Frequently Asked Questions
When is Step 3 offered?
keyboard_arrow_downYear-round, except during the first two weeks of January and on major U.S. holidays.
Step 3 is offered in the United States only.
The busiest testing times in the Prometric testing network in the U.S. are May through July and November through December.
Test dates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The USMLE program cannot guarantee the availability of test centers. Therefore, you should contact Prometric to schedule as soon as possible after receiving your scheduling permit.
You should schedule your test dates early in your eligibility period to provide flexibility in case you need to reschedule.
What is the Step 3 fee?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Step 3 application fee is $875 for eligibility periods ending in 2019.
The Step 3 fee will be $895 for eligibility periods ending in 2020. (Please note that 2020 eligibility periods will not be available until September 2019.)
You are allowed only one attempt within your chosen eligibility period.
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable from one eligibility period to another or from one application to another.
Fees must be paid via American Express, MasterCard or Visa.
Can I apply for Step 3 before medical school graduation?
keyboard_arrow_downNo.
As part of the USMLE requirements to take the Step 3, you can apply only after the date of graduation on your medical school diploma. For recent U.S. medical school graduates, it can take up to 12 weeks to verify degrees before approval for Step 3. If you submit a Step 3 application prior to graduation from medical school, your application will be cancelled, and a portion of your fees forfeited.
Can I apply before my Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate is issued?
keyboard_arrow_downNo.
As part of the USMLE requirements to take the Step 3, you can apply only after the issue date of your ECFMG certificate. If you submit a Step 3 application prior to the issue date of your ECFMG certificate, your application will be cancelled, and a portion of your fees forfeited.
Can I choose my Step 3 eligibility period?
keyboard_arrow_downYes.
When you apply for Step 3 you must select a three-month eligibility period in which to take Step 3, such as April – June or September – November. A scheduling permit with instructions for making appointments at a Prometric Test Center for both examination days will be issued to you after we process your application and verify your eligibility.
Please note that scheduling permits are not available more than 6 months prior to the start of your eligibility period. You can schedule and take your two testing days on consecutive or non-consecutive days. However, Step 3 Day 1 must be taken first, followed by Step 3 Day 2. Your exam days may be no more than 14 calendar days apart, and you must schedule both test dates with Prometric at the same time and at the same center.
Prometric will not allow you to schedule your examination dates more than six months in advance of the start of your chosen eligibility period.
Can I change my chosen eligibility period after my Step 3 application has been submitted?
keyboard_arrow_downWe cannot change your chosen eligibility period after your application has been submitted.
To obtain a different eligibility period, you will need to:
For an earlier eligibility period: You must cancel your application and submit a new application and fee. If your application has already been approved, you will forfeit your entire application fee. If your application has not been approved, you will receive a partial refund of your application fee (we will refund your fee, minus a $100 processing charge).
For a later eligibility period: You can either 1) submit a request for an eligibility extension, which must be submitted no later than 25 days after the end of your chosen eligibility period and will begin immediately following the end of your eligibility period, or 2) cancel your application and submit a new application and fee. Instructions for submitting an eligibility extension are available here. If you choose to cancel your application, please keep in mind that if your application has already been approved, you will forfeit your entire application fee. If your application has not been approved, you will receive a partial refund of your application fee (we will refund your fee, minus a $100 processing charge).
Do I have to submit a new Certification of Identity (CID) Form each time I apply for USMLE Step 3?
keyboard_arrow_downNo.
The Step 3 CID form containing your notarized signature and photograph is valid for 5 years from the date of your signature. Once your Step 3 CID is on file with FSMB and it qualified you to sit for Step 3, it is not necessary to submit another CID if you must reapply.
Please note that submission of the CID does not constitute an application for Step 3. You must complete and submit the online application and fees each time you need to apply.
How can I monitor the status of my Step 3 application?
keyboard_arrow_downVia the Step 3 Candidate Website,
Call us at 817-868-4041 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time), or
Email us at usmle@fsmb.org
It is your responsibility to know the status of your application at all stages.
Can I reschedule my appointment for Step 3?
keyboard_arrow_downYes, but you may incur a change fee from Prometric.
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 cancel and reschedule. A fee may be charged if you change your appointment, depending upon how much notice you provide when making the change. See the appointment change fee information posted on the USMLE website for detailed information.
Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your chosen eligibility period. Please note that you can schedule and take your two testing days on consecutive or non-consecutive days. However, Step 3 Day 1 must be taken first, followed by Step 3 Day 2. Your exam days may be no more than 14 calendar days apart, and you must schedule both test dates with Prometric at the same time and at the same center.
Does it matter where I take the Step 3 exam?
keyboard_arrow_downNo.
You can take the exam at any Prometric test center in the United States or its territories. You can schedule and take your two testing days on consecutive or non-consecutive days. However, Step 3 Day 1 must be taken first, followed by Step 3 Day 2. Your exam days may be no more than 14 calendar days apart, and you must schedule both test dates with Prometric at the same time and at the same center.
Can I extend my chosen eligibility period?
keyboard_arrow_downYes.
If you are unable to take the test within your eligibility period, a one-time contiguous 3-month extension to your eligibility period is possible. (Note: "Contiguous" means that the start date of the eligibility extension immediately follows the end date of your eligibility period.) Your request can only be submitted after your original scheduling permit is available and must be received no later than 25 days after the end of your original eligibility period. There is a $70 non-refundable processing fee for an extension. See the Eligibility Extension instructions found here.
Can I cancel my application?
keyboard_arrow_downYes, but you will lose all or part of your fees.
To cancel your application, you must send an email request to usmle@fsmb.org.
