Only the Candidates who have cleared the Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS test can appear for the Step 3.

The candidate must have a degree equivalent to Canadian or US MD degree from a medical school that is listed in World Directory of Medical Schools. Candidates can check if their university or college is listed in World Directory of Medical Students or not on WDOMS website.

Candidates should hold Fifth Pathway Certificate issued through 31-12-2009.

ECFMG certification is not accepted for the students who do not have Fifth Pathway Certificate.

There are no fixed USMLE dates to appear for USMLE test 3 exam. It is a two-day examination. Candidates can choose a three-month eligibility period to appear for the test. The Step 3 examination can only be taken in USA. Therefore, candidates from outside USA will have to travel to the US for USMLE Step 3.

The three-month eligibility period is available for USMLE test dates all around the year. However, a candidate cannot get USMLE Step 3 scheduling before six month to the examination. The eligibility period cannot be chosen for first week of January and major holidays. Seats will be allotted as first come first serve basis.

Given below are the details of the different competencies and the weightage they hold for USMLE Step 3 exam.

The Step 3 is an assessment of candidate’s ability to practice medicine without any supervision. The medical license will be provided only after the candidate clears USMLE Step 3 exam.

Step 3 examination is a two-day examination, divided into two subcategories:

1. Foundations of Independent Practice
2. Advanced Clinical Medicine

USMLE Step 3 Day 1: Foundation of Independent Practice (FIP)

• Along with diagnosis and diagnostic studies, the first day of USMLE Step 3 test is an assessment of candidate’s knowledge of basic medical principles for effective healthcare. It also assesses the knowledge of patient history and physical examination.
• The examination duration for Day 1 is 7 Hours. The day is divided into 6 blocks. Each block will have 38 to 40 items respectively. The total number of USMLE Step 3 questions for the first day will be maximum of 260.

USMLE Step 3 Day 2: Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACP)

Day 2 of USMLE Step 3 exam is an assessment of candidate’s ability in application of knowledge for manifestation of disease and patient management. Along with that, it also assesses various aspects such as health maintenance and screening, therapeutics, diagnosis and prognosis, and medical decision making.

The examination duration for Day 2 is 9 hours. The day is divided into 6 blocks. Each block will have 33 questions respectively. The total number of USMLE Step 3 questions for the second day will be maximum of 200.

Computer based case stimulations are also included in USMLE Step 3 exam.

USMLE Exam Pattern for Step 3:

USMLE Scores for Step 3:

There is no specific score provided by USMLE that is required to qualify. USMLE results for step 3 are declared in three digits. The current USMLE Step 3 passing scores for the examination are 196.

If you want your USMLE transcripts sent to licensing authorities, contact FSMB. If you have not taken or registered for step 3, you should contact NBME of ECFMG as per requirements. USMLE Step 3 results normally take three to four weeks from the date of examination.