit specifies the eligibility period (beginning immediately and extending for
approximately 90 calendar days) during which you
must complete the examination. If you are unable to
take the test within your eligibility period, contact
the FSMB to inquire about a one-time contiguous
three-month eligibility period extension. A fee is
charged for this service, and some restrictions may
apply. Visit the FSMB website (http://www.fsmb.org)
for more detailed information. If you do not take the
test within your original or extended eligibility period
and wish to take it in the future, you must reapply by
submitting a new application and fee(s). The USMLE
Step 3 fee is non-refundable and non-transferable
from one eligibility period to another or from one
application to another.

your name (see Important Note, page 23),

the examination for which you registered,
your eligibility period,
your testing region,
your Scheduling Number,
your Candidate Identification Number (CIN).

Note: You will not be able to take the test if

you do not bring your Scheduling Permit to
the test center.

Note: Your Scheduling Number is needed when

you contact Prometric to schedule test dates. It
differs from your Candidate Identification
Number (CIN), which is your private key, and is
needed to test. Prometric does not have access to
your CIN.

16

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

You will be required to provide information found
only on your Scheduling Permit. When you schedule
your appointment, you will receive the following
specific information:

Scheduling Test Dates

When applying for the USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3
or scheduling test dates, please keep the following in
mind:

 the confirmed test day(s), date(s), and time;

 the address and telephone number of the
Prometric Test Center where you will test; and
 your Prometric Confirmation Number(s).

 You must have your Scheduling Permit before you

contact Prometric to schedule a testing appointment.
Appointments are assigned on a "first-come,
first-served" basis; therefore, you should contact
Prometric to schedule as soon as possible after
you receive your Scheduling Permit.

After you schedule your testing appointment, you can

print a confirmation of your appointment from the
Prometric website. Scheduling a testing appointment
for a specific date at a Prometric Test Center is not a
guarantee that the scheduled test time or ___location will
remain available. The Prometric Test Center at which
you are scheduled may become unavailable after you
have scheduled your appointment. In that event,
Prometric will attempt to notify you in advance of
your scheduled testing appointment and to schedule
you for a different time and/or center. However, on
rare occasions, rescheduling your appointment for a
different time or center may occur at the last minute.
To avoid losses you would incur as a result, you
should try to maintain flexibility in your travel
arrangements. You are encouraged to confirm your
testing appointment a week prior to your test date.

 You may take the test on any day that it is

offered during your assigned eligibility period,
provided that there is space at the Prometric Test
Center you choose.
 Prometric Test Centers are closed on major
local holidays.
 USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3 are not available
during the first two weeks of January.
 The busiest testing times in the Prometric testing
network in the United States and Canada are May
through July and November through December.
 Some, but not all, Prometric Test Centers are
open on weekend days. When you schedule your
Step 3 test dates, the two days on which you take
the test must be consecutive, unless the center
is closed on the day that follows your first
day of testing. In that event, Prometric will
assign you to the next day the center is open for
your second day of testing. In all other cases, you
must take Step 3 on two consecutive days at the
same test center.

Rescheduling Test Dates

If you are unable to keep your testing appointment on
the scheduled date(s) or at the scheduled ___location, you
may change your date(s) or center by following the
instructions on your Scheduling Permit for contacting
Prometric. You will need to provide your Prometric
Confirmation Number when you reschedule.
To avoid a rescheduling fee, you must cancel or
reschedule your appointment at least five business
days before your appointment. If you are testing in
the United States or Canada, you must cancel or
reschedule by noon Eastern Time at least five business days before your appointment. If you are testing
outside the United States or Canada, you must cancel
or reschedule by noon local time of the Regional
Registration Center for your testing region at least
five business days before your appointment. If you
provide less than five business days' notice,

Your Scheduling Permit includes specific information

for contacting Prometric to schedule your test date(s)
at the test center of your choice.
http://www.prometric.com
Use the Prometric website for up-to-date
information on the locations of Prometric Test
Centers and to schedule your test.

17

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

Prometric will charge you a fee to reschedule your
test date(s). Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall
within your assigned eligibility period.

How Test Dates Become Available

 Test dates are opened so that dates will be
available throughout your 12-month eligibility
period.

SCHEDULING STEP 2 CS

 Additional test dates are opened, depending on

demand. These dates are opened in ways that
maximize operational efficiency at all centers
and may not reflect examinee demand for
particular test dates and/or centers.

Step 2 CS is administered at five test centers: Atlanta,

Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Los
Angeles, California; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Your Scheduling Permit

 Testing appointments are available on a firstcome, first-served basis (although some

scheduling restrictions may be imposed). It is
possible that you will not be able to obtain a
testing appointment for the first time period
and/or center you prefer.

After your registration for Step 2 CS is complete,

your registration entity will issue you a Scheduling
Permit. The Scheduling Permit contains the following:





your name (see Important Note, page 23),

your USMLE identification number,
your eligibility period,
instructions for scheduling your testing
appointment,
 a description of the identification required for
admission to the testing center, and
 other important information.

 The availability of testing appointments will

change frequently as a result of examinee
scheduling, rescheduling, and opening of
additional test dates.
 It is possible that testing appointments will
become available for a time period and/or center
that you prefer after you have scheduled an
appointment for a different time period and/or
center. In this event, you can change your
scheduled test date and/or center. See page 19
for rescheduling fees.

Scheduling Test Dates

Follow the instructions on your Scheduling Permit to
schedule your test date(s) at the test center of your
choice. To browse available test dates in your eligibility period at each of the five test centers, you can
use on-line Step 2 CS Scheduling. Before accessing
Step 2 CS Scheduling, you should review the important information in How Test Dates Become
Available.

 Although you can monitor available test

dates for your preferred time period and test
center, availability is not guaranteed. You must
take the exam during your eligibility period;
if the exam is not taken during the eligibility
period, you must reapply and pay the full exam
fee in order to take the examination.

A schedule for reporting Step 2 CS results is available on the USMLE website. Please refer to this calendar before scheduling a test appointment if you
need your results by a specific deadline.

