Step 3 Application

Important Information for Step 3 Applicants 

CRITICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS; and
• Possess an MD, DO or equivalent degree (for recent graduates, apply only after the date of graduation on your diploma; otherwise your application will be cancelled and a portion of your fees will be forfeited); and
• If a graduate of a medical school outside of the US or Canada, obtain ECFMG certification (apply only after the issue date on your ECFMG certificate; otherwise your application will be cancelled and a portion of your fees will be forfeited); and
• All examinees are limited to six (6) total attempts; and
• All examinees are limited to three attempts within a 12-month period; and
• 4th and subsequent attempts must be at least 12 months after your first attempt and at least six months after your most recent attempt.

APPLYING FOR STEP 3

APPLICATION:
Apply for Step 3 via the Apply for Step 3 via the USMLE link in the FSMB physician portal. If you are a new user, you will be required to create an account in order to access the application. If you are a returning user and have forgotten your password, the best option is to create a new account rather than using the “forgot your password?” option. (There is no limit on the number of “accounts” you can create, & we are unable to view or reset your username or password). Your registration will be completed within 3-5 business days after we 1) receive your online application (with fees) and CID and 2) verify you meet all eligibility requirements. A certification of identity form (CID) is required for all applications unless an approved CID is already on file with FSMB and is not more than 5 years old.  

Communication about the status of your Step 3 registration does not begin until your online application has been submitted. 

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) and approval, scheduling permit availability and score report release. Non-receipt of emails will not be accepted to request eligibility extensions, partial refunds or transcripts of scores for the Step 3.  

BULLETIN OF INFORMATION:
By submitting a Step 3 application, you certify that you have read the Bulletin of Information, are familiar with its contents, and agree to abide by the policies and procedures described therein. 

FEES:
The Step 3 fee is 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. 

STEP 3 CANDIDATE WEBSITE:
Use the Step 3 Candidate Website to monitor the status of your Step 3 application, check the availability of your scheduling permit and score report, and schedule your exam. 

CHANGING YOUR ELIGIBILITY PERIOD:
We 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).  

CANCELLING YOUR APPLICATION:
To cancel your application, you must send a written (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, you will receive a partial refund of your application fee (minus a $100 processing fee). 

TEST ACCOMMODATIONS:
Requests for test accommodations must be made in writing at the time the Step 3 application is submitted.   

Test accommodations for all USMLE Steps are handled by NBME’s Office of Disability Services. Please visit the Test Accommodations page on the USMLE website for more information and to request accommodations. 

SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM:
You must have or be able to access your scheduling permit on your testing dates in order to be able to test. If your name on your permit is not correct or does not match the identification form you plan to take to the test center, contact us immediately at (817) 868-4041 or usmle@fsmb.org. You will not be allowed to test if the names do no match exactly. 

You must have your scheduling permit before you contact Prometric to schedule your test dates.  

IF YOUR TEST CENTER CLOSES ON YOUR TEST DATE(S): 
If your test center is closed due to inclement weather or other issues and you are not able to test, you must do the following: 

• 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 email should include: 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.  

QUESTIONS? NEED ASSISTANCE?  
Please call us at (817) 868-4041 between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday, or email us at usmle@fsmb.org.