If you cancel your application after it has been approved, you will forfeit your entire application fee.
If you cancel your application before it has been approved, your fees will be refunded minus a $100 processing fee.
How can I obtain sample questions or study materials for the USMLE Step 3?
keyboard_arrow_downFree software resembling the actual test delivery system is available on the USMLE website.
It is important and recommended that you practice with the software before testing. It is important to take advantage of this opportunity prior to the exam, as practice time cannot be accommodated on the test day.
The USMLE program is not affiliated with any external study programs.
What if I lose my scheduling permit?
keyboard_arrow_downYou can print another copy of your permit by going to the Step 3 Candidate Website.
It is recommended that you print a copy of your scheduling permit before your test date and keep it handy, in case you have any technical problems with the Candidate website on your testing day(s).
What do I do if I have a problem at the test center while testing?
keyboard_arrow_downNotify test center staff immediately. Send us an email if the issue is not resolved.
If you experience a computer problem or any other 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 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 via email to test administration staff at testadmin@nbme.org and to the FSMB at usmle@fsmb.org within two weeks of your test date. Include your scheduled testing dates, where you tested, and your USMLE ID number. Your problem will be thoroughly investigated, and if necessary, arrangements will be made to allow you to test at a later date.
What if my test is canceled due to inclement weather or other issues?
keyboard_arrow_downIf your test center is closed and you are not able to test, you must send an email with your full name, USMLE ID, test center location, brief summary of the issue (e.g., center closed due to inclement weather) and the ticket number from Prometric, if provided, as follows:
If you have not opened the exam, at all (i.e., not yet taken Day 1), send an email to FSMB at usmle@fsmb.org.
If you have opened any part of the exam (i.e., started or completed Day 1), send an email to USMLE Test Admin at testadmin@nbme.org.
The test center closure will be verified directly with Prometric. This takes several business days. Once the closure is verified, you will be contacted via email with detailed information for rescheduling your test date(s). An extension of your eligibility period can be provided, if needed, to allow you time to reschedule.
How soon will my score be released?
keyboard_arrow_downScores are typically released within three to four weeks of taking your Day 2. However, there are some circumstances that could cause a delay in a score release.
Scores are released each Wednesday.
If you do not receive an email regarding your score report within 8 weeks of your last test day, you should check the Step 3 Candidate Website or contact the FSMB at (817) 868-4041 or usmle@fsmb.org to determine the status of your score report.
A single score and a single pass/fail outcome will be reported following completion of both examination days.
How will I be notified when my score has been released?
keyboard_arrow_downVia email.
When your score is available, the FSMB will send an email to the email address you provided on your application. Follow the instructions in the email for accessing your USMLE score report from the Step 3 Candidate Website.
How do I access my score report?
keyboard_arrow_downLog into the Step 3 Candidate Website.
Once logged in you will be able to view, download, and print your score report. If you do not receive an email regarding your score report within 8 weeks of your last test day, you should check the Step 3 Candidate Website or contact us at (817) 868-4041 or usmle@fsmb.org to determine the status of your score report.
Your score report will remain available for 365 days (until midnight, Eastern time zone) from the date of your email notification. After 365 days, the score report is removed from the website, and your scores will be provided to you only in the form of an official USMLE transcript with applicable fee. The graphical performance profiles included on your original score report are not included on USMLE transcripts.
Can I request for a recheck of my Step 3 scores and, if so, how?
keyboard_arrow_downYes.
Standard procedures ensure that the scores reported for each examinee are an accurate reflection of the responses recorded by the computer, and a change in score based on a recheck is an extremely remote possibility. If you wish to proceed with a recheck, you must submit a Score Recheck Request and the $80 fee. Your request must be received no more than 90 days after your score report release date.
In a recheck, staff will take an examinee's computer record and, using an independent scoring system, check to verify that the originally reported score is accurate. The recheck is not processed manually and it is not a reassessment of the correctness of your answers.
Score rechecks can take up to four weeks to complete.
How do I notify USMLE of a change/correction to my name, address or phone number?
keyboard_arrow_downAll requests for a change of name must be submitted using the Name Change/Correction Authorization form. Address, phone, and email changes must be made through the Step 3 Candidate Website.
For a name change, you must include both:
Evidence that substantiates the name change/correction (e.g., copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) AND
Evidence to demonstrate that the new name is being used consistently. (e.g., copy of a non-expired, government issued form of identification bearing the new name, signature, and photograph).
The form and supporting documents must be provided via email, mail or fax.
Why do I need to provide an email address?
keyboard_arrow_downIt is how we notify you of the status of your application, scheduling permit, and scores.
An email address must be provided on your Step 3 application because it will be used to notify you of your Step 3 application processing status (e.g., incomplete documents), approval, scheduling permit availability, and score report release.
Please make sure that you allow emails from usmle@fsmb.org to be received by your email address. Examinees that provide email addresses ending in an .edu and some free accounts will either reject the email notifications all together or will send the email to your spam or junk email folders.
Non-receipt of emails will not be accepted to request free eligibility extensions, refunds of your application fees, or free transcripts of your USMLE scores.
I have seen FCVS mentioned. What is FCVS?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) is a uniform process for state medical boards to obtain a primary source verified record of a physician's core medical credentials. FCVS obtains primary source verification of medical education, postgraduate training, examination history, board action history, board certification and identity. This repository of information allows physicians and physician assistants to establish a confidential, lifetime professional portfolio with FCVS that can be forwarded, at the physician's request, to any state medical board that has established an agreement with FCVS, as well as to any hospital, health care organization or other entity. [More on FCVS]