Rescheduling Test Dates

If you have a scheduled testing appointment and are
unable to take the exam on your scheduled test date
or at your scheduled test center, you can cancel your
scheduled testing appointment and reschedule for a
different date and/or center, subject to availability. A
fee may be charged for this service depending on
how much notice you provide when canceling your

After you confirm your testing appointment, you will

be able to print a confirmation notice from the scheduling system. The confirmation notice includes your
scheduled test date, arrival time, test center, and other
important information. If you lose the confirmation
notice, you can reprint it by accessing Step 2 CS
Scheduling on the website of your registration entity.
18

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

There is no fee to cancel a scheduled testing appointment; the fee, if applicable, is due at the time of
rescheduling. However, the date that you cancel
your appointment, using Eastern Time in the United
States, will determine whether you pay a rescheduling fee and the amount of this fee.

appointment. To cancel or reschedule, follow the

instructions on your Scheduling Permit for accessing
Step 2 CS Scheduling.
Before canceling and/or rescheduling a scheduled
testing appointment, you will have the opportunity to
review available test dates at all testing locations.
Your rescheduled test date must fall within your
assigned eligibility period. There is no limit on the
number of times you can cancel and reschedule your
testing appointment. However, a rescheduling fee is
charged for each rescheduled testing appointment
that does not meet the notice requirements described
below. Any change to a scheduled testing appointment constitutes rescheduling.

 If you cancel more than fourteen calendar days

before (but not including) your scheduled test
date, there is no fee to reschedule.
 If you cancel during the fourteen-day period
before (but not including) your scheduled test
date, your fee will be $150 when you reschedule.
 If you miss your scheduled testing appointment
without canceling, your fee will be $400 when
you reschedule.

You can cancel and reschedule at the same time, or

you can cancel and reschedule later. You can cancel
and/or reschedule at any time through the end of the
day before your scheduled test date. However, no
canceling is allowed beginning at 12:00 AM, Eastern
Time in the United States, on the scheduled test date.
If you do not cancel and you miss your scheduled
testing appointment, you can reschedule within your
assigned eligibility period once it is confirmed that
you did not take the test (typically one to two days).

If you are unable to keep your scheduled testing

appointment, you should cancel your appointment
as soon as possible to avoid a rescheduling fee,
regardless of whether you are ready to reschedule.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you cancel without

rescheduling or miss your scheduled testing
appointment, there is no guarantee that testing
appointments during your eligibility period
will be available at a given test center, or at
any test center, when you attempt to reschedule. If you do not reschedule within your eligibility period, you must reapply, including payment of the exam fee, to take the exam.

19

APPLYING FOR THE TEST AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE

Summary of Process
In summary, to take Steps 1, 2 CK, 2 CS, and 3, you must meet the eligibility requirements shown on page 3
and do the following:





Contact the appropriate registration entity for application materials (see page 32).
Complete your application materials and submit them to your registration entity.
Obtain a Scheduling Permit verifying your eligibility and authorizing you to schedule the examination.
Follow the instructions on your Scheduling Permit to schedule your test date(s) at a specific Prometric
Test Center (for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3) or CSEC center (for Step 2 CS).
 On the scheduled test date(s) and at the scheduled time, bring to the test center your Scheduling Permit
and the required identification.
 Take the test.

20

TESTING
3 differ from those for Step 2 CS. Also, for Step 2
CS, you should understand that the entire testing session from orientation until the evaluation is completed, including all breaks, is considered a closed and
secure testing session, and that the entire test center,
including the orientation room and the restrooms, is a
secure testing area. Therefore the rules regarding
unauthorized possession during Step 2 CS extend to
the orientation room and to all breaks.

The USMLE program has established rules to govern

administration of the examinations to ensure that no
examinee or group of examinees receives unfair advantage on the examination, inadvertently or otherwise. The
rules include standard test administration conditions consistent with the principles on which the examinations are
developed and scored. For example, examinations are
designed to sample knowledge across specified content
domains and unauthorized access to examination content
prior to testing violates that principle.

For Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, unauthorized

items include, but are not limited to:

If there is a reason to believe that the integrity of the

examination process is jeopardized, the USMLE parent
organizations may invalidate all or any part of an examination. If information indicates that continued testing
would jeopardize the security of examination materials or the integrity of scores, the USMLE parent
organizations reserve the right to suspend or cancel
test administration.

 mechanical or electronic devices, such as cellular

telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),
calculators, watches of any type, electronic
paging devices, recording or filming devices,
radios;
 outerwear, such as coats, jackets, head wear, gloves;
 book bags, backpacks, handbags, briefcases, wallets;
 books, notes, study materials, or scratch paper;
 food, candy, gum, or beverages.

TESTING REGULATIONS AND RULES OF

CONDUCT

For Step 2 CS, unauthorized items include, but are

not limited to:

Test center staff monitor all testing sessions for

USMLE Steps. You must follow instructions of test
center staff throughout the examination. Failure to do
so may result in a determination of irregular behavior
(see pages 3031) and permanent annotation of your
USMLE transcript.

 mechanical or electronic devices, such as cellular

telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),
calculators, digital watches, analog watches with
computer communication and/or memory
capability, electronic paging devices, recording
or filming devices, radios;
 book bags, backpacks, briefcases;
 books, notes, study materials, or scratch paper;
 medical equipment of any kind other than a
standard stethoscope.

Test center staff are not authorized to answer questions from examinees regarding examination content,
testing software, or scoring.
If staff observe you violating test administration rules
or engaging in other forms of irregular behavior during
an examination, the center staff will not necessarily tell
you of the observation at the time of the examination.
Test center staff are required to report such incidents to
the USMLE program; each report is fully investigated.

If you bring personal items to the test center, you must

store them in a designated locker outside the secure
testing area or in the designated storage area for Step 2
CS. You should keep in mind that the storage facilities
are small and that all stored mechanical or electronic
devices must be turned off. Personal items and their
contents may be subject to inspection. Any materials
that reasonably appear to be reproductions of any
USMLE examination materials will be confiscated.
Making notes of any kind during an examination,
except on the materials provided by the test center for
this purpose, is not permitted.

PERSONAL ITEMS
Unauthorized possession of personal items while in
the secure areas of the testing centers may lead to a
finding of irregular behavior and permanent annotation of your USMLE transcript. It is important that
you read and understand the rules regarding personal possessions; the rules for Steps 1, 2 CK, and
21

TESTING

Rules of Conduct
When you apply to take the USMLE, you are agreeing to the following Rules of Conduct:
1. You are the person named on the Scheduling Permit for the examination.
2. You will not give, receive, or obtain any form of unauthorized assistance during the examination or
during breaks.
3. You will not have in your possession any formulas, study materials, notes, papers, or electronic devices of
any kind unless you are out of the secure areas of the center.
4. You will place in a locker or cubicle all personal belongings, including cellular telephones, watches, pagers,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), formulas, study materials, notes, papers, and your purse or wallet, before
you enter the testing room (or Orientation Room for Step 2 CS).
5. During the computer-based examinations (Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3), you will not leave your testing station for
breaks unless the break screen is visible on your monitor. It will be considered a violation of the Rules of
Conduct if you indicate on the center log that your break screen is visible when it is not.
6. During computer-based testing (Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3) you may use a telephone or other communication
device only during an authorized break. You may not use it for any purpose related to test content.
During Step 2 CS you may not use a telephone at any time while you are in the testing center.
7. You will not remove materials in any form (written, printed, recorded, or any other type) from the
test center.
8. All examination materials remain the property of the USMLE parent organizations, and you will maintain
the confidentiality of the materials, including the multiple-choice items, and the case content for Step 2 CS
and Primum CCS. You will not reproduce or attempt to reproduce examination materials through
memorization or any other means. Also, you will not provide information relating to examination content
that may give or attempt to give unfair advantage to individuals who may be taking the examination. This
includes postings regarding examination content and/or answers on the Internet.

If you violate these Rules of Conduct, you may be directed to leave the test center before you complete the examination. Also, evidence of violation of any test administration rule, including these
Rules of Conduct, will result in actions being taken under USMLE policies and procedures on irregular behavior. If you are found to have engaged in irregular behavior, your score report and transcripts will include this finding, and you may be barred from taking the USMLE in the future.

22

TESTING
tion of the USMLE, including video and audio monitoring and recording, and use of digital cameras to
record the identity of examinees.

ADMISSION TO THE TEST

When you arrive at the test center, you must present
your Scheduling Permit and the required identification described on your Scheduling Permit.
Acceptable forms of identification include the following forms of unexpired identification:

Individual examinations are drawn from large pools

of content-parallel test forms, which are in turn created from very large banks of test materials. Individual
examinations vary within and across test centers, and
within and across test days. Electronic encryption is
employed to protect the security of item banks, test
forms, and test responses. Physical security at test
centers is maintained by proctoring and video surveillance and recording.






passport,
driver's license with photograph,
national identity card,
other form of unexpired, government-issued
identification,
 ECFMG-issued identification card.

You should arrive at the Prometric Test Center 30

minutes before your scheduled testing appointment
on your testing day(s). If you arrive after your
appointment time, you may not be admitted. If you
arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled
testing appointment, you will not be admitted. In that
event, you must pay a fee to Prometric to reschedule
your test. Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall
within your assigned eligibility period.

Your identification must contain both your signature

and recent (no more than 10 years earlier) photograph. If it contains your photograph but not your
signature, you can use another form of unexpired
identification that contains your signature, such as a
student/employee identification card or a credit card,
to supplement your photo-bearing, governmentissued identification.

There are no waiting facilities for family and friends

at the center; plan to meet them elsewhere after the
examination ends.

If you do not bring your Scheduling Permit and

acceptable identification, you will not be admitted to
the test. In that event, you must pay a fee to reschedule your test. Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall
within your eligibility period.

http://www.prometric.com
Use the Prometric Test Center Locator for
directions to Prometric Test Centers.

Important Note: Your name as it appears on

your Scheduling Permit must match the name on
your form(s) of identification exactly. If the name
listed on your Scheduling Permit is not correct,
contact your registration entity immediately.

Upon arrival at the test center, you must present the

required identification, sign a test center log, be photographed, and store your personal belongings in
your assigned locker. Test center staff will collect
your Scheduling Permit. You will be instructed to
write your name and Candidate Identification
Number (CIN) on one of the laminated writing surfaces provided. Your Scheduling Permit will be
retained at the Test Center Administrators station.
You may request access to the permit during the
examination if it becomes necessary for you to
rewrite the CIN on the laminated writing surface. In
addition to the laminated writing surfaces, you will
be provided with dry-erase markers and an eraser.

STEP 1, STEP 2 CK, AND STEP 3

Test Centers and Testing Conditions
Prometric provides computer-based testing services
for academic assessment, professional licensure, and
certification. USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK are
given at Prometric Test Centers around the world.
Step 3 is given at Prometric Test Centers in the
United States and its territories. These centers provide the resources necessary for secure administra23

TESTING
that a technical problem may occur that does not permit you to complete your examination. In the rare
event that this occurs, please send a written description of the incident to Test Administration Services at
the NBME (refer to Test Administration
Problems/Inquiries for details). Your problem will be
thoroughly investigated, and if necessary, arrangements will be made to allow you to test at a later date
at no additional charge.

Test center staff will escort you to your assigned testing station and provide brief instructions on use of
the computer equipment. You must enter your CIN to
start the examination. You may then take a brief tutorial prior to starting the first test block.
Completing the Test
Once you begin a block of the test, no authorized
breaks are provided during the block. Each block
lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. During blocks,
the block and daytime clocks continue to run even if
you leave the testing room, (e.g., for a personal emergency). If you leave during a block, the test center
staff will report that fact as an irregular incident. In
addition, the unauthorized break screen, described
in the examination tutorial, may appear on the monitor at your workstation during a testing block. As
explained in the tutorial, the unauthorized break
screen will appear after a defined period of inactivity
(no mouse click or key entry). Thirty seconds prior
to the unauthorized break, an inactivity timeout
warning will appear. If you do not click as instructed
on the warning screen, the unauthorized break screen
will appear after 30 seconds. You will then have to
enter your CIN in order to continue with the examination. Each time you leave the testing room, you
are required to sign out and sign in when you return.
You must present your identification each time you
sign in. Each block ends when its time expires or
when you exit from it.

If you start to test and elect not to complete the examination, the attempt may appear as an incomplete
examination on your USMLE transcript (see
Examination Results and Scoring for further details).
How Break Time Works
Your entire testing session is scheduled for a fixed
amount of time. The computer keeps track of your
overall time and the time allocated for each block of
the test. At the start of the testing session, you have a
total of 45 minutes of break time. This allotment of
time is used for authorized breaks between blocks and
is also used to make transitions between items and
blocks. Authorized breaks include any time taken
between test blocks whether you take a brief break at
your seat or you leave the testing room. If you complete the tutorial or other blocks of the test early, the
remaining time will be available as break time. It will
not be available to complete other blocks of the test.

The test session ends when you have started and exited
all sections or the total time for the test expires. You
will sign out as you leave the test center, hand in the
laminated writing surfaces, and receive a notice that
you appeared for the test. If your test is scheduled for
multiple days, your Scheduling Permit will be returned
to you for use at check-in on the following day(s).

As you progress through the blocks of the test, you

should monitor how many blocks are remaining and
how much break time is remaining. If you take too
much break time and exceed the allocated or accumulated break time, your time to complete the last
block(s) in the testing session will be reduced. You
should keep track of the number of blocks completed and the number remaining.

After you start taking an examination, you cannot

cancel or reschedule that examination unless a technical problem prevents you from completing your
examination. If you experience a computer problem
during the test, notify test center staff immediately.
The testing software is designed to allow the test to
restart at the point it was interrupted. In most cases,
your test can be restarted at the point of interruption
with no loss of testing time. However, it is possible

When section time runs out, you will not be able to

move to any new screens within that section. The
computer will close the section. After you complete
or run out of time for each block during the test, you
must respond when the computer asks you to indicate
whether you want to take a break or continue. After
the test blocks, you may be asked to complete an
additional block that contains survey questions about
your testing experience.
24

TESTING
 Once you enter the secure area of the test center
(beginning with the orientation), you may not
leave that area until the examination has been
completed. The examination lasts about 8 hours.
Two breaks are provided (one 30-minute
break and one 15-minute break). A light meal is
provided during the first break; however, you
may bring your own food (provided that no
refrigeration or preparation is required).

STEP 2 CS
The time you should arrive at the testing center is
listed on the confirmation notice you will print after
scheduling your appointment. If you arrive during the
on-site orientation, you may be allowed to test; however, you will be required to sign a Late Admission
Form. If you arrive after the on-site orientation, you
will not be allowed to test. You will have to reschedule your testing appointment and will be required to
pay the rescheduling fee. If you start to test and elect
not to complete the examination, the attempt may
appear as an incomplete examination on your
USMLE transcript.

 You may not discuss the cases with your fellow

examinees at any time, and conversation among
examinees in any language other than English is
prohibited at all times. Proctors will monitor all
examinee activity.

At the time of check-in, you will be required to

present your Scheduling Permit and unexpired
identification (see Admission to the Test, page 23).
You will be given a small storage cubicle in which
you must place personal belongings. These cubicles
are not secure, so do not bring valuables. In addition,
please note the following:

 Should you wish to file a concern regarding your

Step 2 CS testing experience, you may do so at
the test center on your test day. If you do not file
a report at the test center, you must notify NBME
Test Administration in writing within three weeks
of your testing date(s).

 You should bring your own stethoscope and

white laboratory coat; all other equipment is
provided at the center. (See page 21 for information on use of non-standard personal items.)

 The USMLE program retains the right to remove

any examinee from the examination who appears
to represent a health or safety risk to the
standardized patients or test center staff. This
includes, but is not limited to, examinees who
appear ill, are persistently coughing or sneezing,
have open skin lesions, or have evidence of
active bleeding. Examinees who are not feeling
well are encouraged to seek medical advice prior
to arrival at the center and, if consistent with
medical advice, should consider requesting a
change in the date of their examination.

 You should wear comfortable, professional

clothing.
 There are no waiting facilities for family and
friends at the center; plan to meet them
elsewhere after the examination ends.
 Test center staff (wearing name tags) will direct
you throughout the day, and their instructions
should be followed at all times.

Important Note: Visitors from medical testing

and academic organizations will on some occasions be observing an examination in progress.
They will be given no information regarding
examinee identity or performance and will
have no interaction with examinees.

 There will be an on-site orientation to

demonstrate the equipment available for you to
use in the examination rooms, as well as to
acquaint you with procedures and regulations.

25

SCORING AND SCORE REPORTING

If your Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3 examination is
incomplete, you may request that a score be calculated and reported, with all missed test items or cases
scored as incorrect. This score is likely to be lower
than the score you would have achieved had you
completed all sections of the examination. If you
receive notification that your examination resulted in
an incomplete attempt, contact the NBME in writing
no later than 45 days after the date the notification is
mailed to you if you would like further information
on having the score calculated and reported. If you
decide to request calculation and reporting of your
score, the score will appear on your USMLE transcript as though it were complete; it will remain the
permanent score for the examination administration.

EXAMINATION RESULTS AND SCORING

When you take Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3, the computer records your responses. After your test ends,
your responses are transmitted to the NBME for scoring. The number of test items you answer correctly is
converted to two equivalent scores, one on a threedigit score scale and one on a two-digit score scale.
Both scales are used for score-reporting purposes.
On the three-digit scale, most Step 1, 2 CK, or 3
scores fall between 140 and 260. The mean score for
first-time examinees from accredited medical school
programs in the United States is in the range of 200
to 220, and the standard deviation is approximately
20. Your score report will include the mean and standard deviation for recent administrations of the
examination. The two-digit score is derived from the
three-digit score. It is used in score reporting because
some medical licensing authorities have requirements
that include language describing a "passing score of
75." The two-digit score is derived in such a way that
a score of 75 always corresponds to the minimum
passing score.

For Step 2 CS, if you do not begin every case, your

performance may be assessed on those cases completed. If this assessment would result in a passing
outcome no matter how poorly you may have performed on the missed case(s), then a "pass" will be
reported. If this assessment would result in a failing
outcome no matter how good your performance on
the missed case(s), then a "fail" will be reported.
Otherwise, the attempt may be recorded as an
"incomplete examination."

For Step 2 CS, examinees are assessed on their datagathering and communication skills (including spoken English) by the standardized patient, and on their
ability to complete an appropriate patient note by
physician raters. Performance on Step 2 CS is reported as pass or fail, with no numerical score.

If it is determined that you took a Step for which you

were not eligible, results for that test may not be
reported or, if previously reported, may be revoked
(see pages 6 and 30).
Some examination materials are included in the
USMLE to enhance the examination system and to
investigate the measurement properties of the examinations. Such materials are not scored.

USMLE score reports and transcripts (described on

pages 2729) show your scores (for Step 1,
Step 2 CK, and Step 3) and an indication of whether
you passed or failed (for all examinations). The same
information is sent to medical licensing authorities
upon your authorization for their use in granting the
initial license to practice medicine.

Scoring for Multiple-Choice Items

Multiple-choice items are provided in blocks of
approximately 45 to 60 minutes (see page 12).
Blocks of items are constructed to meet specific content specifications. As a result, the combination of
blocks of items creates a form of the examination
that is comparable in content to all other forms. The
percentage of correctly answered items required to
pass varies from form to form. However, examinees
typically must answer 60 to 70 percent of items cor-

Except as otherwise specified below, to receive a score

on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, you must begin
every block of the test: If you do not begin every block,
no results are reported, and the "incomplete examination" attempt appears on your USMLE transcript. If
you register for but do not begin an examination, no
record of the test will appear on your transcript.

26

SCORING AND SCORE REPORTING

rectly to achieve a passing score.

OFFICIAL EXAMINEE SCORE REPORTS

Scoring for Primum CCS

For Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3, the official examinee score

report you receive after you take the examination
includes a pass/fail designation, numerical scores,
and graphical performance profiles summarizing
areas of strength and weakness to aid in self-assessment. These profiles are developed solely for your
benefit and will not be reported or verified to any
third party.

The CCS scoring process compares your patient

management strategy with policies obtained from
experts. Actions resembling a range of optimal strategies will produce a higher score. You must balance
thoroughness, efficiency, avoidance of risk, and timeliness in responding to the clinical situation.
Dangerous and unnecessary actions will detract from
your score.

Performance on Step 2 CS is reported as pass or fail.

Examinees who fail receive performance profiles,
which reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of
the examinee's performance across the subcomponents of Step 2 CS.

Scoring for Step 2 CS

Passing performances on all three subcomponents
(ICE, CIS, SEP) in a single administration are
required to obtain the overall designation of passing
on Step 2 CS.

Note: To avoid misinterpretation and protect your

privacy, scores or pass/fail outcomes are not provided by telephone, e-mail, or fax to anyone. You
should retain your official score report for your
records.

MINIMUM PASSING SCORES

The USMLE program provides a recommended pass
or fail outcome on all Step examinations.
Recommended performance standards for the USMLE
are based on a specified level of proficiency. As a
result, no predetermined percentage of examinees will
pass or fail the examination. The recommended minimum passing level is reviewed periodically and may
be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any
adjustments will be posted at the USMLE website.

Results for computer-based examinations (Steps 1, 2

CK, and 3) are typically available in time to mail your
report within three to four weeks after your test date.
However, delays are possible for various reasons. In
selecting your test date and inquiring about results,
you should allow at least eight weeks after your test
date to receive your score report.

Note: Visit the USMLE website at

http://www.usmle.org for up-to-date information.

Results for Step 2 CS are available according to the

Step 2 CS Schedule for Reporting Results, available
on the USMLE website.

A statistical procedure ensures that the performance

required to pass each test form is equivalent to that
needed to pass other forms; this process also places
scores from different forms on a common scale.

SCORE RECHECKS
For Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3, standard quality assurance
procedures ensure that the scores reported for you
accurately reflect the responses recorded by the computer. When a score recheck is received, your original response record is retrieved and rescored using a
system that is outside of the normal processing routine. The rechecked score is then compared with your
original score.

For Step 3, your performance on the case simulations will affect your Step 3 score and could affect
whether you pass or fail. The proportional contribution of the score on the case simulations is no
greater than the amount of time you are allowed for
the case simulations.

For Step 2 CS, score rechecks first involve retrieval of

27

SCORING AND SCORE REPORTING

of application, and graduates.

the ratings you received from the standardized patients

and from the physician note raters. These values are
then re-summed and re-converted into final scores in
order to confirm that the reported pass/fail outcome
was accurate. There is no re-rating of your encounters
or of your patient notes; videos of encounters are not
reviewed. Videos are used for general quality control
and for training purposes and are retained only for a
limited period of time.

If you are a student or graduate of an LCME- or

AOA-accredited medical school program and you do
not want your Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 2 CS results
reported to your medical school, you must send a
signed request to the NBME. Your request must be
postmarked or faxed at least two weeks before your
scheduled test date. If you make this request, the
score information provided to the medical school will
list your name and the notation "record withheld at
the request of the examinee." If you want your scores
reported to your medical school subsequently, you
must submit a signed request and pay the required
fee (see below).

Patient notes are carefully reviewed, in some instances

by multiple physicians, before scores are released. As
part of the quality control procedures for initial scoring, examinees who fail Step 2 CS solely on the basis
of the Integrated Clinical Encounter subcomponent
and who are performing at a level that is near the minimum passing point, have their patient notes rated by
multiple physician note raters. Therefore, patient notes
are not reviewed again when a recheck is requested.

If you are a graduate of an LCME- or AOA-accredited

medical school program, you must indicate on your
Step 3 application your preference for reporting your
Step 3 score to the school from which you graduated.

For all Steps and Step Components, a change in your

score or in your pass/fail outcome based on a recheck
is an extremely remote possibility. However, a
recheck will be done if you submit a written request
and service fee to the entity that registered you for
the examination. Your request must be received by
your registration entity no later than 90 days after
your result was released.

OFFICIAL USMLE TRANSCRIPTS AND

PROVIDING SCORES TO THIRD PARTIES
If you want to send your USMLE scores to a third party,
you must submit a request and pay a fee. Your scores
will be provided in the form of a USMLE transcript.
Examination data (including performance information and recorded patient encounters) from USMLE
examinations may be used by the USMLE program
or made available to third parties for research. In
such instances, the data will be confidential, and individual examinees will not be identified in any publication. If you do not wish your score to be made
available for research purposes, you must advise the
USMLE Secretariat in writing (see page 33).

SCORE REPORTING
After taking Step 1, 2 CK, or Step 3, you should
allow at least eight weeks after your test date to
receive your score report. For Step 2 CS results, you
should refer to the Step 2 CS Schedule for Reporting
Results (www.usmle.org). If you do not receive your
original score report or you receive a damaged score
report, a request for a duplicate score report will be
honored up to 90 days after your score report release
date. You must make your request to the entity that
registered you for the test. If more than 90 days have
passed since your score report release date, scores
will be reported to you only in the form of a USMLE
transcript after you submit a signed request and pay
the required fee.

Except as described in this bulletin, USMLE results

will not be reported to you or third parties without
your request and payment of the transcript fee.
Your USMLE transcript includes the following:
 your name and other personal identification
information including your date of birth;

The NBME reports the results of the USMLE to

LCME- and AOA-accredited medical school programs for their students, who are enrolled at the time

 your complete results history of all Steps and

Step Components that you took;
28

SCORING AND SCORE REPORTING

 your history of any examinations for which no
results were reported;

To obtain your USMLE transcript or have it sent to a

third party, you must contact the ECFMG, FSMB, or
NBME. Which entity you contact depends on which
examinations you have taken and where you want
your transcript sent. Contact the FSMB if you want
your transcript sent to a medical licensing authority
at any time. If you have not registered for or taken
Step 3 and want your transcript sent to anyone other
than a medical licensing authority, the request should
be sent to the last entity that registered you.

 indication of whether you have previously taken

the former NBME Parts I, II, or III, Federation
Licensing Examination (FLEX), or ECFMG
Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA);
 annotation(s) if you were provided with test
accommodations (see page 15);
 annotation(s) and information documenting
classification of any scores as indeterminate
(see page 30);

ELECTRONIC RESIDENCY APPLICATION

SERVICE (ERAS)
If you use ERAS, you may request electronic transmittal
of your USMLE transcript to residency programs that
participate in ERAS. Information on ERAS is available
for students and graduates of LCME- and AOA-accredited medical school programs from the medical schools,
and for students and graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada from the ECFMG.
The Association of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC) and ECFMG websites also include information
on ERAS and/or links to the ERAS website.

 annotation(s) and information documenting

any irregular behavior (see pages 3031); and
 notation(s) of any actions taken against you by
medical licensing authorities or other
credentialing entities that have been reported
to the FSMB Board Action Databank.

Note: Graphical performance profiles, which are

included on your original Step 1, Step 2 CK,
Step 2 CS (failing examinees only), and Step 3
score reports, are not included in your USMLE
transcript.

Visit these websites for information on ERAS:

http://www.aamc.org
http://www.ecfmg.org

Requesting USMLE Transcripts

Step(s)/Component(s) Taken

Recipient of Transcript

Contact
(see page 32)

One or more USMLE Steps

Medical licensing authority

FSMB

All three USMLE Steps; or

Step 1 and Step 2 CK and CS (if
required), only when registered
for or after taking Step 3

Any recipient

FSMB

Step 1 and/or Step 2 CK and/or

CS only, registered by ECFMG

ECFMG
Any recipient other than a medical
licensing authority

Step 1 and/or Step 2 CK and/or

CS only, registered by NBME

NBME

29

INDETERMINATE SCORES AND IRREGULAR BEHAVIOR

Scores describes the circumstances in which information about the indeterminate classification will be
provided to entities that receive or have received
your USMLE transcript.

VALIDITY OF SCORES
The USMLE program assures the validity of scores
reported for USMLE examinations by every means
available. Your scores may be classified as indeterminate if the scores are at or above the passing level
and the USMLE program cannot certify that they
represent a valid measure of your knowledge or competence as sampled by the examination. The USMLE
program may make such a determination when aberrancies in performance are detected for which there is
no reasonable and satisfactory explanation. A classification of indeterminate may result from irregular
behavior (see following section) or from other factors, such as unexplained inconsistency in performance within a Step or Step Component or between
takes of the same Step or Step Component.

If irregular behavior appears to have contributed to a

decision that your scores are indeterminate, action
will also be taken as described below.
IRREGULAR BEHAVIOR
Irregular behavior includes any action by applicants,
examinees, potential applicants, or others when
solicited by an applicant and/or examinee that subverts or attempts to subvert the examination process.
If you have information or evidence indicating that
any type of irregular behavior or any infringement of
legal rights has occurred, you should submit a written
report to or telephone the USMLE Secretariat (see
page 33) or the registration entity (see page 32).

The performance of all examinees is monitored and

may be analyzed statistically to detect aberrancies
indicating that your scores may be indeterminate. In
addition, evidence of irregular behavior may suggest
that your scores do not represent a valid measure of
your knowledge or competence as sampled by the
examination. In these circumstances, your score
report may be delayed, pending completion of further
analysis and investigation. If your score report is
delayed, you and any other party to whom scores
would normally be reported will be notified. You will
be provided with a copy of the USMLE Policies and
Procedures Regarding Indeterminate Scores, which
describes the process for reaching final decisions.
You will have an opportunity to provide information
that you consider relevant.

Specific examples of irregular behavior include, but

are not limited to, the following:
 seeking and/or obtaining unauthorized access to
examination materials;
 providing false information or making false
statements on application forms, Scheduling
Permits, or other USMLE-related documents;
 taking an examination without being eligible for
it or attempting to do so;
 impersonating an examinee or engaging someone
else to take the examination for you;

After review and analysis of all available information, scores will be classified as valid and will be
reported, or scores will be classified as indeterminate.
If the scores are classified as indeterminate, you will
be advised of the options for retaking the examination. Scores classified as indeterminate do not appear
on your transcript; rather, an annotation indicates that
the scores were classified as indeterminate. Scores
classified as indeterminate will not be reported to
anyone. Anyone who has received a report of scores
that are later classified as indeterminate will be notified of the indeterminate classification. The USMLE
Policies and Procedures Regarding Indeterminate

 giving, receiving, or obtaining unauthorized

assistance during the examination or attempting
to do so;
 making notes of any kind during an examination
except on the writing materials provided at the
test center for this purpose;

30

INDETERMINATE SCORES AND IRREGULAR BEHAVIOR

 failing to adhere to any USMLE policy,
procedure, or rule, including instructions of
the test center staff;

If information received suggests that irregular behavior has occurred, statistical analyses may be conducted and additional information may be gathered.

 disruptive or unprofessional behavior at a test

center;

You will be advised of the alleged irregular behavior,

and you will have an opportunity to provide information that you consider relevant to the evaluation of
the allegation. Your scores may be withheld, if they
have not been reported previously. Applications may
not be processed, and you may not be permitted to
take subsequent examinations until a final decision
regarding irregular behavior is made. You will be
provided with a copy of the USMLE Policies and
Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior, which
describes in detail the process for reaching final decisions regarding irregular behavior. If the evidence
suggests that the alleged irregular behavior affects
score validity, the score will also be reviewed as
described on page 30.

 possessing any unauthorized materials, including

photographic equipment, or communication or
recording devices, including electronic paging
devices and cellular telephones, in the secure
testing areas;
 altering or misrepresenting examination scores;
 any unauthorized reproduction by any means,
including reconstruction through memorization,
and/or dissemination of copyrighted examination
materials by any means, including the Internet;
and

If it is determined that you engaged in irregular

behavior, information regarding this determination
becomes part of your USMLE record. Your score
report (if applicable) and USMLE transcript will contain a notation regarding the irregular behavior.

 providing or attempting to provide any information, including that relating to examination

content or answers, that may give or attempt to
give unfair advantage to individuals who may
be taking the examination.

Information about the irregular behavior will be provided to third parties that receive or have received
your USMLE transcript. Such information may also
be provided to other legitimately interested entities. If
it is determined that the irregular behavior is egregious and/or threatens the integrity of the examination system, you may be barred from future USMLE
examinations and/or special administrative procedures may be implemented for your future examinations. The USMLE program also reserves the right to
take such actions when information regarding behavior of examinees on predecessor examinations indicates such actions may be necessary to ensure the
security of the USMLE.

NOTE: Looking in the direction of another

examinee's computer monitor or talking to another examinee during the examination may be
reported as evidence of giving, receiving, or
obtaining unauthorized assistance. The report
may result in a determination of irregular behavior. Discussion of examination content or answers
on the Internet may also result in a determination
of irregular behavior.
NOTE: Behaviors that could constitute a real or
potential threat to a standardized patients safety,
such as careless or dangerous actions during
physical examination, may result in a determination of irregular behavior and annotation of your
USMLE record.

31

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

Examination

Type of Applicant

Registration Entity to Contact

Step 1
or
Step 2
(CK or CS)

Students and graduates of medical

school programs in the United States and
Canada accredited by the Liaison
Committee on Medical Education
or students and graduates of medical
schools in the United States and Canada
accredited by the American Osteopathic
Association

NBME
Examinee Support Services
3750 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3190
Website: http://www.nbme.org
Telephone: (215) 590-9700
Fax: (215) 590-9457
E-mail: [email protected]

Step 1
or
Step 2
(CK or CS)

Students and graduates of medical

schools outside the United States
and Canada

ECFMG
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
Website: http://www.ecfmg.org
Telephone: (215) 386-5900
Fax: (215) 386-9196
E-mail: [email protected]

All medical school graduates who have

passed Step 1 and Step 2

FSMB
Department of Examination Services
PO Box 619850
Dallas, TX 75261-9850
Website: http://www.fsmb.org
Telephone: (817) 868-4041
Fax: (817) 868-4098
E-mail: [email protected]
or
Medical licensing authority
(see pages 3338)

Step 3

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

INQUIRIES

http://www.usmle.org

You must contact the appropriate registration entity

(see above) for the following:

Visit the USMLE website for

up-to-date information.

 information on how to apply for the USMLE,

 application materials,
 information on the status of your application or
Scheduling Permit.

32

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

enced. Your report will be thoroughly investigated
and evaluated. You will receive written notification
of the results of the investigation. If you have questions, you may call (215) 590-9700 and press 4.

SCHEDULING AND TEST CENTER INQUIRIES

For Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3, your Scheduling Permit
includes instructions on how to contact Prometric to
schedule your appointment to test. Inquiries about
your appointment, such as a request to reschedule an
appointment within your eligibility period, must be
directed to Prometric. For current information on the
locations of Prometric Test Centers, visit the
Prometric website.

Important Note: Written notification of problems experienced during administration of Step 2

CS must be received by NBME Test
Administration within three weeks of your testing
date.

After you receive your Scheduling Permit, you can

contact Prometric directly, as instructed on the
Permit, for current information on a particular
test center.

GENERAL INQUIRIES
Complete information on the USMLE is available at
the USMLE website. General inquiries regarding the
USMLE or inquiries for the USMLE Secretariat may
be directed to the NBME (see page 32) or the
USMLE Secretariat:

http://www.prometric.com
Use the Prometric Test Center Locator for
up-to-date information on the locations
of Prometric Test Centers.

USMLE Secretariat
3750 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3190
Telephone: (215) 590-9700

To schedule an appointment for Step 2 CS, follow the

instructions provided on your Scheduling Permit. For
test center availability and to schedule or reschedule
an appointment, access Step 2 CS Scheduling
through the website of your registration entity.

STEP 3 AND MEDICAL LICENSURE

INQUIRIES
Inquiries for Step 3 applications and general questions on medical licensure may be directed to the
FSMB. Specific inquiries regarding licensure may be
directed to the following medical licensing authorities or their representatives at the telephone numbers
listed below.

If you receive a Scheduling Permit but experience a

problem that testing center staff are unable to resolve
in scheduling your appointment or in administering
your test on the testing day, you may contact your
registration entity (see page 32).
TEST ADMINISTRATION
PROBLEMS/INQUIRIES

Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners

PO Box 946
Montgomery, AL 36101-0946
(334) 242-4116 or (800) 227-2206

If you wish to report a problem experienced during

the administration of the examination that test center
staff were unable to resolve to your satisfaction, you
may forward a written description of your experience
to the NBME (attention: Test Administration; see
page 32), by mail, e-mail, or fax. Your correspondence should also include your name, your USMLE
ID number, the examination name (Step 1, 2 CK, 2
CS, or 3), date of administration, test center ___location,
and a detailed description of the difficulty experi-

Alaska State Medical Board

550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269-8163
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

33

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

District of Columbia Board of Medicine
825 Capital Street, NE, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 724-4900

Arizona Board of Medical Examiners

9545 E Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-5514
(480) 551-2700
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041
Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners
in Medicine and Surgery
9535 E Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-5539
(480) 657-7703

Florida Board of Medicine

4052 Bald Cypress Way
BIN #C03
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3253
(850) 245-4131
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Arkansas State Medical Board

2100 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202-1793
(501) 296-1802
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine

4052 Bald Cypress Way
BIN #C06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1753
(850) 245-4161

Medical Board of California

1426 Howe Avenue, Suite 54
Sacramento, CA 95825-3236
Licensure inquiries: (916) 263-2389
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Georgia Composite State Board

of Medical Examiners
2 Peachtree Street, NW, 36th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 656-3913
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Osteopathic Medical Board of California

2720 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 350
Sacramento, CA 95833-3500
(916) 263-3100

Guam Board of Medical Examiners

Health Professions Licensing
651 Legacy Square Commercial Complex
South Route 10, Suite 9
Margilao, GU 96913
(671) 735-7406

Colorado Board of Medical Examiners

1560 Broadway, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202-5140
(303) 894-7690
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Hawaii Board of Medical Examiners

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
PO Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-3000
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Physician Licensure Department
410 Capitol Avenue
PO Box 340308 MS 13 PHO
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
(860) 509-7648
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Idaho State Board of Medicine

1755 Westgate Drive #140
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 327-7000
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Delaware Board of Medical Practice

Cannon Building, Suite 203
861 Silverlake Boulevard
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 744-4520
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Illinois Department of Professional Regulation

320 W. Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
(312) 814-4500
34

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

Indiana Health Professions Bureau
402 W Washington Street, Room W066
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2960
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine

560 Harrison Avenue, Suite G4
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 654-9800
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Iowa State Board of Medical Examiners

400 SW 8th Street, Suite C
Des Moines, IA 50309-4686
(515) 242-3268
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Michigan Board of Medicine

PO Box 30670
611 W. Ottawa, 4th Floor
Lansing, MI 48909-8170
(517) 335-0918
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Kansas Board of Healing Arts

235 S Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66603-3068
(785) 296-7413
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

PO Box 30670
611 W. Ottawa, 1st Floor
Lansing, MI 48909-8170
(517) 335-0918

Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure

Hurstbourne Office Park
310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 1B
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 429-7150
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Minnesota Board of Medical Practice

2829 University Avenue, SE, Suite 500
Minneapolis, MN 55414-3246
(612) 617-2130
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

630 Camp Street
New Orleans, LA 70190-0250
(504) 524-6763
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure

1867 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite 200B
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-3079
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine

137 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0137
(207) 287-3601
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Missouri State Board of Registration

for the Healing Arts
3605 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 751-0098

Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure

161 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0142
(207) 287-2480

Montana Board of Medical Examiners

PO Box 200513
301 S Park Avenue, 4th Floor
Helena, MT 59620-0513
(406) 841-2361
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance

PO Box 2571
4201 Patterson Avenue, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21215-0095
(410) 764-4777 or (800) 492-6836
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041
35

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

North Carolina Medical Board
PO Box 20007
Raleigh, NC 27619
(919) 326-1100
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Nebraska Health and Human Services System

PO Box 94986
301 Centennial Mall, S
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
(402) 471-2118
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041
Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners
1105 Terminal Way #301
Reno, NV 89510
(775) 688-2559
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners

City Center Plaza
418 E Broadway, Suite 12
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 328-6500
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine

2860 E Flamingo Road, Suite D
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(702) 732-2147
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Northern Mariana Islands

Medical Profession Licensing Board
PO Box 501458, CK
Saipan, MP 96950
(670) 664-4811

New Hampshire Board of Medicine

2 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 8
Concord, NH 03301-8520
(603) 271-1203 or (800) 780-4757
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

State Medical Board of Ohio

77 S High Street, 17th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6127
(614) 466-3934 or (800) 554-7717
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners

PO Box 183
140 E Front Street, 2nd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625-0183
(609) 826-7100
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Oklahoma Board of Osteopathic Examiners

4848 N Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3321
(405) 528-8625 or (800) 381-4519
Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure
and Supervision
PO Box 18256
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 848-6841
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

New Mexico Board of Osteopathic

Medical Examiners
2550 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501-5101
(505) 476-4695

Oregon Board of Medical Examiners

1500 SW First Avenue, Suite 620 Crown Plaza
Portland, OR 97201-5826
(971) 673-2700
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

New Mexico Medical Board

2055 S. Pacheco, Bldg. 400
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-7220
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine

PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-7769
(717) 787-2381
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

New York State Board for Medicine

89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, West Wing
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3817
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041
36

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
PO Box 2018
Austin, TX 78768-2018
(512) 305-7010
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine

PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-7769
(717) 783-4858
Puerto Rico Board of Medical Examiners
PO Box 13969
San Juan, PR 00908
(787) 782-8937

Utah Physicians Licensing Board

Herber Wells Building
4th Floor, 160 E 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 530-6628
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure

and Discipline
Department of Health
Cannon Building, Room 205
Three Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097
(401) 222-3855
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Utah Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons Licensing

Board
160 E. 300 South, Herber Wells Bldg, 4th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 530-6628
Vermont Board of Medical Practice
108 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05402-0070
(802) 657-4220
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners

Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
110 Centerview Drive, Suite 202
Columbia, SC 29210-1289
(803) 896-4500
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Vermont Board of Osteopathic Physicians and

Surgeons
26 Terrace Street, Drawer 09
Montpelier, VT 05609-1106
(802) 828-2373 or (800) 439-8683

South Dakota State Board of Medical

and Osteopathic Examiners
123 S. Main Avenue, Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-7781
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Virginia Board of Medicine

6603 W Broad Street, 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
(804) 662-9908
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners

227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-3202
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Virgin Islands Board of Medical Examiners

Virgin Islands Department of Health
48 Sugar Estate, 2nd Floor
St. Thomas, VI 00802
(340) 774-0117

Tennessee Board of Osteopathic Examiners

227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-3202

37

COMMUNICATING ABOUT USMLE

West Virginia Board of Osteopathy
334 Penco Road
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 723-4638

Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission

310 Israel Road, SE
MS 47866
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 236-4788
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Wisconsin Medical Examining Board

Department of Regulation and Licensing
1400 E Washington Avenue, Room 178
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-2112

Washington State Board of Osteopathic

Medicine and Surgery
Department of Health
PO Box 47860
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 236-4943
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

Wyoming Board of Medicine

Colony Building, 2nd Floor
211 W 19th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 778-7053
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

West Virginia Board of Medicine

101 Dee Drive
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-2921
Step 3 inquiries: call FSMB at (817) 868-4041

38